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The Swarovski CL Pocket 8x25 and Zeiss Terra ED Pocket 8x25, a review

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#51 Pinac

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Posted 20 March 2016 - 12:32 PM

"Victory 25" is the 10x model (10x25, the other Victory is 8x20).

 

If I had to choose between the 10x25 Victory and the Terra 8x25: I would take the Terra (actually: you could buy 2 Terras for the price of the Victory).

The Victory is very well built and everything, but I definitely prefer a 3mm EP over a 25mm EP. And my guess is that in many situations, you will actually see more in the 8x Terra than in a 10x Victory.

 

The 32 EL SV is a completely different story: very different in price, image quality, performance, everything. But it is clearly bigger than the 8x25, so if it has to be as small as possible (does it really???), the 8x25 is better suited.



#52 hakann

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Posted 20 March 2016 - 01:20 PM

Thank's.

 

I guess then it will be the Terra 8X25 over the 10X25 Victory, as magX might be better and the price, but I'm tempted to give a second thought to get what I really want the EL 32, guess 8X.

The Terra 25 is more compact of course but if the 32 give me more I might go there but price is high.

On the Terra price it's modest.

I will need to test them and hold them.

Would the 32 mm give me some DSO astronomy if I'm at high altitude, or should I see it as a search bino more or less to locate constellations ?

I know of all bino under 50-60 mm is to be concider a compromise, but size do matter here.



#53 Erik Bakker

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Posted 20 March 2016 - 03:12 PM

The Zeiss Victory 10x25 is where Zeiss was 15 years ago and now being made in Hungary. The Zeiss Terra ED 8x25 and 10x25 is where Zeiss is now and they are made in Japan.

 

The Victory 8x are 20mm, the Terra ED 8x are 25mm.

 

At half the price, the choice is a no-brainer, except if you are really fond of the asymmetrical 1 hinge design of the Victory Compacts. I kind of like that, but optically prefer the Terra ED Pockets.



#54 hakann

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Posted 20 March 2016 - 04:40 PM

Erik !

 

I will test out and see where it will leads, the Terra 8X25 is a nice price and seems like a great deal. My guess far from the EL 32 mm but both might be pockets but 1 is a real pocket and a 'pocket-price' too ! 



#55 hakann

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Posted 21 March 2016 - 12:10 PM

I talked to my bino guy and seller in Sweden and he said forget about the Zeiss Terra 25 mm direct.

Here is what he told me ;
Forget about the Terra as they is not made in Europe and had really bad test results. When it comes to their Victory 25mm I believe it the weakest quality compared whit  Swarovski CL-Pocket and Leica Trinovid and Ultravid so that should not be used if I was you ( talked of own experience ) because I has own a Victory 8x20 that I was not 100% pleased whit.
My advice is Swarovski CL-pocket 8x25 or 10x25. Optical they are in sale class as Leica Ultravid but are easy to get in focus and has better end sharpness. It's the best compact I look into.
A Leica you will Think over if you like a small premium bino as possible. Very smooth to use.
If you like a 30mm you should get a Swarovski CL-companion.

Note ; I guess and know he really like the Swarro EL 32 mm.



#56 Erik Bakker

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Posted 21 March 2016 - 01:44 PM

Some people have different ideas about binoculars than others I guess  :scratchhead:

 

So make sure you try them yourself in person to find out how they fit you and your needs.



#57 Jerry Barnett

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Posted 21 March 2016 - 07:38 PM

As I read the last several posts, I am vacationing at the Oregon coast and brought both my 8x25 Zeiss Terra and my 8x42 Leica Ultravid HD binos. After a side by side, all I can say is the little Terra's give the Ultravid's a bit of a run for their money. In low light, the Zeiss are no match for the Leica's but in bright daylight they actually give up very little, if any in terms of clarity and color saturation. The field of view is smaller in the Zeiss but other than that, daylight objects are quite similar in appearance. The little Zeiss really represent an excellent value in a high quality, compact binocular. YMMV but I am quite pleased with these gems and one will be hard pressed to find a better optic at their price point.  



