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New Gear: ZEISS expands its SFL family of binoculars with the launch of 8x50, 10x50 and 12x50 models
24 April 2025
By James Hamilton
By James Hamilton
ZEISS has introduced a new addition to its celebrated SFL (SmartFocus Lightweight) binocular range: the SFL 50. Designed with discerning nature lovers and serious birdwatchers in mind, this new series promises exceptional optical performance in a remarkably compact and lightweight form. The range includes 8x50, 10x50, and - for the first time - 12x50 models.
Bright Optics, Light Carry
The PR states that the SFL 50 range will be a perfect match for birders seeking premium optics without the weight. Through a refined optical design using slimmer lens elements and optimised spacing, ZEISS has produced a pair of binoculars that are both light and durable, thanks to a rugged magnesium housing.
With 90% light transmission, generous entrance and exit pupils, and ZEISS’s UHD concept, these binoculars excel in low-light conditions, ideal for dawn or dusk observations. The large exit pupil also makes it easier for your eyes to quickly align with the image, allowing for faster target acquisition, even with birds in motion.
Colour Fidelity and Edge-to-Edge Clarity
Vibrant colour tones are indeed crucial in bird identification, and the SFL 50's promise you won’t miss a thing. Using ZEISS’s renowned T multi-coating*, phase-corrected prisms, and extra-low dispersion glass will combine and work together to minimise chromatic aberration and enhance clarity.
Field Flattener Technology and aspherical lenses will also keep the image sharp from centre to edge, while a close focus distance of just 1.8 metres allows you to enjoy everything from nearby butterflies to distant falcons in striking detail.
Designed for Comfort and Control
The SFL 50 isn’t just all about high-performance, they've been thoughtfully designed for comfort and ease of use in the field. The SmartFocus system allows you to move from close focus to infinity in just 1.4 turns, and the focus wheel is ideally positioned for smooth adjustment without overstretching your fingers.
With a weight distribution optimised towards the eyepiece, these binoculars are balanced perfectly in hand for prolonged viewing sessions. LotuTec coatings ensure water and dirt roll off the lenses, while nitrogen filling prevents fogging, whatever the weather throws your way.
Ölmez continued: “With the SFL 50, we’re raising the bar in nature and birdwatching optics: delivering bright, detailed images in a compact format that rivals 42 mm models.”
Final Word From Bird-Watchers.com
It will be interesting to see the difference in progress when we get our hands on a pair for review in the next few weeks, but given we already reviewed and liked the SFL 8x40 back in 2022, we're excited to see the technology developments first hand. Stay tuned on our socials for more info and updates.
Pricing & Availability
The ZEISS SFL 50 series will be available from 1 May 2025 through authorised specialist retailers:
- SFL 8x50 – £1,850.00
- SFL 10x50 – £1,900.00
- SFL 12x50 – £1,950.00
🦉 Learn more at: zeiss.com/nature/sfl-50
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