Zeiss Victory FL 7x42 - will I regret it if I sell them? (2 Viewers)

[Staedtler]

"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.

How very true. Everywhere I turn in this house, every drawer or cupboard I open, every shelf I look on, I see something that I think - "oh look, that lovely thingamabob that I got back in such and such, ah, they don't make them like that anymore, proper quality that is, really good bit of kit". Then I put it back on the shelf.

Yes, move on god's sake.

 

[Harry Stottle]

Well if you are not using them, just sell them. I have a lot equipment for other interests that I do not use. I would like to sell them but finding a buyer who will give me a good price is difficult.

At least on here you have a fair chance of getting what they are worth. Do not sell to a dealer though - they will give you perhaps 30% to 40% of their value.

 

[Maljunulo]

Of course you'll regret it.

I regret everything I've ever sold, save one.

The alternative is to live in a warehouse, filled with things you "use" only to pick up, admire, and put back in place.

 

[Pinewood]

....

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.

.

Sorry to be so wordy.

Hello,

2. No.

3. Maybe not. 7x is not a very popular line with manufacturers. Zeiss has certainly abandoned it. Nikon has already dropped the EDG 7x42 but Leica still has a top of the line 7x42, judging by the stock of an American dealer.

Incidentally, I am still hanging on to my Zeiss 7x42 ClassiC.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur

 

[mwhogue]

@Staedtler,

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.

Hello,

2. No.

3. Maybe not. 7x is not a very popular line with manufacturers. Zeiss has certainly abandoned it. Nikon has already dropped the EDG 7x42 but Leica still has a top of the line 7x42, judging by the stock of an American dealer.

Incidentally, I am still hanging on to Zeiss 7x42 ClassiC.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur

I agree with Pinewood on question number 2 - "No", or at least not without a lot of patient shopping and luck.

Regarding question 3, not to put too fine a point on it, but in my opinion definitely "No". Not often mention when comparing the FL, UV and EDG 7x42 is the combination of the FLs wider FOV and close focus makes it somewhat more versatile than the other two. Based on the increased FOV alone, I would not describe either the UV or the EDG as "very similar" to the FL.

That said, if you have not used them much, and do use your other excellent bins, it probably makes good sense to sell the FL.

Mike

 

[Staedtler]

Well if you are not using them, just sell them. I have a lot equipment for other interests that I do not use. I would like to sell them but finding a buyer who will give me a good price is difficult.

At least on here you have a fair chance of getting what they are worth. Do not sell to a dealer though - they will give you perhaps 30% to 40% of their value.

Is it allowed to sell things here? If I sell them I would probably do it via Ffordes, on commission (I'm in no especial rush for the money). I've had good dealings with them, in fact that's where I bought them in the first place. I sell lots of things on eBay, but get nervous selling high price things to complete strangers.

 

[CharleyBird]

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

This, unless you've got the Lotutec coated later version. The earlier uncoated version of course are the best (7x AK) binoculars ever made
😉

 

[Maljunulo]

I've given it some thought.

I hereby cast one (1) vote in favor of "Yes".

You will regret it. One does not sell virtually irreplaceable things, one allows one's heirs and executors to deal with it.

Sitting on a pile of money shouldn't be ones end goal in life. (just my opinion)

 

[Scott98]

If it's 7x you like, don't sell them! Zeiss isn't making them anymore

 

[yarrellii]

I think I'm in a relatively good position to give you an informed answer because I have sold a 7x42 FL not once, not twice... but three times (yes, you read that right). And every single one of those times I've been in a position pretty much like yours, asking myself many of the questions you are asking yourself.

1. I bought my first 7x42 FL and I was blown away by its view. I thought it was probably the best binocular I'd ever had, possibly giving me my favourite binocular experience... but I ended up not using it that much, because I mostly used 8x32 at that time. In fact, I see little use in 42 mm binoculars for the kind of birding I do and the kind of person I am (YMMV, but I tend to focus on the portability of 32 mm or less, or else the sheer aperture of 50 mm or more).