#58 SandyHouTex

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Posted 22 March 2016 - 10:40 AM

The Zeiss Victory 10x25 is where Zeiss was 15 years ago and now being made in Hungary. The Zeiss Terra ED 8x25 and 10x25 is where Zeiss is now and they are made in Japan.

 

The Victory 8x are 20mm, the Terra ED 8x are 25mm.

 

At half the price, the choice is a no-brainer, except if you are really fond of the asymmetrical 1 hinge design of the Victory Compacts. I kind of like that, but optically prefer the Terra ED Pockets.

These Zeiss Terras look suspiciously like the Zenrays and the Zenrays are made in China:

 

http://www.midwayusa...oof-prism-black

 

They Zenrays, and their clones can be had for $200 in the 8X42.

 

For the record, I own some Celestron Trailmasters in 8X42, which are Zenray clones, and they have no distortion, no chromatic abberation, and are sharp in the center and the edge.  So they are awesome binoculars and my most used.  They're also half what Zeiss chargers for their Terras.


Edited by SandyHouTex, 22 March 2016 - 10:43 AM.


#59 Mark9473

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Posted 22 March 2016 - 03:12 PM

Did you intend to link to the ZenRay's?  :question:

 

BTW there's no mystery around the fact that the 32 and 42 mm Terras are also made in China. This thread is about the 25 mm.


Edited by Mark9473, 22 March 2016 - 03:14 PM.


#60 hakann

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Posted 22 March 2016 - 05:21 PM

I got it pretty clear the Terra is China made for Zeiss, just look at price. Not Japan as it's told here.
Ok they can still be a nice pocket deal for a nice price.
I will test them, but I think I will get the EL 32 mm 8X anyway later on.
They will NOT beat them, but ok very pricy for a 32 mm and I know in astronomy all will say worthless vs price but I will use them daylight too, but little pricy for trek abroud in country's whit thives all over.

Edited by hakann, 22 March 2016 - 08:38 PM.


#61 Erik Bakker

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Posted 22 March 2016 - 07:06 PM

Please stick to the facts and share personal, first hand experience to keep Cloudy Nights a reliable source of information and an enjoyable place to be   :waytogo:

 

The Zeiss Terra ED Pocket 8x25 and 10x25 are currently made in Japan. The Zeiss Terra  32 and 42 ED's are currently made in China. Image quality is different, as can be seen by anybody who tries them in person and compares them side-side. 



#62 Jerry Barnett

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Posted 22 March 2016 - 08:20 PM

Erik is absolutely spot on. The Terra 8x25 ED and 10x25 ED Pocket models are, indeed, made in Japan. Their larger 32mm and 42mm ED cousins are made in China. While I cannot personally vouch for the optical quality of the larger Terra models, I can assure you that the 8X25 ED's are superb.  



#63 hakann

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Posted 22 March 2016 - 08:37 PM

Erik.
I got this information from my Zeiss dealer, so sorry if that was incorrect info. But many today day say China is leaders in optics even so for a marginal price.
If they almost beat a Lecia 42 mm they must be pretty good.

#64 Pinac

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Posted 23 March 2016 - 01:34 AM

Erik is absolutely spot on. The Terra 8x25 ED and 10x25 ED Pocket models are, indeed, made in Japan. Their larger 32mm and 42mm ED cousins are made in China. While I cannot personally vouch for the optical quality of the larger Terra models, I can assure you that the 8X25 ED's are superb.  

 

The larger China made Terras are "well rounded mid-level" binos and clearly target the middle class market, also in terms of price; there, they compete well, as far as I know, but to a large extent due to their brand image (other similarly priced well made glasses like the MeoPro offer more optical performance).

 

The smaller japanese Terras seem to aim higher, also price-wise. Compared to most of the 8x25 competiton, they are more expensive but also optically better and compete well and may take market away even from more expensive models like the Swaro. Will have to see where this leads, certainly interesting that Zeiss went from China to Japan (Kamakura??) to make the small Terras.



