Diopter wheel fell off from my Zeiss Victory Pocket (1 Viewer)

[Alexis Powell]

Interesting thread that doesn't really inspire much confidence in the 8x25 Victory. Not at all.

Hermann

The trouble is that the Zeiss 8x25 Victory is such a good binocular both optically and ergonomically (eye relief, fit to hand, ease of focus, and great "hang") that, in my opinion, it has no competition for providing something close to full size binocular performance in so small a package. I use mine heavily and I don't baby it in any way EXCEPT being careful with the diopter knob, because that has been a known weakness (based on user reports) since early after the model was introduced. According to Gary, the knob has been redesigned to be more robust. I hope there is a way to identify the new knob design.

Mine look and function same as when they were new despite very heavy use since 2018. No loss of hinge tension, no focus play, no diopter shift, and the case and armor are tight and in superb condition.

--AP

 

[forent]

Interesting thread that doesn't really inspire much confidence in the 8x25 Victory. Not at all.

Hermann

Yes, you could joke that the diopter knob is the ‘Swarovski armour’ of the Zeiss Victory Pocket. However, I suspect that the knob is only in danger if you put pressure on it from the edge, as easily happens when you pull the binoculars out of a pocket or similar when folded.

Of course, this should not be the case and is completely unacceptable, regardless of the price range. But because the Victory Pocket is otherwise - as Alexis Powell has already said - so incredibly well suited for me at least, I'm prepared to live with this Achilles heel. As I never fold the binoculars or store them in cases anyway, the critical burden is largely eliminated and I remain confident.

 

[garymh]

Hi Gary,

Does the new knob design look different externally from the original? I convinced a friend to buy the Zeiss 8x25 Victory recently and it would be nice to know whether he should baby it vs use it with more confidence.

--AP

The knob is exactly the same. There is an extra internal component to stop the retainng tabs moving and letting the wheel come off.

All new Zeiss stock has had this update for the last year or so.

 

[ErikR]

The knob is exactly the same. There is an extra internal component to stop the retainng tabs moving and letting the wheel come off.

All new Zeiss stock has had this update for the last year or so.

This reassuring information for me.

Zeiss sent me a new binocular with a serial no some 1000 units higher than the defective one, which shed it’s diopter wheel.

Hopefully, the new unit is fitted with the upgraded part. If not, I trust Zeiss will honor it’s generous 10 year warrenty, should the wheel fall off once more.

If nothing else, I would expect to recieve the modified design within a 10 year time frame, should the need arise.

So, my trust is renewed. Thanks for the information @garymh.

 

[Trinovid]

Interesting thread that doesn't really inspire much confidence in the 8x25 Victory.

Yeah, it takes actually carrying one in Alaska to decide that maybe they're okay after all.

 

[SanderBird82]

There are still the best compacts i.m.o. Small bin with big view.

 

[hopster]

The knob is exactly the same. There is an extra internal component to stop the retainng tabs moving and letting the wheel come off.

All new Zeiss stock has had this update for the last year or so.

Will they supply the new design directly to customers to allow us to retro-fit to the earlier version? It would be nice not to have to baby it. Having said that, apart from it moving sometimes I have not had any other problems and it's really an excellent optic - I think the best compact available.

 

[garymh]

Will they supply the new design directly to customers to allow us to retro-fit to the earlier version? It would be nice not to have to baby it. Having said that, apart from it moving sometimes I have not had any other problems and it's really an excellent optic - I think the best compact available.

It is not possible for end-users to fit this dioptre wheel. it can only be done by a Zeiss Service Centre.

 

[hopster]

It is not possible for end-users to fit this dioptre wheel. it can only be done by a Zeiss Service Centre.

Do you mean it's not possible to fit it (looks like an easy job unless a specific tool is required which I doubt) or Zeiss don't allow it for reasons of warranty etc?

 

[garymh]

Do you mean it's not possible to fit it (looks like an easy job unless a specific tool is required which I doubt) or Zeiss don't allow it for reasons of warranty etc?

It is not possible because the dioptre needs setting up on a collimator before the wheel is fitted and there are microscopic ball bearings and springs inside which can be difficult to locate unless you know how to do it correctly.

 

[hopster]

It is not possible because the dioptre needs setting up on a collimator before the wheel is fitted and there are microscopic ball bearings and springs inside which can be difficult to locate unless you know how to do it correctly.

OK thanks Gary. So I guess if I ever have a problem with the dioptre wheel I could send it to you and it will be covered under the warranty.