2. But then I missed the 7x42 FL sorely, its memory kept lingering. In fact, just like you asked, I had investigated alternatives and I ended up with a lovely Leica Ultravid 7x42 HD, which is an amazing binocular in its own right. But I missed my FL, so when the chance came I bought it (mind you, I'm not rich and, just like you, I don't like unused expensive stuff lying around). So I found myself y 7x42 paradise with the Ultravid and the FL. I compared them and while I found the Ultravid to probably be a more "all-round balanced" model (there are several things about the FL which I don't find ideal)... I kept the FL for its intoxicating view. But, again, I didn't use it a lot... so after the same questions I sold it for a second time.

3. And the itch started again... and I found it for a 3rd time, and bought it. And the poor thing ended up getting dust in a cupboard, because I'm an 8x32 person. So that time I made some serious exercise about, ahem, "mindful ownership", and came to the conclusion that given my background with the 7x42 FL (mind you I've had a total of 7 different FL in 32, 42 and 56 mm, let's say I like the model) it was simply not meant for me, despite having given me my favourite all time binocular view of the +100 models I've owned.

Do I miss it? Well, yes, obviously, it is a great binocular. I'd be stupid if I didn't. But then, I'm simply aware that, even if I had it, I wouldn't have a lot of use for it, especially since my most used binoculars for the past 3 years have been a 12x36 IS Canon that for me are the ideal complement for a 8x32.

So I'm in peace with the 7x42 FL. I somehow feel the same way when you are with someone you love or have an amazing attraction, but the thing simply doesn't work in spite of the chemistry and the butterflies. Did you love that person? Yes. Do you miss it? I guess so, from time to time. But I'm in peace with that decision.

I personally try not to have duplicated formats, say only one 12x IS, only one nice 8x32 (as an example, I've recently sold my beloved 8x32 Swarovski ELSV in order to keep only the obviously worse Opticron Traveller, which I ended up using more, simply because 8x32 has become a "trekking" format for me, where weight an size are crucial, and the Opticron delivers in that area like few others). If I was very wealthy there are no doubt several objects I'd like to posses, and the 7x42 FL would be one of them, just like the 8x30 Habicht or the Mazda MX5. But since I am not, I'm happy with what I have and the use I give to this objects. We have a very small compact Ford MPV... but every Summer we put around 10.000 km of trips around Europe with it. Would I love a Mercedes Benz Marco Polo or a VW California? Hell, yes!! Can I justify ownership? Not at the moment. And so I'm happy

I hope this helps.

 

[Maljunulo]

I guess I'm having trouble understanding why someone would be so smitten with something, and never use it.

If it is so great, why is it gathering dust, while others see use?

What am I missing here?

 

[yarrellii]

@Maljunulo Simply because you find other models more convenient. In my case, weight and size are paramount. So 90 % of the days I prefer carrying a 450 g 8x32 than a 750 g 7x42. I can carry the 8x32 on my belt case while walking, or with a strap on my neck for hours without any strain (YMMV obviously). Take it as having a Ferrari Testarossa V12 or a Ford Mondeo. Yes, the Testarossa is faster, more exciting and gives you the thrills, but 90 % of the days you need a Mondeo for other reasons, for example because you are going to the supermarket or you need to take your 3 kids with you. So there is a chance your Ferrari will stay parked getting dust in your garage while your utilitarian Mondeo will see a lot of use. I see it as a similar thing. You like driving the Ferrar better, you prefer the Ferrari, but sometimes the Mondeo "serves" you better for other reasons, let's say "convenience". In fact, you have discovered how nice a compact 8x32 or 8x30 can be, while probably some years ago you preferred a 10x42, isn't it? So you probably appreciate more some of the virtues of compact binoculars or lower power, while others can appreciate other things. Just a guess, I hope it helps

 

[tenex]

I don't know why people come here to ask others what they should do. Some lust after FL 7x42, you don't use yours. The only question we can answer is whether you can easily buy something very similar again, and the answer is emphatically no. No other modern 7x bin has as generous a FOV. That doesn't matter to you now, as you keep reaching for the Habicht instead. If you do get interested in birding, will this change?

 

[Staedtler]

I've given it some thought.

I hereby cast one (1) vote in favor of "Yes".

