Zeiss SFL 8×50

Specifications:

Objective diameter (acc. to spec. and measured):  50 mm
Magnification (acc. to spec.):  8 x
Magnification (measured):  8.2 x
Exit pupil (acc. to spec.) : 6.25 mm
Exit pupil (measured) : 6.05 mm
Eye relief (acc. to spec): 20 mm
Usable eye relief (measured from rim of eyecup): 16.5 mm
IPD (acc. to spec):  56 – 74 mm
RFOV (acc. to spec. ):  7.5  degrees = 131 m
RFOV (measured): 7.4 degrees = 130 m
AFOV (acc. to spec. and measured):  58  degrees
Minimum focus distance (acc. to spec. and measured): 1.8 m
Focus type: CF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: > clockwise)
Degrees of rotation of focus wheel from 3 m to infinity (measured): 200 degrees
Range of diopter adjustment (acc. to spec.): +/- 4 dpt*
Excess travel of focus wheel beyond infinity position (estimate): > 6 dpt*
Prism system:  Schmidt-Pechan
Waterproof: yes
Weight (without accessories, acc. to specs.): 855 g
Weight (measured, with eyepiece cover and strap): 926 g
Made in: Japan

*range of diopter adjustment not affected by position of focus wheel

Remarks:

Once more popular than today, the 8×50 format has now almost disappeeard from the binocular market. However, the large exit pupil of over 6 mm has its specific advantages; and if the 8×50 model in question is in fact almost as compact and lightweight as a 8×42 binocular, the proposition gets even more attractive.

Otherwise, see remarks under separate post regarding the 10×50 SFL model, https://binocular.ch/zeiss-sfl-10×50/, which apply also here, with the exception of the remark about chromatic aberration (“CA”). While there is a bit too much of CA in the 10×50 model, the 8×50 performs clearly better in this respect (without, however, reaching the superb CA performance of the Leica Ultravid 8×50 HD+, see separate post https://binocular.ch/leica-ultravid-8×50-hd-plus/).

Ratings: