I've had these for 6 months. They're super light weight, you'll forget their in your harness. You can glass with one hand easily with these, which is awesome for archery. The edge to edge clarity is way better than any top end vortex and it makes glassing animals a lot easier. You catch so much movement in these binos it's crazy. The focus wheel is awesome you can go from far to close within one turn. Super crisp. These are killer. Definitely a western hunters dream
great review there as always been something nice about top end Zeiss binoculars .Weight is imported as you get older. My go to are my NL pure 8x42 having said that if i know im doing a lot of walking its the zeiss sf 8x42 . You may think theres not much in it but when there round your neck all day with the rest of your gear on your back you can really tell. Just a shame there not made in Germany only time will tell on there quality this is from a Birder not a hunter who goes out in all weather and has had his bins caked in mud and has to wash them in open water only this is a true test of how good they are facts on paper mean nothing when the lens are covered in mud and water .Trust when im back home they get a good wash but very rarely do i clean the lens with a cloth just use running water and perhaps my finger and there as good as new again .
The 8/10x30 sfls seem designed to compete with the Swarovski CL Companions 8/10x30. I got the Companions recently as my first expensive binocular so it would be interesting to put them side by side. In fact, I don't think anyone has done a decent, thorough breakdown of the Swaro Companions so far.
@@MindfulHunter I think lots of people who want high end but aren't quite ready to go to the £$2000 bracket will have their eye on those two, as I was.
So, if you had to choose... new EL's or new SFL's both in 10x, assuming they are within a couple hundred from each other. I currently use Tract Torics and 8x30 SLC's. Odds are good I will stand pat, but I really enjoyed your video. I hunt wilderness, am 64 yrs old and hence I like light weight gear.
@@brettgilchrist9482 if weights a priority go SFL. They’re 6oz lighter. The EL are slightly superior optically though. I’d say 4-6% if I had to pick a number.
@@brettgilchrist9482 I personally own ELs 8.5x42 and think they’re great, and got them for about $1600. Ive been going back and fourth on getting the SLFs as a back up pair because the ELs are a bit heavy. The SLFs have fantastic image quality, and they’re really not that much worse than the ELs. Honestly, besides the weight, I have been really disappointed in the quality of the rubber coating on the ELs, and have had mine tapped for a while waiting to send them in to get fixed.
I have the 8x40s and have the same opinion 95% or more of the performance of the NLs at 55% of the price. They are my everyday bin for birding, the NLs hang on my wall for special occasions.
I checked those SFL’s too, but I chose the NL Pure 10x32. Best in weight, 132 m at 1000 m, slim profile, incredible good glass. These binoculars are just pretty nice.
Great review. You stuck some interesting points on a few different topics.....now I'm on the fence between 15X and 18X for my next pair of Binoculars. I'm getting away from Spotters completely. I can't get comfortable behind them anymore. Could just be the setup more than the glass but I really like running big Binoculars on the tripod.
What sold me on the EL was that it is a direct competitor to the Noctovid and VICTORY SF yet I’ve have seen it go on sale three times this year for $2000 almost $900-$1000 less than it’s direct competitor
There is no question the EL has superior glass to the SFL. The question is whether the weight and size savings offset the optical performance. Basically the age old question with all glass. EL’s are a steal at current prices.
Thanks for the great review! I've been using the SF 10x42 for years, and I just got a pair of SFL 10x40's... for the money, the SFL's definitely hit above their weight! They're my new go-to pair👍🏻
@@GM-bq6zo yes. If weight was the priority I’d go SFL. I’m considering switching to the SFL’s for all my archery hunts from my NL Pures. They hand hold SO good.
Great vid. Those Zeiss SFLs are impressive. While the NL Pure are amazing binos I could not justify spending that type of coin on binos. I picked up a pair of Swarovski ELs for $1600 after tax and I could not be happier with them.
