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Change to Zeiss SFL 10x40 or stick with my Leicas (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter mungot
- Start date
Am I just getting old, or is our forum talk getting more belligerent?
You don't have to spend a lot of money or carry a lot of weight to beat the SFL. These will beat the SFL optically, and they are lighter and more compact. You don't need a 40mm unless you do a lot of low light birding, and eye placement is just as easy with the EL 8x32 as the SFL 8x40 because they have a huge eye box.
They have better build quality also because they are an alpha. The eye cups are metal instead of plastic like the SFL, so they will last. The EL has sharper edges than the SFL and less CA, especially on the edges where the SFL is weak. No 'Blue Ring of Death' either in the EL's.
Swarovski EL 8x32 Field Pro Binoculars | eBay
8X32 binoculars. These Swarovski EL Field Pro binoculars have a 2017 production date serial number. The objective cap on left tube is new, on right is original. Field pro corded neck strap. These are really nice glasses and function and look just like they did when I bought them.
www.ebay.com
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Ignatius
Texpat
Definitely seems to become more bellicose. A sign of the times maybe, where there is a war on nearly eveything from drugs to cars to terror to want.
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Just like anything on Bird Forum, if you don't like what somebody is saying or how they say it, don't read it or put them on ignore.
I was using his choice of words and being ironic.
Anyway I think it's silly.
If I'm happy with bino's that aren't "the best of the best" then let me!
Using binoculars should be about having FUN! Not a pissing contest.
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Yes, and if we are birding, or looking at butterflies, wildlife in general, the chances are we will never notice a blue ring around the outermost edge, or whatever flaw is being highlighted as a "deal breaker".
We'll notice weight, close focus distance, fov, and you probably won't really care too much with any of 30+ different models with differing magnification, objective size, manufacturer, price.
As for having multiple pairs of binoculars for different wildlife scenarios! You're joking aren't you.
I think the tail is wagging the dog for some on here.
I am not saying you will notice the 'Blue Ring of Death' in the SFL. I am saying you might because I definitely did, and other birders have noticed it also and once you see it, it bothers you so like CA so don't look for it. Furthermore, I noticed the edges were soft in my SFL 8x40, and when I looked at them closely, I said my god they are blue!
Could you point us/me to the discussion about this so called blue ring. I can't find it anywhere .....
Some of the he-man brigade will sneer at this ("geriatric", etc), but a binocular that is too heavy and bulky can take a lot of the enjoyment out of birding. The Trinovid 10x42 BN is (I think) close to 900 grams and although some folks are fine with that, I know it's too heavy for others. If you just can't get along with the weight/bulk you should definitely try something smaller/lighter. The SFLs are worth a try, based on what I've seen of them, and there are a fair number of other smaller or at least lighter binoculars - Ultravid HD+s and Trinovid Classics if you want to stay with Leica, Zeiss FLs, I think Swarovski x42 SLCs are also lighter (though maybe not by a really significant margin) and so on.
Paultricounty
Well-known member
Many of the SF’s in 32 have the blue ring and it's evident depending on lighting and facial structure. I’ve used the term blue ring of death myself on occasion in the forums when being sarcastic comparing with other binoculars. It’s there for many people , it’s more with the SF than the SFL’s , but by no means is it a deal breaker, imo.
Do a search for Zeiss SF, you’ll find some discussions about the blue ring. I believe I posted a review of the SF, EL and Ultravid HD+ and the blue was discussed.
Paultricounty
Well-known member
Or they could leave the forum for a few months 🤪. Welcome back Dennis.
I found my 8x32 EL wasn’t enough smaller or enough lighter than my 42mm binocular to be a keeper. The 16 oz. 8x30 SFL works substantially better for me in that respect. I like its focuser better too as well as its conventional neck strap lug that doesn’t rotate, and no rolling ball effect.You don't have to spend a lot of money or carry a lot of weight to beat the SFL. These will beat the SFL optically, and they are lighter and more compact. You don't need a 40mm unless you do a lot of low light birding, and eye placement is just as easy with the EL 8x32 as the SFL 8x40 because they have a huge eye box.
They have better build quality also because they are an alpha. The eye cups are metal instead of plastic like the SFL, so they will last. The EL has sharper edges than the SFL and less CA, especially on the edges where the SFL is weak. No 'Blue Ring of Death' either in the EL's.
Swarovski EL 8x32 Field Pro Binoculars | eBay
8X32 binoculars. These Swarovski EL Field Pro binoculars have a 2017 production date serial number. The objective cap on left tube is new, on right is original. Field pro corded neck strap. These are really nice glasses and function and look just like they did when I bought them.www.ebay.com
Shouldn‘t we also start looking for rings in other colors? My preference would be gold …
Oh yes I remember there being some discission on blue rings with respect to the SF but not the SFL. Our recently returned member seems to be grabbing on to that as a reason to dubiously slag off the SFL, and I was just curious where it was coming from. As a wise man once said extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and so far it does not seem a real issue with the SFL. I've certainly not seen it with my 8x40 and 10x40 SFL's
Lord of the Rings? One ring to rule them all, my precious??😃😃Shouldn‘t we also start looking for rings in other colors? My preference would be gold …
Ignatius
Texpat
Oooh, now that could kick off another never ending discussion because some would want pink rings, others green with polka dots, ...Shouldn‘t we also start looking for rings in other colors? My preference would be gold …
We could even debate whether using binos with a ring colour not commensurate with our preference produces (ocular) ring sting.
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Hillclocks
Active member
This is an interesting thread. I would keep those BN's. I use a pair of 7x42 and 8x32 Trinovid BNs. If you could find a good pair of Zeiss 10x32 Victory SF you my have two great binoculars many people would enjoy using. On the 10x32 SF binos set the eyecups out to the point where you still see a full circle to avoid blackouts. this goes for most wide view binos.
I have some good advice, if you are a birder... You only need 1 pair of binoculars. Full stop. Whatever is light enough, enough magnification, reasonable quality.
You don't need 2 pairs.