#65 SandyHouTex

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Posted 24 March 2016 - 10:41 AM

Did you intend to link to the ZenRay's?  :question:

 

BTW there's no mystery around the fact that the 32 and 42 mm Terras are also made in China. This thread is about the 25 mm.

Someone said the Terra's were made in Japan and I don't think they are.

 

Here's a link to the Celestron Trailseeker's which I own and believe are really Zenrays:

 

http://www.celestron...8x42-binoculars

 

I picked them up for $169 recently.


Edited by SandyHouTex, 24 March 2016 - 10:41 AM.


#66 SandyHouTex

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Posted 24 March 2016 - 10:43 AM

Please stick to the facts and share personal, first hand experience to keep Cloudy Nights a reliable source of information and an enjoyable place to be   :waytogo:

 

The Zeiss Terra ED Pocket 8x25 and 10x25 are currently made in Japan. The Zeiss Terra  32 and 42 ED's are currently made in China. Image quality is different, as can be seen by anybody who tries them in person and compares them side-side. 

I was relating my own personal, first hand experiences.  What's the issue?



#67 Mark9473

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Posted 24 March 2016 - 10:54 AM

 

Did you intend to link to the ZenRay's?  :question:

 

BTW there's no mystery around the fact that the 32 and 42 mm Terras are also made in China. This thread is about the 25 mm.

Someone said the Terra's were made in Japan and I don't think they are.

 

Here's a link to the Celestron Trailseeker's which I own and believe are really Zenrays:

 

http://www.celestron...8x42-binoculars

 

I picked them up for $169 recently.

 

 

You keep coming back to the 42 mm. YES they are made in China. Not the 25 mm though !! Please read the other posts.



#68 SandyHouTex

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Posted 24 March 2016 - 10:56 AM

 

 

Did you intend to link to the ZenRay's?  :question:

 

BTW there's no mystery around the fact that the 32 and 42 mm Terras are also made in China. This thread is about the 25 mm.

Someone said the Terra's were made in Japan and I don't think they are.

 

Here's a link to the Celestron Trailseeker's which I own and believe are really Zenrays:

 

http://www.celestron...8x42-binoculars

 

I picked them up for $169 recently.

 

 

You keep coming back to the 42 mm. YES they are made in China. Not the 25 mm though !! Please read the other posts.

 

 

 

 

Did you intend to link to the ZenRay's?  :question:

 

BTW there's no mystery around the fact that the 32 and 42 mm Terras are also made in China. This thread is about the 25 mm.

Someone said the Terra's were made in Japan and I don't think they are.

 

Here's a link to the Celestron Trailseeker's which I own and believe are really Zenrays:

 

http://www.celestron...8x42-binoculars

 

I picked them up for $169 recently.

 

 

You keep coming back to the 42 mm. YES they are made in China. Not the 25 mm though !! Please read the other posts.

 

I have thank you.

 

I would like to add that country of origin for Zeiss is a sticky wicket.  Two years ago I bought and still own some Zeiss Conquest HDs.  The box, which I still have, says "Made in Germany".  People here on Cloudy Nights assured me they were either:

 

1. Made in Hungary

2. Assembled in Germany from parts made in China.

3. Only had 10% German parts in them.

 

That's why I mentioned the larger Zeiss Terra origins.  If someone own's them, and it appears that someone does, they can post about it.

 

Why are some of you so touchy?  Did I accidently get into the "Refractor" forum and say something negative about an Astro-Physics refractor?   :lol:


Edited by SandyHouTex, 24 March 2016 - 11:01 AM.


#69 Erik Bakker

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Posted 24 March 2016 - 10:57 AM

So that settles the country of origin discussion  :flowerred:

 

We'll have to see where they will be made in the future though. 



#70 Pinac

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Posted 24 March 2016 - 10:59 AM

Someone said the Terra's were made in Japan and I don't think they are.