You will regret it. One does not sell virtually irreplaceable things, one allows one's heirs and executors to deal with it.

Sitting on a pile of money shouldn't be ones end goal in life. (just my opinion)

Oh, I'm not going to "sit on a pile of money."

I'm going to spend most of it on booze, fast cars and women. The rest I'll just waste. (courtesy of George Best).

 

[Staedtler]

I don't know why people come here to ask others what they should do. Some lust after FL 7x42, you don't use yours. The only question we can answer is whether you can easily buy something very similar again, and the answer is emphatically no. No other modern 7x bin has as generous a FOV. That doesn't matter to you now, as you keep reaching for the Habicht instead. If you do get interested in birding, will this change?

Thanks for your observations.

I wonder if the idea of experience, perspective and knowledge might have a bearing upon the issue of whether the phrase "very similar" means the same thing to me as it does to you?

After all, assuming you're not a guitarist, you might think that a maple neck stratocaster and a rosewood neck stratocaster are "very similar". You might even think that a Gibson Les Paul and a Fender Telecaster are "very similar". But not to me. That is why I posited the idea of "perspective" earlier on.

By the same token I might think that, for instance an Opticron 7x42 is "very similar" to the Zeiss 7x42. From my perspective. Does that make sense?

Anyhoo, I think I have enough information to make a decision now. Thanks to all for you help. I'll wait for the admins to say if I'm allowed to advertise them for sale on this forum.

 

[MiddleRiver]

Is it allowed to sell things here? If I sell them I would probably do it via Ffordes, on commission (I'm in no especial rush for the money). I've had good dealings with them, in fact that's where I bought them in the first place. I sell lots of things on eBay, but get nervous selling high price things to complete strangers.

Auction site is probably the safest place to sell 'high priced items'. I've bought/sold things worth much more than bins.

Yes you can sell here. I think in general the optics market has been depressed or at least in the alpha range... ymmv.

 

[Patudo]

FLOG 'EM.

You're by your own admission neither a birder nor an optics geek, and if you don't fall into one of those two categories (arguably the latter more so than the former, as a birder can be perfectly effective with a pretty wide variety of kit), the subtleties of the 7x42 FL will be lost on you. Which, incidentally, is perfectly OK - there are any number of things whose subtleties absolutely escape me, like the guitars you mentioned in your last post. They have no sentimental value. You have other binoculars, including at least one it seems you like better than the FL. So flog 'em, and use whatever you get for them for something or some purpose that just means more to you.

 

[Staedtler]

FLOG 'EM.

You're by your own admission neither a birder nor an optics geek, and if you don't fall into one of those two categories (arguably the latter more so than the former, as a birder can be perfectly effective with a pretty wide variety of kit), the subtleties of the 7x42 FL will be lost on you. Which, incidentally, is perfectly OK - there are any number of things whose subtleties absolutely escape me, like the guitars you mentioned in your last post. They have no sentimental value. You have other binoculars, including at least one it seems you like better than the FL. So flog 'em, and use whatever you get for them for something or some purpose that just means more to you.

Thank you so much.

 

[Harry Stottle]

Two dealers I spoke to recently told me that trade is not good and they were reluctant to hold stock especially used items - everybody is short of money. Neither wanted to buy a pair of binoculars in mint condition (not 7X42FL's) even though I offered a them good deal. It is not a good time to sell.
However, 7X42FL's are in demand and hard to find, so they should do well.

 

[Staedtler]

Two dealers I spoke to recently told me that trade is not good and they were reluctant to hold stock especially used items - everybody is short of money. Neither wanted to buy a pair of binoculars in mint condition (not 7X42FL's) even though I offered a them good deal. It is not a good time to sell.
However, 7X42FL's are in demand and hard to find, so they should do well.

Thanks for that information. I'm in no rush to sell, any time before next June, or even later, would be fine. So if I send them to Ffordes for a commission sale and just let them sit there till they sell, that would be fine. Or alternatively list them on eBay (or whatever) as a Buy It Now at whatever price I want, and just keep re-listing then that's fine too.

Are there any online person to person marketplaces that specialise in optics?