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Where premium quality meets exceptional value. ZEISS Conquest HDX.

Zeiss victory T FL 8x32 and Nikon Monarch thoughts? (1 Viewer)

F

florken

Member
I have the opportunity to buy a mint (absolutely no signs of use) conditioned Zeiss T FL 8x32 binocular, complete with all accessories:
- Strap
- Case
- Warrantee card
Based upon reviews this should be a good binocular, unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity to test it (seller is located abroad but has very positive reviews), I have visited 2 shops for binoculars but none of them had the 8x32 model on stock for testing. Basically I would be purchasing it blind … based upon reviews.
I currently own a Nikon Monarch 7 10x30 which I like a lot (light, bright, nice handling) but I am looking for a 8x30 or 8x32 model for general purpose use and a wider FOV. I also have an old (about 30 years) Trinovid 8x42 which has a nice image but has no adjustable eye cups and the age is realy showing.
Does anybody have experience with the Victory 8x32 model and how it handles – I am especially interested in:
- Ease of view – black outs
- Ease of view – need for constant focus adjustment or not
- Contrast
- Handling
- Experience with Zeiss service?
I thought that the ZEISS warrantee is transferrable, anybody with experience in this matter?
The seller is asking 625 € - fixed, is this a fair price?

Thx
 
florken said:
I have the opportunity to buy a mint (absolutely no signs of use) conditioned Zeiss T FL 8x32 binocular, complete with all accessories:
- Strap
- Case
- Warrantee card
Based upon reviews this should be a good binocular, unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity to test it (seller is located abroad but has very positive reviews), I have visited 2 shops for binoculars but none of them had the 8x32 model on stock for testing. Basically I would be purchasing it blind … based upon reviews.
I currently own a Nikon Monarch 7 10x30 which I like a lot (light, bright, nice handling) but I am looking for a 8x30 or 8x32 model for general purpose use and a wider FOV. I also have an old (about 30 years) Trinovid 8x42 which has a nice image but has no adjustable eye cups and the age is realy showing.
Does anybody have experience with the Victory 8x32 model and how it handles – I am especially interested in:
- Ease of view – black outs
- Ease of view – need for constant focus adjustment or not
- Contrast
- Handling
- Experience with Zeiss service?
I thought that the ZEISS warrantee is transferrable, anybody with experience in this matter?
The seller is asking 625 € - fixed, is this a fair price?

Thx
Click to expand...

It's a very fair price if in good condition (no lens scratches etc). It's less than 50% if bought new.
 
I'm just back in after being out with my M7 10x30 and I like this bin also but I have to say I seem to prefer my Kowa SV 8x32 for I think better general usage and wider fov and more usable dof although the M7 has a bigger AFOV.

I did own the Zeiss 8x32 FL and it's great and I was silly to sell it but one thing did bug me about it and that was the sort of coldish kind of unnatural colouring to the view but I could have lived with it as otherwise fantastic but I did seem to to remember I sometimes found getting my eye in with it a little awkward. Still one of my favourite bins but I really do like this Kowa SV 8x32 and it's much cheaper and very well built so I have never needed to consider any warranty with it.

If you are getting the Zeiss for a good price ( offer Euro 500 or 550) then I think you should try it. It does have better clarity as I recall than my Kowa but not much in it and the Kowa is for me excellent or at least the one I have, such clean edges to things and immersive view, about Euro 200 or so new with warranty. I might need new rubber on the eyecups after a while but that's pretty normal. Would I want to sell my Kowa and get another FL. No. I think I'd rather buy another upgraded Kowa SV in future.
 
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I'd be all over a deal like that (an excellent deal compared to new pricing) if I didn't already have my 8x32 FLs! While they might not suit everybody's preferences, they sure suit mine - for convenient and easy to pack size, for the view, and for the ergonomics, which suit me "just right". Answering your specific questions:

I have no problem with blackouts with or without glasses. I'm nearsighted, though, and what suits me might not suit you. For me they have an easy and comfortable view: finding the "just right" eye position comes naturally for me and I find the viewing quite relaxed.

The need to focus and re-focus? I'm not really sure anyone else can comment - the DOF is set by the magnification, while your focus accomodation is individual to you. In any event, they'd likely be no different from any other 8x binocular in that regard except, perhaps, for the details of the focusing wheel itself (the FLs have a very nice focuser).

I find the ergonomics work for me - the rubber is "grippy" without being "sticky", they fit my (average sized male) hands just fine and the large focus wheel falls in just the right spot for me, and focuses smoothly, with no stick or dead spots at all, and reasonably fast (to my taste they could be just a tad faster, but that's being picky).

