50 mm bright. 42 mm light.

ZEISS SFL 50 Binoculars

The ZEISS SFL 50 binoculars offer superior optics in a lightweight and compact design that rivals traditional 42mm models. Available in three options – SFL 8x50, SFL 10x50, and SFL 12x50 – these binoculars deliver exceptional performance without the bulk.

Key Features

Light Weight & Compact Design
  • Optical design devoted to optimal compactness
    -    Reduced lens diameter & thinner lens elements
    -    Minimized distance between lens elements
    -    Schmidt-Pechan prisms for a streamlined design
  • Mechanical design is optimized for light weight and compactness
    -    Compact hinge design adopted from SFL 40
    -    Magnesium housing to contribute to light weight
High Performance Optics with UHD Concept
  • Large entrance & exit pupils combined with 90 % light transmission ensure bright viewing experience especially in low light conditions
  • True-to-life colors provide exceptional color fidelity for accurate identification of wildlife
  • Wide Field of View making it easier to track moving subjects
  • Close Focusing Distance of just 1.8 m allows detailed observation of nearby targets
Perfect Ergonomics
  • SmartFocus Concept features a large focus wheel positioned for optimal accessibility, preventing over-stretching of the focusing finger
  • Quick & Precise focusing for fast adjustments, even when wearing gloves
  • Perfectly balanced in the hands, enabling long and steady observation
  • Smooth and robust eyecups enhance comfort and usability

Optics Deep Dive

What are the benefits of 50 mm optics compared to 42 mm optics?

+45%

more light
Bigger entrance pupil of 50 mm collects 42% more light than a 42 mm lens*

* lens surface comparison

Larger exit pupil enhances observation comfort reduces eye fatigue

ZEISS SFL 8x50

Magnification
8 ×

Field of view (1.000 m)
131 m (393 ft)

Close focusing distance
1.8 m (5.9 ft)

Weight
855 g (30.2 oz)

Length
160 mm (6.3 ")
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ZEISS SFL 10x50

Magnification
10 ×

Field of view (1.000 m)
122 m (366 ft)

Close focusing distance
1.8 m (5.9 ft)

Weight
872 g (30.8 oz)

Length
160 mm (6.3 ")
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ZEISS SFL 12x50

Magnification
12 ×

Field of view (1.000 m)
105 m (315 ft)

Close focusing distance
1.8 m (5.9 ft)

Weight
872 g (30.8 oz)

Length
160 mm (6.3 ")
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Frequently Asked Questions

ZEISS SFL 50 Binoculars

What does SFL mean?

SFL stands for "SmartFocus & Lightweight". "SF" is the abbreviation for "Smart Focus" or "Smart Focus Concept" and contains the perfect positioning of the focusing wheel, which allows quick and precise focusing even with gloves.

"Lightweight" refers to the particularly low weight and the compact size, which allow long-term usage without tiring. With a weight of just 460 g (16.2 oz) for both SFL 30 models, 640 g (22.6 oz) for both SFL 40models and 855 g (30.2 oz) for SFL 8x50 and 872 g (30.8 oz) for SFL 10x50 and SFL 12x50, they are among the lightest binocular models in their class.

Why are the SFL 50 using the Schmidt-Pechan instead of the Abbe-König prism?

The Schmidt-Pechan prism is more compact and lighter than an Abbe-König prism, which is why the Schmidt-Pechan prism is used for all SFL models.

What are the differences between the SFL binoculars and the ZEISS Conquest HDX?

As with all ZEISS binoculars, the HDX and SFL also benefit from the well-known ZEISS premium optics, including high light transmission, ZEISS T* multi-layer coating and LotuTec. Both the Conquest HDX and the SFL come with a durable but lightweight Magnesium housing which is covered by a rubber armoring for great grip.

The SFL family has been design with a focus on compactness and lightweight and is up to 25% lighter than the Conquest HDX family. The ZEISS SFL features the outstanding UHD optic concept in a very compact and lightweight body. Compared to the HD concept, the UHD concept offers an even better image and larger field of view. Additionally, the ZEISS SFLs are featured with the SmartFocus concept that offers an ergonomic finger position for tireless long-term observation.

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