Einar Viking 01.27.23
SmartFocus and Lightweight – That’s how the new Ultra-Compact Binoculars from Zeiss got its name. The new ZEISS SFL 30 come in two configurations, either in 8×30 or 10×30, and they are the most compact and the lightest members in Zeiss’ SF product family.
Hunters who are looking to save weight and space in their loadout should have a special interest in SFL30, for instance when you are stalking and want to be as light and quiet as possible. The weight is just 460 g (16.2 oz).
To accomplish these weight savings, the housing is made out of magnesium, and the lens diamater and spacing has been reduced.
They will become available during the spring of 2023, with suggested retail price around €1,500 (incl. German VAT). Pricing for the Americas is yet to be released.
Binoculars @ Alloutdoor
Here is the Press Release from Zeiss with all further details:
ZEISS SFL 30 – ZEISS Expands the ZEISS SF Product Family with New Ultra-Compact Binoculars
The new ZEISS SFL 30 stands out with its particularly compact lightweight and rugged design combined with outstanding optical performance.
Oberkochen, Germany | January 2023 | ZEISS Consumer Products
ZEISS is introducing the ZEISS SFL 30, the newest, lightest, and most compact binoculars to the ZEISS SF family. The ZEISS SFL (SmartFocus and Lightweight) stands out for its exceptional optical performance combined with an extremely compact design and low weight. The new binoculars come in two models, the ZEISS SFL 8×30 and 10×30 configurations. “Our new ZEISS SFL 30 is the latest addition to our successful ZEISS SF binocular family and combines the advantages of high-performance binoculars with those of compact, pocket-sized binoculars,” said Tammo Lueken, Head of Category Management Hunting at ZEISS.
Compact and Lightweight Design
The new ZEISS SFL 30 is the most compact and the lightest member of the ZEISS SF product family. “When stalking, every gram adds up over time,” Lueken knows as an experienced hunter. Thanks to the reduced lens diameter, the use of thinner and more closely spaced lens elements, and the rugged and durable magnesium housing, the ZEISS SFL 30 is up to 23% lighter than comparable models. The binoculars are extremely compact and therefore conveniently fit in any bag, backpack, or jacket.
True- To-Life Color Fidelity and Sharpness of Detail – Thanks to the UHD Concept
The ultra-high-definition (UHD) concept ensures that the binoculars deliver the highest level of detail and reproduce colors with natural fidelity thanks to special coatings, high-quality glass types, and an improved optical design.
In combination with their high degree of light transmission and T* multicoating, the ZEISS SFL 30 makes precise imaging possible and allows the hunter to reliably detect even the smallest details and distinguishing features to identify the game.
Simple and Intuitive Handling
“To make the right decisions during the hunt, sometimes seconds are crucial. That’s why it’s so important that hunters can operate the binoculars intuitively and easily,” Lueken added. Featuring the tried-and-true SmartFocus concept and a perfectly positioned larger focusing wheel, hunters can focus quickly and precisely, even when wearing gloves. Thanks to its large exit pupil in relation to its size, and the modified eyecups, the ZEISS SFL 30 also offers a comfortable viewing experience comparable to larger high-performance binoculars.
The ZEISS SFL 8×30 will be available from retailers starting in the spring of 2023 with a suggested retail price of €1,500 and an RRP of €1,550 for the ZEISS 10×30 (incl. German VAT).
Further information about the ZEISS SFL 30 is available at www.zeiss.com/hunting/sfl.
ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling 8.8 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2022).
For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world’s leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.
With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company’s significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS’ technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 13 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.
With over 38,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 30 production sites, 60 sales and service companies and 27 research and development facilities (status: 30 September 2022). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.
Below: Here’s an idea. Let the dog carry your gear.