The view itself is quite wide (both real and apparent field of view) with a good sized sweet spot, quite sharp on centre (but not sharp to the edges as with a flat-field design, which some like but I'm not so keen on). CA is exceptionally well controlled and glare control is quite good, as is contrast. While some report a colour cast, I don't really see it (but don't trust me on that: my perception tends to compensate, which means any cast has to be fairly strong for me to notice). My pair is of quite recent manufacture (late 2015) which means they may have different coatings - I'm not sure what if any difference that might make.

I ended up with mine because I couldn't find anything that really matched what I wanted in an 8x30ish bin except the FLs - those with a view I liked were too big for what I was after, while anything small enough for me had a view that failed in some way (often enough through things which are probably personal quirks). While I did have some pretty specific criteria in mind, which the FLs meet, I'd say they're a pretty fine binocular anyway - whether you share my particular requirements or not.

...Mike
 
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I have the Zeiss FL 8x32 and had the old Monarch 10x60
(maybe apples and oranges)
The Monarch was a good binocular, the Zeiss is better.

At one time the Zeiss was considered the best 8x32 available-by many
I have considered upgrading the 8x32 FL but it is just too good to lose

I do not think that they will disappoint you.


edj
 
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edwincjones said:
I have the Zeiss FL 8x32 and had the old Monarch 10x60
(maybe apples and oranges)
The Monarch was a good binocular, the Zeiss is better.

At one time the Zeiss was considered the best 8x32 available-by many
I have considered upgrading the 8x32 FL but it is just too good to lose

I do not think that they will disappoint you.


edj
Click to expand...

Agreed. I've had mine since 2007 (just after they brought in the Lotutec coatings) and despite getting a bit long in the tooth it is still up there with best in class, in my opinion.

Alan
 
florken said:
I have the opportunity to buy a mint (absolutely no signs of use) conditioned Zeiss T FL 8x32 binocular, complete with all accessories:
- Strap
- Case
- Warrantee card
Based upon reviews this should be a good binocular, unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity to test it (seller is located abroad but has very positive reviews), I have visited 2 shops for binoculars but none of them had the 8x32 model on stock for testing. Basically I would be purchasing it blind … based upon reviews.
I currently own a Nikon Monarch 7 10x30 which I like a lot (light, bright, nice handling) but I am looking for a 8x30 or 8x32 model for general purpose use and a wider FOV. I also have an old (about 30 years) Trinovid 8x42 which has a nice image but has no adjustable eye cups and the age is realy showing.
Does anybody have experience with the Victory 8x32 model and how it handles – I am especially interested in:
- Ease of view – black outs
- Ease of view – need for constant focus adjustment or not
- Contrast
- Handling
- Experience with Zeiss service?
I thought that the ZEISS warrantee is transferrable, anybody with experience in this matter?
The seller is asking 625 € - fixed, is this a fair price?

Thx
Click to expand...
The Zeiss 8x32 FL is an excellent compact 8x32 binocular. It is one of the best binoculars for CA control there is. The only binocular I like better is the Swarovski 8x32 SV's because I prefer the ergonomics and I like the flat field and sharp edges of the SV. The Zeiss 8x32 FL is my second choice though in a compact 8x32. It does have better flare control and CA control than the SV though. Sometimes I wonder why Zeiss quit making the FL's.
 
Last edited:
florken said:
Does anybody have experience with the Victory 8x32 model and how it handles – I am especially interested in:
- Ease of view – black outs
- Ease of view – need for constant focus adjustment or not
- Contrast
- Handling
- Experience with Zeiss service?
I thought that the ZEISS warrantee is transferrable, anybody with experience in this matter?
The seller is asking 625 € - fixed, is this a fair price?

Thx
Click to expand...
Hello Florin,

I have never experienced blackouts with the FL 8x32. I had that problem with a Nikon SE 8x32.

I rarely touch the dioptre focussing setting. Sometimes when I pick up the binocular I pull out the dioptre setting and must check the focussing.

I find the image to be first rate, with an exceptional rendering of blues. One might take that as a colour bias.

It must have great handling because I have no problems with it.

I had good service from Zeiss USA, but I cannot comment about service in Europe. My FL took a knock which jammed an eye cup in the down position. Zeiss USA set it right, rather quickly. Find out where the binocular was originally purchased and consult with Zeiss. I suspect that if it was sold in the European Union, there would be no problem but I am only guessing.

