Zeiss West Germany 7X50 B/GA T* (View 1)
Manufacturer/Model: Zeiss West Germany 7X50 B/GA T*
Field of View: 7.4 deg = 130 m/1,000 m; APFOV 51.8 deg
Weight: 1200 gr
Exit Pupil: 7.14 mm
Serial #/Year of Manufacture: 1813459 = Probably 1981-85. The model was introduced in 1981.
Notes: The 7X50 B/GAT* (B=suitable for eyeglass wearers and GA=rubber armoured) was introduced by Zeiss West Germany in 1981 with T* anti-reflective multi-coatings, and the model remains in production to this day having been variously named “Marine”, “Nautical” and “ClassiC”. It is the only Porro I and individual focus binocular Zeiss still makes.
The binocular has several interesting features: its compactness, the presence of what look like nitrogen ports at the front of the binocular (see View 2) and objective covers which during viewing are folded back and tucked between the objective barrels. Considering its large size, it is a very comfortable binocular to carry and hold especially when compared to other large 7X50’s such as the Nikon Tropical. I would not be at all surprised to learn that the binocular's objective lenses are air-spaced in order to reduce focal lengths to achieve such compactness. Although apparently nitrogen purged and advertised as a nautical binocular, it is unclear how waterproof it actually is. Nikon’s literature states their Tropical 7X50 is “waterproof up to 5m/16.4 ft for 5 minutes” while Zeiss’ website describes the 7X50 B/GAT* as only “sealed against spray water”. The Zeiss’ unusual-looking attached objective covers (the Tropical has none) fit tightly over the objective lenses and fold back to store nicely and securely between the objective barrels when not required. These are simple but should be effective in wet conditions. The Zeiss’ build quality is very high, but it has been reported that older examples may suffer hazing of the prisms due to out-gassing from sealants and lubricants. This circa earlier 1980’s example although apparently optically excellent does upon careful examination show a little hazing of prisms. The collection’s circa 1960’s Nippon Kogaku (Nikon) 7X50 Tropical shows none. Optical performance of the two binoculars seems similar although the Zeiss’ view is definitely brighter with slightly better color rendition no doubt due to its having a later generation anti-reflective multi-coatings. Under normal daylight conditions both binoculars have exceptional image sharpness, but under low-light conditions the Zeiss is slightly better. The stray light control of both these binoculars as well as that of the Zeiss Dialyt 8X56 B/GA T* is the best in collection.
Revised September 30, 2011.
Note: If you have a vintage binocular you either wish to sell or would just like some information about, I can be contacted at flagorio12@gmail.com .
Zeiss West Germany 7X50 B/GA T* (View 1)
Manufacturer/Model: Zeiss West Germany 7X50 B/GA T*
Field of View: 7.4 deg = 130 m/1,000 m; APFOV 51.8 deg
Weight: 1200 gr
Exit Pupil: 7.14 mm
Serial #/Year of Manufacture: 1813459 = Probably 1981-85. The model was introduced in 1981.
Notes: The 7X50 B/GAT* (B=suitable for eyeglass wearers and GA=rubber armoured) was introduced by Zeiss West Germany in 1981 with T* anti-reflective multi-coatings, and the model remains in production to this day having been variously named “Marine”, “Nautical” and “ClassiC”. It is the only Porro I and individual focus binocular Zeiss still makes.
The binocular has several interesting features: its compactness, the presence of what look like nitrogen ports at the front of the binocular (see View 2) and objective covers which during viewing are folded back and tucked between the objective barrels. Considering its large size, it is a very comfortable binocular to carry and hold especially when compared to other large 7X50’s such as the Nikon Tropical. I would not be at all surprised to learn that the binocular's objective lenses are air-spaced in order to reduce focal lengths to achieve such compactness. Although apparently nitrogen purged and advertised as a nautical binocular, it is unclear how waterproof it actually is. Nikon’s literature states their Tropical 7X50 is “waterproof up to 5m/16.4 ft for 5 minutes” while Zeiss’ website describes the 7X50 B/GAT* as only “sealed against spray water”. The Zeiss’ unusual-looking attached objective covers (the Tropical has none) fit tightly over the objective lenses and fold back to store nicely and securely between the objective barrels when not required. These are simple but should be effective in wet conditions. The Zeiss’ build quality is very high, but it has been reported that older examples may suffer hazing of the prisms due to out-gassing from sealants and lubricants. This circa earlier 1980’s example although apparently optically excellent does upon careful examination show a little hazing of prisms. The collection’s circa 1960’s Nippon Kogaku (Nikon) 7X50 Tropical shows none. Optical performance of the two binoculars seems similar although the Zeiss’ view is definitely brighter with slightly better color rendition no doubt due to its having a later generation anti-reflective multi-coatings. Under normal daylight conditions both binoculars have exceptional image sharpness, but under low-light conditions the Zeiss is slightly better. The stray light control of both these binoculars as well as that of the Zeiss Dialyt 8X56 B/GA T* is the best in collection.
Revised September 30, 2011.
Note: If you have a vintage binocular you either wish to sell or would just like some information about, I can be contacted at flagorio12@gmail.com .