 

 

 

Well, hmm - regarding the 25 models, there is a clear mark "Japan" on the inner side of the left tube, so the "someone" who said that is Zeiss ;)

(the 32 and 42 Terras bear an equal mark "China", so that's clear, too, I think ...)



#71 Mark9473

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Posted 24 March 2016 - 01:29 PM

 

I would like to add that country of origin for Zeiss is a sticky wicket.  Two years ago I bought and still own some Zeiss Conquest HDs.  The box, which I still have, says "Made in Germany".  People here on Cloudy Nights assured me they were either:

 

1. Made in Hungary

2. Assembled in Germany from parts made in China.

3. Only had 10% German parts in them.

 

None of those three, as far as I understood from numerous posts on BirdForum. ;-)

The Zeiss Conquest HD are made in Germany (it says so on the item) but are rumoured to use Japanese parts made by Kamakura. That's a very respectable manufacturer actually. What exactly Zeiss still do in Germany, is of course not known.



#72 Erik Bakker

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Posted 25 March 2016 - 10:09 AM

Here is a close-up of the underside of my Zeiss Terra ED Pocket 8x25's, where you can clearly see "Japan" marking standing out in relief from the rubber armor at the top right of the picture. This should resolve the country of origin discussion for these particular Zeiss 25mm binoculars.

 

L1060883.jpg



#73 SandyHouTex

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Posted 25 March 2016 - 12:47 PM

 

 

I would like to add that country of origin for Zeiss is a sticky wicket.  Two years ago I bought and still own some Zeiss Conquest HDs.  The box, which I still have, says "Made in Germany".  People here on Cloudy Nights assured me they were either:

 

1. Made in Hungary

2. Assembled in Germany from parts made in China.

3. Only had 10% German parts in them.

 

None of those three, as far as I understood from numerous posts on BirdForum. ;-)

The Zeiss Conquest HD are made in Germany (it says so on the item) but are rumoured to use Japanese parts made by Kamakura. That's a very respectable manufacturer actually. What exactly Zeiss still do in Germany, is of course not known.

 

Exactly.



#74 MagisterM

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Posted 28 April 2016 - 02:51 AM

Not pleased with the Zeiss 8x25 Terra ED.

 

I purchased the Zeiss Terra ED 8x25 today based on the review on this thread. Sad to say, I was underwhelmed. I have a Nikon 10x25 HGL (LXL) compact and that binocular must've spoiled me with it razor sharpness. I understand it is not an equal comparison both on price and magnification, but surely they should be much closer considering the Nikons are only 200ish bucks more (due to build quality and materials e.g. magnesium vs. polycarbonate fiber shell)

 

The visual rendering through this binocular is puzzling across the field. If you get the center sharp the the circular area 20-30 percent around the center was just a tad soft. I thought it was my eyes playing tricks on me, so I focused the center and them move it image up and could see it was the optics and how the Zeiss engineers designed the lens. Whatever they were trying to correct for it left the visuals looking a bit weird. Wonder if there are some aspheric correction lenses involved in this design. Also, the edge wasn't too sharp vs. the Nikons and Chromatic Aberration correction was not up to snuff for me. I have a pair of $50 Olympus 8x25 WPII Trackers (which I bought based on another glowing review) as well and that bino was more pleasing to me than the Terra EDs, especially at that price point. Credit to the Terra ED, they were brighter than the Olympus.

 

All in all, after an indoor test and comparing them to my other binoculars, I've decided to send them back. I am now curious about how the Swarovski 8x25 Pocket CLs will perform.


Edited by MagisterM, 28 April 2016 - 02:52 AM.


#75 Erik Bakker

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Posted 28 April 2016 - 03:51 AM

That is an unusual experience with these binoculars  :scratchhead:

 

In comparison, the Swarovski Pocket CL's have a somewhat easier view to take in, so that may be of benefit to you.

 

As mentioned before in this thread, I tried several samples of the little Terra's and they were all superb. Those were 8x25's. I've only evaluated one pair of the Terra ED 10x25's, which was excellent.




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