Zeiss Victory T*FL 8x42

Birding is considered the most demanding use for binoculars, so we found the best comparison tests of the Zeiss Victory T* FL 8x42 binoculars at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where teams of experienced birders give it higher scores for optics than 77 other models, plus top ranking overall in its price range. Another panel of birdwatchers tests the Zeiss Victory T* FL 8x42 binoculars at Birdwatching.com, and the review at BetterViewDesired tests color accuracy at all times of day. While such expensive binoculars are usually bought by birders, hunters test the Zeiss Victory T* FL 8x42 in comparison with seven other high-end models for a review at 24HourCampfire.com, and Outdoor Life and Outside magazine also review this Zeiss binocular based on field tests.

Despite keen competition among high-end binoculars, a consensus of reviewers ranks the Zeiss Victory T* FL at the top. The Zeiss optics are superb even in low light, with lenses made of eco-friendly fluorite prism glass to enhance light transmission and color accuracy. Reviews say the Zeiss Victory T* FL binoculars are so comfortable they almost become part of your face, with eyestrain nonexistent. The 405-foot field of view is excellent, and minimum focus is six feet, fine for watching butterflies and bird feeders. The Victory T* FL is waterproof and fogproof (for use in cold weather), easy to focus with one hand and carries a lifetime warranty -- unusual in that it's transferable to a new owner. Reviewers warn that looking through the Zeiss Victory T* FL binoculars just once can spoil you for less expensive binoculars, but say you can get nearly the same benefit from the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 (*est. $250) for a fraction of the price.