For about a month I've been kicking around the idea of getting a 7x42 Zeiss Classic before they're completely unavailable, but the price I found for a NIB one is a bit more than I had intended on spending.... At that price I could save up a little more and get something more current. I just wanted to know how they stack up against all the newer bins...
I am a 10x person, though I want to see what the fuss all the 7x users see that I supposedly don't, and I want to do so in the field, not just looking through isles at a store or out a window.
I have viewed through them before I knew any better, i.e. through my boss's old pair, but since they're gone I can't compare them against what I currently own, but that was a while ago, and I didn't view them subjectively.
I know it's probably one of the most favorite bins of all time, but how does the venerable 7x42 Zeiss ClassiC hold up against the newer FL, ELs and Ultravids of the same magnification and objective size? Is their retirement really well deserved?
Any information and opinions would be greatly appreciated before I toss down this kind of change.
When I was hunting for new binoculars about 5 years ago, many people told me the Ziess 7x42s were THE pair to get. I almost bought a pair sight unseen, and am glad I did not. A dealer friend brought a pair to the Northeast Astronomy Forum (Suffern, NY), and I found they were just not for me. They did not feel right in my hands, the focus was extremely stiff, they had very stiff rubber eye cups, and I did not think the optics were as good as the Swarovski 7x42 SLCs, which I wound up buying.
I certainly recommend trying them for yourself once again - you may love them.
Are you sure they are being "retired?" I heard the same thing five years ago - get them while you can, they said.
Clear skies, and good shopping, Alan
Hmm.... the 10x40 Classic is superior to the 10x42 SLC's IMO. I've never had the chance to test the FL or ELs and wonder how the Classic 7x compares.
Yes, the 7x42 Classic is not on their website, and is not available NEW from all of the online retailers I've called so far.