I love my SFL 8x40’s but heads up I actually had to send back the first pair I purchased because there was a small defect inside one of the objective lenses, so definitely look over thoroughly out of the box cause QC issues can happen with them
I’ve been hoping you would get a chance to review the SFL from Zeiss? My chest harness bino is the Swarovski 10x50 EL which I love but at 35 oz can seem heavy at times? Been very intrigued by the SFL, especially the 8x40? And 22 oz? Wow!
I want to mention that I received a pair of the SFL that had an eye extender issue, one of the common issues for the conquest. So I kinda suspect that is from the same manufacturer
All right Jay! Great review. Between you and Robby, probably the most thorough review on a single bino out there. Really liked the comparison of the other models price points vs. performance. We pay a lot for small differences and you just gave many reasons to keep some cash in a guy's pocket but still have a more-than-good-enough optic.
What's your opinion on the focus wheel? It looks a bit lower down than it should be, Like it should be a bit nearer the eye cups? Looks bit more awkward to use your first finger? Also if kowa use pure flouride glass are they the best image?
I find more companies are moving the focus wheel forward. Feels quite comfortable and I think it balances better contributing to less handshake. I would argue Kowa glass is 1-3% better than the big three. Pretty subjective opinion on that one.
Hello. I have Swarovski EL 10x42 Swarovizion but I am disappointed.. The image is sharp from edge to edge, but the actual sharpness is only average. Before that I had a Zeiss Conquest and that was brighter and sharper than the EL. And then I also had a Zeiss Victory SF and that was the sharpest scope I've ever seen. The Swarovski ELs are not sharp binoculars. I have a Bushnell Nitro 10x36 and sharper in the center of the field of view than EL Swarovski..
I dunno how your Swarovski El is but mine is definitely super sharp! I have the Conquest 8x32 HD as well. And I agree they are super sharp in the middle. However no where near as shart at the edges as the El. But; the El's are also heavy and bulky. My go to binos are the SFL's. The El's I only use when I have a tripod with me.
@@mrmaxaxl I now have a Zeiss Victory SF 10x42. Swarovski EL has completely neutral colors that are already almost dull and completely sharp from edge to edge, but the image through El did not have a high resolution. SF has a yellow-green tinted image, but it has an amazing sharpness that I have never seen in EL.. But I know many cheap binoculars that are as sharp as EL but only in the center of the field of view, but overall EL has a much higher image quality. The EL has a very bad central focus wheel but it has very high quality metal eyecups and it's the exact opposite of the SF. The SF has a very high quality central wheel but lower quality artificial eyecups. Both are excellent binoculars, it depends who prefers what.. Sharpness in the entire field of view or higher sharpness in the center.
Bad ass review man! Sweet looking binos, nice to see they fill that hole for a more mid range but high quality bino 👌
Thanks bud!
Great review! thanks for throwing that Swaro EL comment in at the end.
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Thanks for all the great info. Constantly killing the review game. 💪🏼
Yessir!
Thank you very much for the impartial and informative video. Very much appreciated, wanted to say huge thank you.
Thank you!
I've had these for 6 months. They're super light weight, you'll forget their in your harness. You can glass with one hand easily with these, which is awesome for archery. The edge to edge clarity is way better than any top end vortex and it makes glassing animals a lot easier. You catch so much movement in these binos it's crazy. The focus wheel is awesome you can go from far to close within one turn. Super crisp.
These are killer. Definitely a western hunters dream
Agree 100%
great review there as always been something nice about top end Zeiss binoculars .Weight is imported as you get older. My go to are my NL pure 8x42 having said that if i know im doing a lot of walking its the zeiss sf 8x42 . You may think theres not much in it but when there round your neck all day with the rest of your gear on your back you can really tell.
Just a shame there not made in Germany only time will tell on there quality this is from a Birder not a hunter who goes out in all weather and has had his bins caked in mud and has to wash them in open water only this is a true test of how good they are facts on paper mean nothing when the lens are covered in mud and water .Trust when im back home they get a good wash but very rarely do i clean the lens with a cloth just use running water and perhaps my finger and there as good as new again .
Appreciate the feedback and info!
