Get Them Before They're Gone
Written: Jul 15 '02 (Updated Jul 15 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Top quality optics in a mid-size package.
Cons: Focusing knob not to my liking.
The Bottom Line: The best price on a high-end, mid-size binocular I have seen in over 10 years.
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| wadesam's Full Review: Zeiss ClassiC B/GA T* (8x30) |
Since introducing its Victory line, Zeiss recently discontinued this model and retailers are having fire sales in fear that nobody wants "last year's model." Now available on the street for under $700, Zeiss Classics are the best value in high-end optics.
GENERAL: The Zeiss Classic 8x30 is a mid-size binocular with fully, multi-coated lenses. It is 4.7" tall and weighs 20.5 ounces. It is armored and guaranteed waterproof. It does not have a tripod mount.
CORRECTIONS TO EPINIONS DATA: The spec sheet here at Epinions states that the Field Of View (FOV) is 123.4 feet at 1000 yards. That is wrong. The FOV is 405 feet at 1000 yards. (Field Of View is the left to right distance you can see without physically traversing the binocular. The standard test in the industry is performed at 1000 yards. With the Zeiss 8x30, if you were looking at a fence 1000 yards, you could see 405 feet of fence without moving the binocular). Second, Epinions says that the exit pupil is 3.5 and that is also incorrect. Exit pupil is calculated by dividing the objective lens size by the magnification. So, 30/8=3.75, not 3.5.
PROS: Binoculars are all about optics and getting the best optics for your money. The question of who makes the best binoculars is still a heated debate, but that discussion quickly narrows down to "The Big 3"--Leica, Swarovski, and Zeiss. All produce similar models for virtually the same price. In the mid-range catagory for example, Leica offers its 8x32, and Swarovski an 8x30. They both stack up about the same against Zeiss. The big difference (as of the date this review was written) is price. The Swarovski will cost you about $800, the Leica about $850, but the Zeiss classic is only $690! That's because they've been discontinued, but don't think for a minute they're inferior to the competition.
I had the good fortune to compare the Zeiss 8x30 to the Leica 8x32. For several hours I compared clarity, glare, ergonomics, and brightness. The image produced by each glass was simply outstanding! As day turned to dusk and dusk into dark, the Zeiss 8x30 was a joy. The image was clear from the center out to edges (where cheaper lenses reveal themselves). I felt virtually no eye strain whatsoever.
I wanted to test how they resisted fogging but the weather was too nice. So, I tossed them into the fridge for a few minutes. When I took them out and put them up to my eyes, no fog. Seriously. When I breathed on them, intentionally trying to fog them, I did get a little bit of fog, but it hardly affected the image when I looked through the lenses.
At 20.5 oz, the weight is average for a mid-size binocular (about an ounce more than Swarovski and an ounce less than Leica). I am not an eyeglass wearer so I did not have the opportunity to evaluate the user-friendliness of the Zeiss for those that do wear them. I did roll down the eyecups and simulate wearing glasses by holding the binocular away from my eyes. I don't think eyeglass wearers would have any trouble using the Zeiss 8x30.
Ergonomics were also very much to my liking. I could use the binocular with one hand and it felt good in my hand.
CONS: About the only things I didn't like about the Zeiss 8x30 were the focusing knobs. The diopter adjustment is at the rear of the central hinge and is intended to be operated by either your ring or pinky finger. In reality there is way too much resistance in the knob and I ended up sliding my middle finger down to make the adjustment. Although it's probably a good thing that there is so much tension since the Zeiss diopter knob does not lock like the Leica model. You don't want that knob moving every time it gets touched.
Nor did I like the main focusing knob. Again it had a good deal of resistance, which some people like, but I found I had to put my finger right on the traction grooves in order to focus comfortably. But, please remember this is just a personal preference. Other people dislike Leica models for their lack of resistance.
CONCLUSION: They're awesome. And at more than $100 cheaper than their competition, they are a steal. Anybody looking to buy a pair of binoculars needs to check these out--unless you don't have $690 to spend, then don't bother, because you'll only be disappointed with whatever you end up buying!! Get them while you can; my highest recommendation.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
wadesam
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Member: Wade Samuelson
Location: Centralia, Washington
Reviews written: 34
Trusted by: 34 members
About Me:
Where do you stand in the Valley of Decision?
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