Zeiss Victory FL 7x42 - will I regret it if I sell them? (1 Viewer)

[Staedtler]

Anticipating lots of answers "Yes".

But still, here goes, help me think logically about this.

I'm 66. I "got into" binoculars a few years ago when I inherited my father's old Swift Audubons, and thought - "these are nice things". I know this is a Birdwatch forum, but I'm NOT a bird watcher. Or at least, not much. I may become one. I holiday in the Outer Hebrides.

So my use of binoculars is pretty much - "what's that over there? Is it a cow or a sheep? Oh look, some birds, what sort are they? Which hill is that? Is that a road we can drive down, or should we walk"

My other binoculars are a pair of cheap 8 by something (Vortex?), Nikon Monarchs 8x30 (I think), Swarovski Habicht 7x42, and these Zeiss 7x42.

The Zeiss are good. Very good. On holiday I gave them to my wife, who knows nothing about birds, binoculars, optics etc. She said - "these are really good, aren't they".

The Habicht are also very good, in terms of pure optics, as good as Zeiss (by which I mean brightness, chrom aberr, sharpness etc.). But suffer from the narrow FOV, a stiff focussing wheel. Though I actually like how they feel in the hand more than the Zeiss, and the cute smallness, retro look. The Habichts aren't old.

But I am at a time in my life where I need to do some rationalisation of money. I actually have thousands of pounds worth of unused stuff, optics, cameras, vintage hi-fi, musical gear.

I have, i the past, sold stuff I've regretted. But often not. So my attempt at "logic" at the moment is:

1. Can I make money from it by keeping it? The answer in this case is obviously "no".

2. Can I re-buy the exact same binoculars later if I change my mind? The answer here seems to be - "probably not". They aren't made anymore, anybody that has a pair is hanging on to them, they hardly ever appear used.

3. Can I buy something very similar in the future if I want to? I guess it's this question I need an answer to.

Mine are in mint condition, with the original box, case and so on. I am fairly sure Ffordes (for instance) would rank them "mint". I've hardly used them. If I take binos out I usually take the Habichts.

If at some point in the future I want a pair of 7x42s (because it's a good magnification) it seems there are things like Opticrons (new) or any number of other used ones for a couple of hundred quid that will fill the "is that a cow or a sheep over there" type question. And if I ever really want top quality birding bins, I'll respend the money and get Leica/Swarovski/Zeiss/Nikon that are almost the same.

I hasten to add, I'm not penniless, or about to go bankrupt. And at some point in the future if I really do want top birding bins, I could find the money to buy them. But I have an "asset" I'm not using. I think I actually got them at a discount from Ffordes as they were coming to the end of the line. I wouldn't be at all surprised if I can sell them for more than I paid.

Sorry to be so wordy.

 

[Canip]

Anticipating lots of answers "Yes".

Yes!
One doesn‘t sell an FL 7x42 in mint condition, that‘s close to a sacrilege 😉

 

[Harry Stottle]

Your wife is correct.

I would not sell mine (also in mint condition) and I also have other binoculars. I would only sell the ones I do not like.
I have not seen vortex - it sounds a bit teenage, Nikon binoculars are difficult to get spares for. The swarovski 7x42 are optically very good and lightweight but the FoV is too narrow.

If it were me, I would keep the Zeiss 7x42 for when you want a wide FoV, great DoF and brightness. Then buy a 10x42 for extra magnification, my choice would be Zeiss SF 10x42 and you would still have a wider FoV than the Swarovski. Sell the other bins and other items.

On the other hand... you would probably get £1000 for a mint pair of Zeiss 7x42.

OR
You could sell all of them and buy a pair of Zeiss SF 8x32 which are lightweight with excellent balance, small and have a similar FoV to the Zeiss 7x42 FL and are bright.

 

[MiddleRiver]

This is a bird forum but optics are a sub-specialty. So, lots of familiar names will tell you how special the FL's are and how they'd never let one go.
I too have struggles with selling of bins and I say that as an optics 'enthusiast'. I don't collect for historical etc. interest but I love pursuit of 'the best'. The problem is that at times I've had a half-doz binos (which is actually probably on low side around here!) and found that I used one or maybe two at most. I AM a birder/nature-observer, and so ultimately I need the best optics to get the job done. I recently sold my 8x32FL's - a bin I generally regarded very highly - just because I found the 8x30SFL to actually be a little bit better. More recently I've found myself wanting another FL, just because they were so enjoyable to have. I need a therapist - not more binos!
I suggest you keep the two binos that allow you and a friend/partner/youngster to observe distant views the best. Best in terms of build and image quality. The rest are superfluous...

BTW, I'm interested in buying the FL's... hahahaha!

 

[recon493]

The one similar binocular you can readily get with a "click" is the Ultravid HD+ 7x42 (though 140m fov and not super wide). So to answer your #3 above - probably yes. Which would mean you could sell the FL's and could somewhat replace them later.

I can't help but stare at my pricey possessions and it eats at me when they do not get used. I resorted to the T*P* coated 7x42 Zeiss Dialyt. This after receiving a couple of UVHD's that weren't up to spec and I sent them back. Had a Zeiss FL 7x42 been more readily available I probably would have gone that route rather than the older Dialyt; but, I am very pleased with my 1994'ish pair.

Once I get my collection back in order after warranty work, I'll have:

7x42 Habicht GA (quality porro image with great central sharpness and such an easy eye experience. The whole image is readily viewable versus moving eyeball around like one does with something such as the NL Pures). I am impressed that your "go to" has been the Habicht 7x even while owning the FL's.

7x42 Zeiss Dialyt (wide view desires) my FL substitute as it is also 150m fov.

10x40 Habicht GA for the occasional need for reach plus the added stereoscopic effect of porro as well.

Overall, I just love the depth of field that a 7x provides. Additionally, the hand steadiness and a very large exit pupil make them a very good bin for someone as they age. So easy to hand hold. The 7x42 Zeiss Dialyt is similar to a pair of comfortable sweat pants. They have soft rubber eye cups, a large field of view, and narrow tubes that are easy to grip. I imagine you will lose some visual detail compared to the FL's.

The 7x35 Retrovid by Leica offer a similar view to the UVHD+ mentioned above but are not waterproof and are more fiddly with eyecup comfort. But they could be a suitable replacement down the road for your FL's. They are discontinued but still available I think. Pound for pound, I consider them to be the best I have ever used in the 7x category. So compact yet they deliver a wonderful image.

Consumer demand can ebb and flow. Alpha Brand manufacturers have created a self fulfilling prophecy in my opinion. They will state that 7x bins dont sell. I just wonder how an ALL WEATHER, wide field Zeiss SF or NL Pure 7x35 would have done in the market. Because they dont make them, more and more people lean to the alpha 8x, bolstering the numbers of sales. Then the reviews and word of mouth ravings on those 8x certain models steer new consumers that way which then continues to justify not making the 7x's.

Nature and physics haven't changed. There was absolute logic back in the old days of having low power bins. I personally would keep your FL's to compliment your Habicht.

 

[MiddleRiver]

Agree with 'recon above. I actually DO own the 7x35 Retros, but I don't really use them - when hunting flitty little birds I want a fast focuser and 8x (which is the limit of my hand-holding abilities. But yes, they are lovely... and it has led me to looking at 7x FL's on a regular basis.

"My other binoculars are a pair of cheap 8 by something (Vortex?), Nikon Monarchs 8x30 (I think), Swarovski Habicht 7x42, and these Zeiss 7x42."

If it was me, I'd get rid of the other binos, keep the FL's, and maybe add a really good compact bin - an 8x30 SFL, or CL, or MHG etc.

 

[Harry Stottle]

OR

You could sell everything including your wife, become a recluse and just keep the 7x42 FL's.

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[Cavendish]

Apologies if I've missed it, but you don't actually say which binoculars you do use most of the time. If they're the FLs then why sell them? And if you never use the FLs then maybe sell them and buy something equally fabulous that you will use?

 

[Staedtler]

OR

You could sell everything including your wife, become a recluse and just keep the 7x42 FL's.

my precious at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.

duckduckgo.com

I tried that. Nobody was interested.

 

[Staedtler]

Apologies if I've missed it, but you don't actually say which binoculars you do use most of the time. If they're the FLs then why sell them? And if you never use the FLs then maybe sell them and buy something equally fabulous that you will use?

Well, I don't use any binoculars that much. That's kind of the point, really. But if I do, I grab the Habichts, because:

I like the softcase.

I like the way the rain guard works.

I like the slim leather strap.

I (sort of) like the fact that there are no objective caps.

They are quick and simple to use. Hence I hanker after the 8x30 version.

 

[Maljunulo]

You may be able to sell them for “more than you paid” but the money will not buy as much.

My 8X30 W Habicht has stolen my affections away from my 8X32 SF, superb though the SF is.

 

[Cavendish]

Well, I don't use any binoculars that much. That's kind of the point, really. But if I do, I grab the Habichts, because:

I like the softcase.

I like the way the rain guard works.

I like the slim leather strap.

I (sort of) like the fact that there are no objective caps.

They are quick and simple to use. Hence I hanker after the 8x30 version.

Thanks for confirming. I've never tried the Habicht 8x30 but it seems to polarise opinion. So it would probably be a brave move to sell the FL before being 100% certain the smaller Habicht was what you truly wanted!

