Zeiss Victory 7x42 FL with LT or the Victory 8x42 HT? (1 Viewer)

[Szmako81]

Dear BF members,

I got the opportunity to put my hands on either the Zeiss Victory 7x42 FL or the Victory 8x42 HT! Which one would You go for (both is not an option)?
I own the Swarovski SLC 8x42 HD and the Swarovski SLC 7x42 B Neu binos.

Your thoughts are appreciated!
Szabolcs

 

[Szmako81]

P.S.: I cannot give them a try before purchase!

 

[tenex]

Neither, unless you find FOV so limited on your 7x42 that you want a bit more. You have two excellent bins already. I can imagine being curious about the Zeisses, but having to buy to try is awkward.

 

[ReinierB]

I think I would keep the SLC 8x42 and swap the SLC 7x42 Neu for the 7x42 FL.
I like lightweight and both the HT 42 and the SLC 42 Neu are quite heavy.

 

[Szmako81]

I think I would keep the SLC 8x42 and swap the SLC 7x42 Neu for the 7x42 FL.
I like lightweight and both the HT 42 and the SLC 42 Neu are quite heavy.

Weight is not a problem. It gives me stability, and wearing a bino harness all the time.

 

[Szmako81]

Neither, unless you find FOV so limited on your 7x42 that you want a bit more. You have two excellent bins already. I can imagine being curious about the Zeisses, but having to buy to try is awkward.

It seems that I'll have the opportunity to try the 8x42 HT ín person. Will bring my SLC 8x42 HD and compare the bins side by side.

 

[Torview]

Never pass up an opportunity to own a Zeiss Victory 7x42fl whatever else you have.

They don`t come available often these days.

 

[mwhogue]

Never pass up an opportunity to own a Zeiss Victory 7x42fl whatever else you have.

They don`t come available often these days.

+1

Mike

 

[Ignatius]

Never pass up an opportunity to own a Zeiss Victory 7x42fl whatever else you have.

They don`t come available often these days.

+ 1

 

[Szmako81]

Never pass up an opportunity to own a Zeiss Victory 7x42fl whatever else you have.

They don`t come available often these days.

These things are of great concern:
"Edge performance. Some FL users have commented on the steep fall off at the edges, which might or might not be an issue for you. If the SLC-HD is similar to the SLC I tried, it has a generous sweet spot and gradual fall off at the edges. If you try them both again, move your target off center to evaluate this difference.

Distortion Levels. FL reviews report a relatively high level of distortion (pincushion). Some people won't notice this, others will experience a "scrolling" effect while panning. If you compare the two bins again, do a lot of panning with them and see if the higher distortion in the FL is noticeable to you."

 

[Scott98]

I would choose the 8x42 HT over the FL's...mostly because I prefer the newer design Zeiss bodies & focusers over the FL

 

[Thotmosis]

+1

Mike

+2 😜

 

[Szmako81]

I would choose the 8x42 HT over the FL's...mostly because I prefer the newer design Zeiss bodies & focusers over the FL

The HT costs 240 euros more...

 

[Torview]

It seems you have these concerns covered with your other binoculars, If you want the Zeiss to have the same characteristics there would be little point in the purchase, the 7x42 Fl is a beautiful piece and a great addition to any Birders arsenal.

 

[NDhunter]

I would just stay where you are at.
Jerry

 

[Ignatius]

These things are of great concern:
"Edge performance. Some FL users have commented on the steep fall off at the edges, which might or might not be an issue for you. If the SLC-HD is similar to the SLC I tried, it has a generous sweet spot and gradual fall off at the edges. If you try them both again, move your target off center to evaluate this difference.

Distortion Levels. FL reviews report a relatively high level of distortion (pincushion). Some people won't notice this, others will experience a "scrolling" effect while panning. If you compare the two bins again, do a lot of panning with them and see if the higher distortion in the FL is noticeable to you."

There is always someone whining about something, and that makes your quest never ending. The only way forward is to either take a jump on either side of the fence, or look through binoculars yourself to let your eyes tell you what's what.

The HT costs 240 euros more...

Oh dear. If you have several Swaros already and are considering yet another two so-called alphas, why are you complaining about 240 smackers? Premium binos cost premium prices as you apparently well know. Or are you just bored and looking for friends to chew the cud with?

 

[Essex Tern]

I got one of the last 7x42FL’s brand new and have never seen any reason to look for a replacement binocular since - I am sensitive to certain optical effects but find them very natural - we all see things differently however.

 

[tenex]

A couple of years ago, I succumbed to the high regard here for the Nikon E II and got an 8x30. It is really lovely, and occasionally useful when I need that FOV (actually a bit more than 7x42 FL!), but I didn't expect it to convert me to 8x, and it hasn't. It was a very safe bet due to the absence of any concerns of edge distortions etc. I remain curious to see/try this FL one day, but those did bother me on another FL 42 I tried years ago, and it's very unlikely to happen. I suppose you could buy it in confidence of being able to resell quickly, especially on this forum, seemingly the global HQ of the 7x cult.

 

[Thotmosis]

A couple of years ago, I succumbed to the high regard here for the Nikon E II and got an 8x30. It is really lovely, and occasionally useful when I need that FOV (actually a bit more than 7x42 FL!), but I didn't expect it to convert me to 8x, and it hasn't. It was a very safe bet due to the absence of any concerns of edge distortions etc. I remain curious to see/try this FL one day, but those did bother me on another FL 42 I tried years ago, and it's very unlikely to happen. I suppose you could buy it in confidence of being able to resell quickly, especially on this forum, seemingly the global HQ of the 7x cult.

I like that: the global HQ of the 7x cult. Proud member here! But i want to emphasize that a good marriage is made of a 7x and a 12 and/or 15x 😜

 

[Essex Tern]

With my 7x42FL I look through the centre of the image and don’t look around the image too much or too far, the major criticism of FL’s has always been the edge sharpness, but as I don’t focus my eyes on the edges it doesn’t concern me - the central view however is beautiful and if you let the rest of the image be the periphery then the image quality has to be up there with top modern optics, the AK prisms likely give a nice boost.