Zeiss SF 10x42 dissection (5 Viewers)

[Scott98]

Sunset with SF 10x42
View attachment 1517268

Is that sand on that rock? Yikes! I never let "my precious" touch down on rocks or sand. I like these outdoorsy photos but I cringe at the ones on the ground. In astronomy it's considered a disaster if your optics touch the ground!

I missed the "poor" rating on the eyecups, that hair-scrunchy sounds good, I just tweaked my o-ring setup when I cleaned the eye lenses this weekend. I think I posted a link to the perfect o-ring somewhere on here, from McMaster-Carr. It's a funny quirk to the SF's, but at least solvable with o-rings...easier to fix than the dreaded thumb undercuts

 

[dorubird]

Scott98​

Even if I was on some stones near the sea, there was not much sand on those rocks. After the photo session, the armor was cleaned well and with great care because sand is abrasive!

 

[dorubird]

I have had it for more than two years and the lenses of the objectives or the eyepieces are like new, without the slightest trace of micro scratches or spots on the coating. This is thanks to the LotuTec system. Very easy to maintain!
It's like under his black armor is a "machine" has almost living eye(pieces).

 

[dorubird]

 

[Declan Joseph Deasy]

The ultimate for birding?

 

[Jono L]

Great write-up. I bought a pair last week and have been very happy with them optically. However, it is a shame that Zeiss have done nothing since this product was launched to address the key weakness - the eyecups - which are still really poor. I got in touch with Zeiss and they quickly passed me to their UK repair contractor. They responded rapidly - well done - and sent me a new pair of eyecups. They were identical to the others and equally poor. I am surprised that Zeiss, who clearly have a lot of input into Birdforum, are not commenting on this subject and what they plan to do about it. In the meantime, thanks for the tip about hair elastics, I will go and buy some. Cheers, Jono

 

[Jono L]

My less-technical and photographed write-up is here: Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 - initial thoughts
ATB Jono

 

[dorubird]

The ultimate for birding?

SF 10x42 is made for birding, he has birding in his blood 😀
Thanks Jono, and good write-up!

 

[Sc0tty]

These are my 10x32 SF and I’ve wrapped plumbers PTFE tape around the eyecup threads. I then screw them down to just above the bottom position which suits me as a glasses wearer. Note the traditional Zeiss rainguard which is much better than the grippy supplied one.

 

[Scott98]

My less-technical and photographed write-up is here: Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 - initial thoughts
ATB Jono

It is very peculiar that Zeiss have cocked-up their top level bins in this way.

pretty funny! I couldn't have said it better myself. Having my own love/hate relationship with the 8x42 SF and the eyecups.

I wonder if someday Zeiss will tire of seeing all these photos of people sticking tape and hair scrunchies and rubber rings on their $3000 new binoculars? Coming up on the 10nth anniversary of these soon......can't they just copy Nikon EDG? that's been working out well for Swarovski

 

[gweller]

These are my 10x32 SF and I’ve wrapped plumbers PTFE tape around the eyecup threads. I then screw them down to just above the bottom position which suits me as a glasses wearer. Note the traditional Zeiss rainguard which is much better than the grippy supplied one.

Had to do the same with mine, although I eventually sold it and now have a 10x40 SFL that I am very happy with

 

[PHA]

Hi dorubird,

Great report I just see...! Like very much the SF glare resistance you describe! I sold my HT 10x42 because its almos unusable glare with the sun even not near the front. Terrible!! My previous Fl 10x42 was better on this. I end with, another...,Habicht W GA 10x40 because its great glare, that "milky veil" efect, control. I never had in my hands a SF 10x42...I will...!
The other 10x42 I tested with detail on this was the Leica Noctivid. Impressive!!
I am talking between truly TOP binoculars, of course!

Thank you!

PHA

 

[dorubird]

Some binoculars come and go, but the ones that stay with us for years, those are our precious choices. The Time Test is the best form of choice, but it takes time We are all looking for the perfect binoculars for us, but there comes a time when the choice comes naturally after long experiences! It's a subjective trip, but after many years my precious choice is Zeiss SF 10x42, I use it for everything: birding, nature, astronomy, etc. It is a complete pair of binoculars.
I wish each of you to reach own favorite binoculars that will delight you for as long as possible.

 

[dorubird]

"PORTRAIT with HELMET" Zeiss Victroty SF 10x42

 

[MiddleRiver]

These are my 10x32 SF and I’ve wrapped plumbers PTFE tape around the eyecup threads. I then screw them down to just above the bottom position which suits me as a glasses wearer. Note the traditional Zeiss rainguard which is much better than the grippy supplied one.

Where did you get the rain guard and what model etc. is it?

 

[Sc0tty]

Where did you get the rain guard and what model etc. is it?

Zeiss (Dialyt) Classic rainguard. Not sure if they are still made though. Got mine from South West Optics a few years ago. I don’t like the modern rainguards which seem to grip on to the eyecups. The classic rainguard is easy to slip on and off.

 

[dr pete]

In case anyone is not aware there are redesigned eyecups available for free from Zeiss - I swapped mine out a few days ago.

 

[Scott98]

In case anyone is not aware there are redesigned eyecups available for free from Zeiss - I swapped mine out a few days ago.

Pete - thanks! You're saying there are new ones for the SF series? When did they come out? What is different about them - is the height of them different???

 

[dr pete]

Pete - thanks! You're saying there are new ones for the SF series? When did they come out? What is different about them - is the height of them different???

I don't know when they came out but they are very different to the older ones on my 8x 42 SFs (purchased just as the black revision was made) - much shallower design. They screw in the same way and have several click stops but as a spectacle wearer I have them spun down flush to the eyepiece. If you email Zeiss with the serial number of your instrument they will send a free set - the part number is 529304-0000-000. Or fill in the online spare part order form - Spare Parts Order (FYI I have received a new strap for my victory pockets as well as the eyecups for my SFs so they do respond !)

 

[dorubird]

Optical machine from Zeiss!