Zeiss Birding Product of the Month: 8x32 Victory FL
Most birders in the US use a 7 or 8 power, 42mm binocular. 7x42 or 8x42. It is a good choice for all around birding, giving you excellent views in full daylight and exceptional views in low light...form crack of dawn to deepest dusk.
Experience in the field has show, though, that a 42mm binocular only really has an advantage over a 32mm binocular at the verge of darkness, when all color preception is already gone. The 8x32 is favored, for instance, in the UK and northern Europe, where light levels are typically much lower than they are in the continental US. If a 32mm objective is bright enough for the Brits, it is almost certainly bright enough for almost any US birder.
The biggest advantage of the 32mm models is pretty clear: smaller in size, lighter in weight, easier to carry all day in the field (especially if you are also carrying a scope and tripod or camera gear).
The Zeiss Victory FL 8x32 is unique among 32mm models in that it has suficient eyerelief so that those who wear eyeglasses can still see the full field of view...and, of course, a wider field of view in the 32mm is the second most important advantage of the class. The 8x42 FL has a field of view of 405 feet at 1000 yards. The 8x32 has a field of 420 feet at 1000 yards.
Because the 8x32s are smaller and more compact you are more likely to carry them whenever you are afield...and, as I always say...the best binoculars in the world are the ones you have with you when you see the bird.
So for your next biocular purchase, you might want to consider a 32mm model...and there is no finer 8x32 than the Zeiss Victory FL...in fact I have yet to find a binocular that is its equal.
For more information and specifications go to 8x32 Victory FL
