Zeiss 7x42 Dialyt Binoculars

Recently back from our 3 month holiday, which included Malaysia/Borneo, United Arab Emirates, UK and Turkey, it was time to test out one of the goodies I bought while overseas in the UK. Perfect 'as new' condition Zeiss 7x42 Dialyt Binoculars, still in their original box with all the original kit, such as case, cleaning gear and info. Don't ask how much I paid, as I must be crazy to do it, but these have been a pair of binoculars that I always regretted not buying when I was younger. Now they are an expensive collectors item that are hard to find, especially in good condition. These were as new!

Now for some information about these wonderful binoculars. This binocular was introduced by Zeiss in 1981 and quickly gained the reputation of being an outstanding performer, even when compared to other members of the Zeiss line. The Zeiss Dialyt 10x40, 8x56 and 7x42 were the most popular and were among the very favourites amongst the birding fraternity. Many are still around today giving the modern day binocular a run for the money, thus earning cult status!


 Later versions were called 'ClassiC', and the Dialyt binoculars were finally discontinued in 2004, when the Zeiss Victory FL binoculars emerged.

Its 7x42 body appears tall for a 42mm binocular, a result of Abbe-Koenig type prisms which build long, but, in contrast to the more compact Schmidt-Pechan type, fold the light-cone by total internal reflection only. Consequently, they do not require any mirror-coating at which light would get lost, making an exceptionally bright image when compared to other roof-prism designs of that time. Since 1988, the phase-correction coating (also called P-coating) was implemented, which shifted the level of contrast (much sharper images and finer detail) to that of the better Porro prism binoculars.







If buying Zeiss Dialyt binoculars keep an eye out for the T* and more expensive T*P* markings.  T* standing for Anti-reflective Multicoatings and  P* standing for Phase Correcting Coated Prisms.

 

 
 
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS



Rubber Armored Roof Prism , Centre Focus , with Right diopter


7x magnification


42mm objective lenses


Exit Pupil:  6mm


Weight:  28 ozs/800 grams


Height:  7.5 inches/190 mm


Width:  5 inches/125 mm ( at 67mm IPD setting )


Eye Relief: 19mm


Twilight Factor:  17.1


T.F.O.V:  8.6 degrees -  450 feet at 1000 yds/150 meters at 1000 meters 


Minimum Focus:  11.5 ft/3.5 meters

Waterproof:  YES according to Zeiss  (NO according to conventional design)


Nitrogen Purged:  NO

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 So how did I find them when I tried them out this morning for some local birding? I think this critic's review sums it up best.
 
"The Zeiss 7x42 Dialyt is applauded as a phenomenon in birding binoculars. Compare its specifications against any of the best, and you'll come away with one conclusion: if you're comfortable with a 7x magnification, it would be hard to find a better performer in the world. T* anti-reflective multicoatings and P* prism phase coatings combine to provide stellar sharpness, contrast and color fidelity. The look of Zeiss glass is distinctive-brilliant, cool coloring with razorlike deliniation. From their ultrawide view of 8.6 degrees to their impressive close focusing distance, to their easily held shape, this birding binocular is a purist's delight."