 

[forent]

I like to keep my world simple, I'm not a collector and I hate superfluous duplicates. That's why I consistently sell or give away all the things for which I have a better alternative. I recently bought a Zeiss Victory Pocket 10x25 because I consider it to be much better than my previous Leica Trinovid 10x25 in important features. As a result, I will definitely be selling the Leica: I don't need two 10x25s, period. If I need another pair of binoculars at some point, I'll find one. I personally think it's nonsense to hoard things just for an unlikely eventuality, but your mileage may vary!

I in person would therefore think carefully about which 7x42 I prefer to use and turn the other one into money. And also the unused and redundant hi-fi stuff, etc. The nice thing is that you can buy something useful with a clear conscience. You can even buy other binoculars if you really want or need them. If.

But that's just me and my 0.02 $. 😉

 

[Weasel1]

Mmm...Zeiss Victory FL 7x42...how could anyone part with such gorgeousness.

 

[Staedtler]

Thanks for the replies folks. They are genuinely appreciated.

Short version:

The main question that I need an answer to is

"3. Can I buy something very similar in the future if I want to? I guess it's this question I need an answer to."

The answer appears to be "yes, more or less".

Long version:

I appreciate that this is a bird watching forum, populated with, no surprise, bird watchers. I'm not a bird watcher. But a combination of sentimentality, a certain holiday destination, a bit of OCD type "must have the best", and sudden influx of spare cash, means I now have in my possession what seems to be one of the most sought after binoculars of its type.

There is perhaps a difference of perspective that I need to make clear. I thought I had made it clear, but perhaps not. I find lying around my house many things of value, some of which are hardly ever, or never, used. And in an attempt to square up my finances, I am considering selling them. The binoculars, all of them really, come in to that category.

So the perspective about my lovely FL 7 x42s to regular visitors on this forum might be - "they are the best 7x42s there are". Mine is different - "there's a thousand quid there, hardly being used". As I say, I have several other things which collectively add up to a lot of money, not being used.

I've had them for about 10 years, and haven't turned into a keen birdwatcher. Though I enjoy using them on the rare occasions that I do. They hold no sentimental value for me at all (unlike dad's binoculars).

So what's the worst that can happen?

1. I sell them, and put the money to better use (mainly preparing for retirement)

2. Later I suddenly become very interested in bird-watching

3. I want/need a high quality pair of 7x42s.

4. The Zeiss Victory FL 7x42s aren't available, so I have to settle for something almost the same, but not quite. Either modest cost and OK, or expensive and as close as I can get to the (probably) unobtainable FL 7x42s.

That doesn't strike me as a particularly bad outcome, and even then, 4. is predicated on 2. actually happening.

To further clarify the difference in perspective, I haven't yet included any of my guitars in the "things I really must turn into cash". I'm a professional musician, and can (just about) justify my possession of each one - "that one's good for a proper jazz gig, that's good for studio work but too heavy for standing up gigs, that's a good cheap thing that I'm willing to risk leaving in the back of the car, that's a bit battered but is fine for teaching" and so on and so on. I daresay many people here can make the same "justification" about binoculars - "that's good for very great distance, this is good for low light, this one is light so good for long walks, this is a bit cheap but OK for the boat in case I drop it overboard", or whatever.

Anyway, your thoughts are appreciated. Hopefully I've made it clear where I'm coming from.

 

[Harry Stottle]

It sounds like you have made up your mind, you just felt guilty and needed someone to tell you that Swarovski 7x42 are OK too.

@Staedtler wrote: So what's the worst that can happen?

Don't forget Judgement day is coming!

 

[GrampaTom]

"Hi. My name is Tom, I'm a recovering gear-head."

Sell em all. Cash is king. It becomes whatever you actually need, whenever you need it... Do I have regrets, do I miss a few of the things I lusted for, then sold, when the shine wore off, the activity got old? Only a few. New and improved is usually out there. Utility rules, not the closet.

 

[Ignatius]

... But I have an "asset" I'm not using. ...

Sell them.
Where else but from someone like you would I have got the best binos ever from? In NOS condition with all the boxes and tags and whatnot.
So sell them to someone who will appreciate and use and love them.
Will you regret it one day? Who cares. Certainly not the lucky bugger to buy them from you.

 

[Staedtler]

It sounds like you have made up your mind, you just felt guilty and needed someone to tell you that Swarovski 7x42 are OK too.

@Staedtler wrote: So what's the worst that can happen?

Don't forget Judgement day is coming!

Sort of. Not quite made up my mind finally, but in the process of making up my mind. I may well sell the Swarovskis too.

Yes, judgement day is indeed coming. "In the long run, we're all dead", somebody said, once.

 

[Staedtler]

Sell them.
Where else but from someone like you would I have got the best binos ever from? In NOS condition with all the boxes and tags and whatnot.
So sell them to someone who will appreciate and use and love them.
Will you regret it one day? Who cares. Certainly not the lucky bugger to buy them from you.

Exactly. I'm not using them, somebody else will appreciate them, and as long as they cross my palm with enough silver they can have them. Win-win.