The 8/10x30 sfls seem designed to compete with the Swarovski CL Companions 8/10x30. I got the Companions recently as my first expensive binocular so it would be interesting to put them side by side. In fact, I don't think anyone has done a decent, thorough breakdown of the Swaro Companions so far.
It’s a good point!
@@MindfulHunter I think lots of people who want high end but aren't quite ready to go to the £$2000 bracket will have their eye on those two, as I was.
very good review, thank you a lot
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What is the eye relief in the 8x40 version ?
Not sure off the top of my head. Check the tech spec sheet.
I am finding 8.5x42 EL (2010 vintage) for $1400 on the used market. Given the choice, those or SFL's for hunting in the PNW?
Depends how old they are. New EL’s have come way down.
So, if you had to choose... new EL's or new SFL's both in 10x, assuming they are within a couple hundred from each other. I currently use Tract Torics and 8x30 SLC's. Odds are good I will stand pat, but I really enjoyed your video. I hunt wilderness, am 64 yrs old and hence I like light weight gear.
@@brettgilchrist9482 if weights a priority go SFL. They’re 6oz lighter. The EL are slightly superior optically though. I’d say 4-6% if I had to pick a number.
@@brettgilchrist9482 I personally own ELs 8.5x42 and think they’re great, and got them for about $1600. Ive been going back and fourth on getting the SLFs as a back up pair because the ELs are a bit heavy. The SLFs have fantastic image quality, and they’re really not that much worse than the ELs. Honestly, besides the weight, I have been really disappointed in the quality of the rubber coating on the ELs, and have had mine tapped for a while waiting to send them in to get fixed.
I have the 8x40s and have the same opinion 95% or more of the performance of the NLs at 55% of the price. They are my everyday bin for birding, the NLs hang on my wall for special occasions.
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I checked those SFL’s too, but I chose the NL Pure 10x32. Best in weight, 132 m at 1000 m, slim profile, incredible good glass. These binoculars are just pretty nice.
👍
Great review. You stuck some interesting points on a few different topics.....now I'm on the fence between 15X and 18X for my next pair of Binoculars. I'm getting away from Spotters completely. I can't get comfortable behind them anymore. Could just be the setup more than the glass but I really like running big Binoculars on the tripod.
It’s a very effective strategy for sure.
I agree regarding the weight. I picked up some Swaro CL Companion 10x30 at 17oz, and now they're all I grab. I sold my larger 10x42s.
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What sold me on the EL was that it is a direct competitor to the Noctovid and VICTORY SF yet I’ve have seen it go on sale three times this year for $2000 almost $900-$1000 less than it’s direct competitor
There is no question the EL has superior glass to the SFL. The question is whether the weight and size savings offset the optical performance. Basically the age old question with all glass. EL’s are a steal at current prices.
I actually prefer the look of the Els to the nl pure.
Thanks for the great review!
I've been using the SF 10x42 for years, and I just got a pair of SFL 10x40's... for the money, the SFL's definitely hit above their weight! They're my new go-to pair👍🏻
Agreed!
Are your sfls near the performance of your SF's?
@@GM-bq6zo yes. If weight was the priority I’d go SFL. I’m considering switching to the SFL’s for all my archery hunts from my NL Pures. They hand hold SO good.
@@MindfulHunter thanks a lot, would u say the extra weight of the 42mm swaro el is not worth it over the Sfl?
@@GM-bq6zo there is no unicorn. If you want the extra optical clarity you carry extra weight. That’s up to you.
I've been shopping for new binos for a long time but your review made me settle for these. Big thanks from Finland.
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I like the real world feedback from someone who has used a variety of quality binoculars.
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Sorry for all the messages lol, did u pick up any 8x40 SFL's as you mentioned in this video? If so how are the 8's?
I have not yet.
Hey Jay, what do you think about the value of the current pricing on the Conquest HDs at $700? Are they a good buy at that price?
Absolutely.
Great vid. Those Zeiss SFLs are impressive. While the NL Pure are amazing binos I could not justify spending that type of coin on binos. I picked up a pair of Swarovski ELs for $1600 after tax and I could not be happier with them.
Those EL’s have been a steal since they dropped the price.
