8/14/22 update. Final Review is up!
www.rokslide.com
Previous Discussion:
I did their Victory SF 10x32 (and 8x32) review last summer here. (SF = Smart Focus with only about 1.5 turns on the dial but still precise)
Impressive optic, especially when you consider the size.
But they run about $2500
So…if their new SFL (Smart Focus Light) could compete with the SF at $700 less (about $1800 total, available in July 2022), it would be a win for most binocular users. (It’s on their website now HERE
To note, the SFL is NOT in any “family“ of the Zeiss lines like Victory, Conquest, it’s just got the SF in it’s name because it is Smart Focus.
While these are different classes of binos, but to me a comparison is warranted because if the SFLs in 40mm—at only 1.4 more ozs than the SFs at 32mm—will compete, then saving $700 bucks is saving $700 bucks (we typically pay a lot for small differences in the optics world).
Also, both the SF and SFL models incorporate ED glass, Field Flattener lenses, and ZEISS T-Star coating for 90% light transmission to eye. In addition, SF models also incorporates FL (fluoride) lenses.
I received the 10x40 SFL last week. Some specs that are important to me (comparing to the SF 10x32)
22.6 ozs (vs 21.2 ozs in the SF32)
FOV 345’ @ 1K (vs 390’)
90% Light Transmission (vs 92%)
Tripod adaptable (vs not!)
Everything else will be in their catalog (I’ll link soon)
I spent an evening from pre-sunset to 60 minutes after sunset.
All binos on tripods looking into line of cottonwoods at 200 yards approx
FOV:
While the SF32 is larger by 45’@1K, it’s hard to tell in use. Both binos “immerse” you in the view. Not a deal breaker for the SFLs slightly less FOV
Twilight Performance (my term)
The SFLs absolutely outperformed the SFs. Expected, yes, with a 3.2mm exit pupil vs a 4mm BUT the difference was much more than I’d expect. The SFLs beat the SFs by up to 10 minutes. SFs tapped out at about 45 minutes after sunset but I was approaching 55 minutes with the SFs (this was resolving some tan spots on the trees left by broken branches).
As it was taking so long for the SFs to tap out, I put them against my 7x42 Zeiss Dialyt (6mm exit pupil) and my Swarovski 8x42 EL Range TA (5.3mm exit pupil) and it was a dead-heat-virtual tie among the three. Considering those other binoculars weigh around a half pound more, that is impressive.
To note, that was one evening, so as this review continues, I’ll verify that performance on a USAF Resolving power chart.
The next week, I took the SFs on an overnight shed hunting trip. It wasn’t a lot of glassing but did confirm that the extra 1.4 ozs is not noticeable. As I said in the original review of the SF32s, you don’t know they’re around your neck, and same with these SFLs. The neck straps are identical in both optics.
I’ll continue to update this thread as I gain more experience.
I’ll also give you a peek at Zeiss’ bino adapter. I received it after I did the above test, so no time on it yet.
Hit me with any questions and if you’re in the Idaho Falls area and want to compare the two, let me know.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Zeiss SFL 10x40 vs. SF 10x32 Binocular Review
Zeiss has recently released two models of compact binoculars, the Zeiss SFL and SF. Both raise the performance to weight ratio, but which one is best for you?
www.rokslide.com
Previous Discussion:
I did their Victory SF 10x32 (and 8x32) review last summer here. (SF = Smart Focus with only about 1.5 turns on the dial but still precise)
Impressive optic, especially when you consider the size.
But they run about $2500
So…if their new SFL (Smart Focus Light) could compete with the SF at $700 less (about $1800 total, available in July 2022), it would be a win for most binocular users. (It’s on their website now HERE
To note, the SFL is NOT in any “family“ of the Zeiss lines like Victory, Conquest, it’s just got the SF in it’s name because it is Smart Focus.
While these are different classes of binos, but to me a comparison is warranted because if the SFLs in 40mm—at only 1.4 more ozs than the SFs at 32mm—will compete, then saving $700 bucks is saving $700 bucks (we typically pay a lot for small differences in the optics world).
Also, both the SF and SFL models incorporate ED glass, Field Flattener lenses, and ZEISS T-Star coating for 90% light transmission to eye. In addition, SF models also incorporates FL (fluoride) lenses.
I received the 10x40 SFL last week. Some specs that are important to me (comparing to the SF 10x32)
22.6 ozs (vs 21.2 ozs in the SF32)
FOV 345’ @ 1K (vs 390’)
90% Light Transmission (vs 92%)
Tripod adaptable (vs not!)
Everything else will be in their catalog (I’ll link soon)
I spent an evening from pre-sunset to 60 minutes after sunset.
All binos on tripods looking into line of cottonwoods at 200 yards approx
FOV:
While the SF32 is larger by 45’@1K, it’s hard to tell in use. Both binos “immerse” you in the view. Not a deal breaker for the SFLs slightly less FOV
Twilight Performance (my term)
The SFLs absolutely outperformed the SFs. Expected, yes, with a 3.2mm exit pupil vs a 4mm BUT the difference was much more than I’d expect. The SFLs beat the SFs by up to 10 minutes. SFs tapped out at about 45 minutes after sunset but I was approaching 55 minutes with the SFs (this was resolving some tan spots on the trees left by broken branches).
As it was taking so long for the SFs to tap out, I put them against my 7x42 Zeiss Dialyt (6mm exit pupil) and my Swarovski 8x42 EL Range TA (5.3mm exit pupil) and it was a dead-heat-virtual tie among the three. Considering those other binoculars weigh around a half pound more, that is impressive.
To note, that was one evening, so as this review continues, I’ll verify that performance on a USAF Resolving power chart.
The next week, I took the SFs on an overnight shed hunting trip. It wasn’t a lot of glassing but did confirm that the extra 1.4 ozs is not noticeable. As I said in the original review of the SF32s, you don’t know they’re around your neck, and same with these SFLs. The neck straps are identical in both optics.
I’ll continue to update this thread as I gain more experience.
I’ll also give you a peek at Zeiss’ bino adapter. I received it after I did the above test, so no time on it yet.
Hit me with any questions and if you’re in the Idaho Falls area and want to compare the two, let me know.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Last edited:
