ZEISS VICTORY SF 10X42 BINOCULARS ZIP THE CASE

The 32-mm Victory SFs come in both 8x and 10x models, but we only received the 8xVersion for review, so this assessment is mostly confined to that specific model. The Zeiss 42-mm Victory SF binoculars have already been on the market forAbout 6 years, so in a sense, this binocular felt overdue. This is particularlyTrue if you will be travelling and are concerned about packing them. People always wonder, why should I select a 32-mmBinocular? For starters, size and weight are two reasons you might prefer a superior quality smaller binocular like this. Zeiss recently released the newest family member of their Victory SF premium binocular line.

Smaller objective binoculars donвЂ™t have the same light-gathering capacity of 42-mm binoculars. Just like the 42-mm SFs, these little 32s deliver a crackling sharpImage. The 32-mm Victory SF binoculars are made withSchott AG Ultra FL glass, a superior, high-fluoride content optical glass.

Second, the matte black rubber armoring imparts a wonderfully secure grip - itвЂ™sAlmost as though the binocular is clinging to your hand! Just like the larger SF model, the balance on the 32-mm SFs is simply perfect, making them feelLighter than they actually are. That means you can easilyHold them quite steadily with only minimal support from the second hand. First, these binoculars have magnesium alloy chassis that make them incredibly light at just 21.6 ounces (612 grams). Realistically, you can only get the fingersOf one hand completely into that intra-hinge space fingers from the other hand wonвЂ™t fit unless you have really small hands! This doesnвЂ™t matter for twoReasons.

The interpupillary distance range is 54-76 mm. In field trials, they were very comfortable to wear all day long. So, the 32-mm SFs areTruly a compact binocular. With the hinges fully open, these binoculars are 4.75 inches (12.2 cm) wide.

This characteristic can vary somewhat with the user, and we found at least one person who tested out at just 5.5Feet for minimum close focus. Zeiss lists the minimum close focus distance at 6 feet(about 2 meters) for the 8x 32 Victory SF binocular. The focus knob rubber isSoft and pliable, and the knob is covered in broad ridges that impart a secure grip even when wet. This allows for precision focusing of the binocular without taking too long to get there. Testing indicated that going from minimum close focus to infinity takes about 1.6 turnsOf the focus knob, which is pretty much perfect.

We experienced no collapse of the eyecups during extensive field testing. There are two completely stable detents between fully-in and fully-out, so most users should be ableTo find a comfortable position. TheHelically adjustable eyecups extend with a counterclockwise twist. Field testing indicated that these eyecups worked better than those on the 42-mm Victory SFs. The eyecups have much the same shape and feel as on the42-mm SFs, but this is one thing that Zeiss has improved in the 32s.

If you invert the binocularAnd shake it hard, the rainguard wonвЂ™t fall off. The cups are deep and fit firmly over the eyecups. Locking diopter systems abound in the binocularMarket, but this one is delightfully easy to use.The rainguard on the Victory SFs consists of two soft rubber cups linked by a flexible bridge. Pull the knob towards yourself to unlock it, adjust it and pop it back down to lock it in the desired position. The 32-mm Victory SFs have a locking diopter mechanism on the ocular side of the upper mostBridge.

Zeiss Victory Sf 10X42 Binoculars Zip The Case

The gargantuan field of view, really low weight, andErgonomic optimization of these binoculars make them an absolute joy to use. The image quality is everything one could wish for. Granted, the case may be the least important part of any binocular kit, but honestly, Zeiss could have done better here.In summary, we loved these new little 32-mm Zeiss Victory SF binoculars. But it wonвЂ™t fit anything else! That means you canвЂ™t zip the case shut if you have a larger strap (like a harness!), or you must fold the eyecups down or detach the strapFrom the binocular every time you put it away. The case is large enough to accommodate the binocular with lens caps on, even with the eyecups completelyExtended. The case is well-padded, made of water-shedding, CorduraВ®-like material, and it zips shut across the top.There is a pocket inside the closing flap for storing a cleaning cloth.

If you are in the market for a high-quality smaller binocular, you simply must consider the 32-mm Victory SFs.