I didnt realize these were made in Japan. Theyre $300 overpriced. $1800 for a Japanese Compact ? Ouch
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I love my SFL 8x40’s but heads up I actually had to send back the first pair I purchased because there was a small defect inside one of the objective lenses, so definitely look over thoroughly out of the box cause QC issues can happen with them
Good to know. Thanks.
I’ve been hoping you would get a chance to review the SFL from Zeiss?
My chest harness bino is the Swarovski 10x50 EL which I love but at 35 oz can seem heavy at times?
Been very intrigued by the SFL, especially the 8x40? And 22 oz? Wow!
Yeah man. Super useful piece of gear.
Thanks for your work , much appreciated. I torn between the sfl 8x40 and the sf 8x42. 😩. The price gap!
Tough call
I want to mention that I received a pair of the SFL that had an eye extender issue, one of the common issues for the conquest. So I kinda suspect that is from the same manufacturer
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For the price, sometimes SF 8x32 goes on sale at about 1900, which would be about the same price as these..
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Love the reviews man! Specific, picky, honest… good combination. Fresh breath of air from the influencers! Keep up the good work!
Thank you brother!
The 8x40 works well with spectacles, too. That was a deciding factor for me
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Did you notice much chromatic aberration in sfl? I can’t live with CA.
I did not.
Try those image stabilizing binos bud!! Total game changers
Got some on the way!
LMAO, who carries two pairs of Binos and a Spotter while Hunting?
Tons of folks. Ever been to Arizona?
@@MindfulHunterI guess your in better shape then i am
Thanks for another great review Jay!!
My pleasure man!
But for low light 42 mm vs 40 is also better by SF i think
🤷🏼♂️
@@MindfulHunter do you think its a big difference?
@@MindfulHunter What to you mean?
All right Jay! Great review. Between you and Robby, probably the most thorough review on a single bino out there. Really liked the comparison of the other models price points vs. performance. We pay a lot for small differences and you just gave many reasons to keep some cash in a guy's pocket but still have a more-than-good-enough optic.
Appreciate the feedback. I’d argue it’s the best value for price bino on the market right now.
What's your opinion on the focus wheel? It looks a bit lower down than it should be, Like it should be a bit nearer the eye cups? Looks bit more awkward to use your first finger?
Also if kowa use pure flouride glass are they the best image?
I find more companies are moving the focus wheel forward. Feels quite comfortable and I think it balances better contributing to less handshake. I would argue Kowa glass is 1-3% better than the big three. Pretty subjective opinion on that one.
@@MindfulHunter kowa are great, it's surprising more people don't use the genesis range.
Hello. I have Swarovski EL 10x42 Swarovizion but I am disappointed.. The image is sharp from edge to edge, but the actual sharpness is only average. Before that I had a Zeiss Conquest and that was brighter and sharper than the EL. And then I also had a Zeiss Victory SF and that was the sharpest scope I've ever seen. The Swarovski ELs are not sharp binoculars. I have a Bushnell Nitro 10x36 and sharper in the center of the field of view than EL Swarovski..
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I dunno how your Swarovski El is but mine is definitely super sharp!
I have the Conquest 8x32 HD as well. And I agree they are super sharp in the middle.
However no where near as shart at the edges as the El.
But; the El's are also heavy and bulky.
My go to binos are the SFL's.
The El's I only use when I have a tripod with me.
@@mrmaxaxl I now have a Zeiss Victory SF 10x42. Swarovski EL has completely neutral colors that are already almost dull and completely sharp from edge to edge, but the image through El did not have a high resolution. SF has a yellow-green tinted image, but it has an amazing sharpness that I have never seen in EL.. But I know many cheap binoculars that are as sharp as EL but only in the center of the field of view, but overall EL has a much higher image quality. The EL has a very bad central focus wheel but it has very high quality metal eyecups and it's the exact opposite of the SF. The SF has a very high quality central wheel but lower quality artificial eyecups. Both are excellent binoculars, it depends who prefers what.. Sharpness in the entire field of view or higher sharpness in the center.