If it is in good condition, that should be a good price.

However, it is always better to try before buying, as you might judge it differently from me.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur
 
I also owned the 8x32 fl,and my opinion is very similar to the one expressed by CliveP..amazing ergonomics,and sharp as to define the term regarding to optics..but the unnatural ,aquatic, blue hue ,was a real deal breaker..you really have to live with it,and accept that the color rendition sucks,if you wanna like the bins,but can be accepted because the definition its view offers is very addictive and the thing is a precious object as well
The price is good,and you are getting a nice value,..You would be able to get your money back andthen some,if you dont like it..but try to offer a bit less,and see what happens..
 
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I have the Monarch 7 8x30 and the 8x32FL. I'm very fond of the Nikon, but the FL is a different animal altogether, and if i was to be stuck with one set, the Zeiss would be it. I've been told about colour casts with Zeiss bins (usually referred to as favouring greens) but put these up against a set of Swaros in a heat haze and see who wins!
At that price, i would have bitten the seller's arm off.
 
The Zeiss FL 8X32 is a well above the Nikon Monarch, I have the FL and had a Monarch, it was not a patch on the FL to me. The price quoted is I think a bargain, if I sold my mint one I would be looking around 800 euros. The viewing comfort is very good, you can adjust the eye cups to the setting that suits you, They are well made and optically excellent, showing superb detail with the widest FOV I have seen in an 8x32. They are exceptionally bright, and I think this is the trade off regarding the lack of depth in the colors that others mention, and I can attest to. I think the bright image is achieved by a compromise on color depth, but it is something noticeable to a degree in a number of very modern bins, and it may also be that the colour seemed to pop more with old lead glass.. That is only only negative I have found, and nearly all binoculars have one neg, so all in all a great 8x32 at a bargain price.
 
The Zeiss 8x32 FL is one of my most-used bins because it works so well for combination butterflying+birding (due to fast but precise focus and excellent close focus) and because it is an excellent size for travel. I've used mine _a lot_ over the past decade and can testify that they are very durable. Mine look and operate as good as new. Nevertheless, despite having spent so much time with the bin, I've never really liked the 8x32 FL the way I do some others. The 8x32 FL has never felt entirely comfortable to my eyes or in my hands. What bothers me most is that to get the best view (which is very bright, high resolution and very low chromatic aberration, but with a tendency to accentuate blue haze), the oculars must be perfectly centered on one's pupils. Otherwise, the view is heavily compromised by astigmatism (and the FL always has a fair bit of astigmatism off-axis). Other bins are more forgiving of eye placement. I've tried many other samples of the 8x32 FL and the things I like and don't like seem inherent to the design. So, it's extremely capable, superb in many ways, but I can't guarantee that you'll love it.

--AP
 
Yeah, but 625 Euros? Even if you hated it, you could put 150-200 Euro on it and resell, if it's in the condition as described....
 
Alexis Powell said:
The Zeiss 8x32 FL is one of my most-used bins because it works so well for combination butterflying+birding (due to fast but precise focus and excellent close focus) and because it is an excellent size for travel. I've used mine _a lot_ over the past decade and can testify that they are very durable. Mine look and operate as good as new. Nevertheless, despite having spent so much time with the bin, I've never really liked the 8x32 FL the way I do some others. The 8x32 FL has never felt entirely comfortable to my eyes or in my hands. What bothers me most is that to get the best view (which is very bright, high resolution and very low chromatic aberration, but with a tendency to accentuate blue haze), the oculars must be perfectly centered on one's pupils. Otherwise, the view is heavily compromised by astigmatism (and the FL always has a fair bit of astigmatism off-axis). Other bins are more forgiving of eye placement. I've tried many other samples of the 8x32 FL and the things I like and don't like seem inherent to the design. So, it's extremely capable, superb in many ways, but I can't guarantee that you'll love it.

--AP
Click to expand...
That is one of the reasons I prefered the 8x32 SV over the 8x32 FL. The SV has easier eye placement.
 
Sorry to divert from the purpose of the thread, Florken, but unless these chances are taken one has to start another new thread which is not always a good idea. I have been holding back from a Victory 8x32 because of this eye placement problem. Could those of you with experience please say, what are some high optical quality 8x32 binoculars in which eye placement is not a problem, and which also have enough eye relief for those wearing glasses? Conquest? Cabelas Euro HD? (This might finally benefit Florken also!) The Swarovision has already been mentioned. Thank you!
 
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