Zeiss Victory SF 10x32

The release of this model in the Victory SF range was very highly anticipated, much like its forerunners in the larger objective 42mm size. This range of optics had already become synonymous with offering ground-breaking field of view compared with the current competition while retaining a competitively low physical weight. Although I own heavy binoculars, owning and actually using light-weight models day to day when out hiking for miles makes for a very different and less taxing user experience. So, when the day arrived that a compact version of SF was to be launched, I had super-high hopes that this could be the answer to finding optics that would offer the absolute best of both worlds in terms of weight and field of view at each respective magnification. Could this dream be realized or would it prove to be a lot of hot air and marketing hype?

It’s definitely true to say that not any one single binocular will do every job for all possible circumstances. For example, a dedicated low-light binocular with 56mm objective lenses will gather much more available light than this compact 32mm range by Zeiss. It will also be heavier. I was after something that would be like a Swiss Army knife. Small and compact and a real tool for most tasks that would provide a functional yet enjoyable means of getting the job done. In previous reviews about the 42x SF I have made the comparison of the 8x being like a fork and the 10x like a knife. The fork would serve very well for most purposes, but if you wanted maximum details that ‘cut’ deep into the view, you would go for the knife. Individually they have their respective strengths but can you have both? What could happen if they were somehow combined into a knew tool? A knife and fork hybrid? Enter the Knork…

Zeiss have really achieved a very special model with this binocular. Apart from the fact that it isn’t the ‘go-to’ choice for low light hunting, thanks to its modern multi-layered coatings throughout, the light transmission is none-the-less exceptional. A 10x32 may only yield an exit pupil of just 3.2mm but during a bright (sunny) day, your eye will be generally well catered for with around 2 to 3mm anyway and in utilizing the very latest technology in glass and coatings combined, this little pair of binoculars are a knock out until the small hours! They also focus to less than 2m and are excellent for botany and tracking butterflies.

When I first looked through these, it was mid-afternoon on a bright and sunny day and what struck me immediately was how wide the image was at this magnification. There was so much width and height in my view with such detail that I was left feeling like there was nothing lost in image quality compared to the larger SF 10x42 I had previously used as my daily optic of choice. These really seemed like they could be the one-stop-shop of all binoculars.

Before biting the bullet, I had to make sure that I wasn’t ignoring what the competition was offering in this class. At the time the Swarovski EL 10x32 was still available along with the less expensive Kowa Genesis XD 10x33, which, at less than half the retail price was not a fair direct comparison, but because the weight difference was negligible, I thought would try them out. If the Kowa would transpire to be close enough, my head was saying that I should go for them because they represented such a high value for the price, but already, in my heart I knew the Zeiss SF was in another league and importantly represented a real leap forward in perceivable difference in quality of overall user experience.

Comparing them, the Zeiss revealed a sharper image at the edges, a more comfortable ergonomic feel in both hands and somehow it even felt like it was a little lighter. This apparent weight difference is likely down to the innovative and well-thought-out engineering of the balance point of the Zeiss. Just like in the bigger brother x42 models, the ocular end of the unit had more weight to it than the objective end. Additionally, with this small form factor, the 8x32 also makes for an easier instrument to pan around with whilst resting the oculars on the eye socket. With the x42 I found that this was OK to do the same but was most beneficial when stood still. Instead, now it was even more liberating to sweep about and quickly too. The Kowa just didn’t have a horse in the race any more, but still represents arguably fiercely competitive value for money and is an optimal choice if you are watching your budget.

Why should you buy the Zeiss over the Kowa then? If you are going to be using your binoculars for many hours of scouring of wide terrain, before moving on to repeat the process on a long hike, analysing the skyways, or even the mountains, then you really should try out the Zeiss SF 8x32. Why?
The field of view is worth it alone at an impressive 130m at 1000m. Although these are not quite as light as the Zeiss earlier Victory FL 10x32 which only weigh 560g with a field of view of 120m, this SF is close weighing 590g. You get ten more metres field of view for your extra 30 grams – a very acceptable ‘penalty’. The improvement of image vibrancy, brightness and expanse of view is actually superior. During the biggest stretch of day time for the majority of birders, this binocular will fill nearly all your needs and impress you with its visual clarity and vivid colours.

Why else should you spring for these binoculars when compared to something more in its class such as the Swarovski EL (of which this configuration has sadly been phased out)? You can even use these in the woodland as if they were like a pair of 8x and they also have a very reasonable depth to the focus allowing you to delayer tree branches in pursuit of the elusive ‘little brown jobs’. Remember too that they have been designed by the same engineer as the EL, DR. Gerold Dobler, and represent more of his modern vision for what makes for the ultimate compact and therefore more stable 10x birding binoculars.

But what about the Swarovski NL Pure 10x32 I hear you ask? The Zeiss travel lighter by 50g, have a faster focusing mechanism which is nice and easy to turn when wearing gloves, are less expensive by about £200 at the time of writing and have a more recognizable feel in the hand. The Swaro team does have 2m more field of view and a better customer service reputation along with more stringent quality control. The Pure’s are however built with solidity, so perhaps it’s good to ask yourself exactly where your cut off point in acceptable carrying weight is for you personally when deciding on these compact instruments. They also have no black ‘kidney bean’ effect when looking through.

At this modern and competitive price, the Zeiss Victory SF 10x32 showcases some of the best of what a 3.2 exit pupil can offer, are brighter and flatter than the historical Zeiss FL forebear and more compact than the Swarovski NL Pure 10x32. Chromatic aberration is not a worrying factor because it has been corrected for so well and the colours are more natural and less enhanced looking than the NL but not in anyway wanting for sufficient colour contrast and pop. Perhaps Simon king said it best when he said that the Zeiss SF really “sing”. When you look through these, you will understand what the song and dance is all about. These binoculars cover about as many bases as you could hope for in a singular light package. Can you have your cake and eat it? You can with these.