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Zeiss Victory RF 10 X 45 T*
Click to see price at B&H
The Zeiss Victory RF 10 X 45 T* rangefinder binoculars are moderate in size, but on the heavy side due to the 45mm objectives. (1045g as actually weighed).
Regrettably I did not have a CR2 battery available, and so I did not test the rangefinder capability, though the push buttons are obvious enough.
Image quality is high under most conditions, which is to say better than most binoculars I’ve used prior to 2010.
However,the model I tested did not carry the FL designation. The FL designation is important; the fluorite crystal lenses eliminate color fringing.
I observed moderately strong color fringing (red/cyan) when viewing high contrast subjects, along with a view that did not have the same crispness as the Zeiss FL models I also review here on this site. My recommendation is to seek out binoculars which have fluorite or similar color correction which adds to the cost, but is worth it.
Bottom line is that I was not satisfied with the image quality delivered by these binoculars, especially in comparison to the outstanding Swarovski EL 10X42.
Veiling flare
Like the other Zeiss Victory models, there can be some veiling flare reminiscent of one lens element when bright light strikes the front lenses. This reduces contrast into dark areas, which effectively reduces the ability to see into dark corners. See the flare notes on the review page for the Victory T* FL 8 X 32 binocular.
Eye relief
See my notes on the Victory T* FL 8 X 32 binocular for more on eye relief. I found that the eye relief was not to my linking, as I prefer a minimum of 16mm. With 15.0mm of eye relief, it takes more effort to use the binoculars.
Veiling flare
See my notes on the Zeiss Victory FL T* 8 X 32 binoculars. The same issue applies, which is a disappointment. Any flare at all reduces the ability to see into dark areas.
Eye relief
See my notes on the Victory T* FL 8 X 32 binocular for more on eye relief .
The 15.0mm eye relief is too little for my taste; it requires too much viewing effort.
Ergonomics
While the weight is not a plus, I found the larger diameter barrels more comfortable to hold than smaller models.
Binoculars at B&H Photo:
