Let me first say that I understand these are made in China and was not expecting much in terms of materials/construction quality
I bought these for the glass and Zeiss design.
However, I was not expecting the composite body construction to be so weak, that the strap eyelet would so easily break off during normal use.
Yes, these feel like expensive Zeiss binoculars in your hands. The weight is due to the nice Schott ED glass. That same glass also makes for a bright, sharp view.
However, what Zeiss did was to effectively take a set of child's toy binoculars you'd find at a dollar store (as in a party pack of 3 binoculars for $1) and set some nice glass into it.... and then cut corners on the production of the original toy binoculars to make even more profit.
In a pinch, needing to use our binoculars, I used superglue to repair and reinforce the eyelet which disintegrated in 3 places (once it starts to break, it crumbles apart). Luckily it binds well to standard liquid superglue.
When I got home, I contacted Zeiss customer service and reported the issue in depth. i wanted to know how to avoid having the other eyelet break. I wanted to know if this was defect or (intentional cheap) design. I wanted to let them know that their overseas operations are potentially detracting from their reputation.
I received a response from a representative that simply told me to send it in for repair. I hesitate to do this because I'm sure the next unit will have the same problem. The construction is just that cheap.
These get 0 stars for the build quality, 5 stars for the glass/design... and rounded down to two stars for the lack of interest by Zeiss customer service for their defective product.
If you decide to buy these, I recommend either not using the straps, or reinforcing the eyelets with superglue.
Or maybe consider modifying the eyelets to replace them with a stronger alternative from some nice toy binoculars.
I attached some pictures that will show you the break and a surefire way to reinforce the eyelets with superglue.. you can use a sharpie to darken in the white glue.
edit: 9/21/2017
After using these for some time, I have to say that we're very pleased with them. The superglue on the eyelets held up.
The bright, sharp view, comfort, and ease of getting something into focus pretty quickly has been fantastic. I think overall we are satisfied with the value and I have brought it up +1 star.
Even now, I can't say I would recommend them to anyone, but I would definitely buy if I stumbled across a (discounted) used pair of these binoculars in good condition!
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js
Eyelet broke on first use - Made in China
Reviewed in the United States on 27 January 2017Size: 10 X 42Colour: BlackVerified Purchase
Eyelet broke on first use - Made in China
Reviewed in the United States on 27 January 2017
Let me first say that I understand these are made in China and was not expecting much in terms of materials/construction qualityReviewed in the United States on 27 January 2017
I bought these for the glass and Zeiss design.
However, I was not expecting the composite body construction to be so weak, that the strap eyelet would so easily break off during normal use.
Yes, these feel like expensive Zeiss binoculars in your hands. The weight is due to the nice Schott ED glass. That same glass also makes for a bright, sharp view.
However, what Zeiss did was to effectively take a set of child's toy binoculars you'd find at a dollar store (as in a party pack of 3 binoculars for $1) and set some nice glass into it.... and then cut corners on the production of the original toy binoculars to make even more profit.
In a pinch, needing to use our binoculars, I used superglue to repair and reinforce the eyelet which disintegrated in 3 places (once it starts to break, it crumbles apart). Luckily it binds well to standard liquid superglue.
When I got home, I contacted Zeiss customer service and reported the issue in depth. i wanted to know how to avoid having the other eyelet break. I wanted to know if this was defect or (intentional cheap) design. I wanted to let them know that their overseas operations are potentially detracting from their reputation.
I received a response from a representative that simply told me to send it in for repair. I hesitate to do this because I'm sure the next unit will have the same problem. The construction is just that cheap.
These get 0 stars for the build quality, 5 stars for the glass/design... and rounded down to two stars for the lack of interest by Zeiss customer service for their defective product.
If you decide to buy these, I recommend either not using the straps, or reinforcing the eyelets with superglue.
Or maybe consider modifying the eyelets to replace them with a stronger alternative from some nice toy binoculars.
I attached some pictures that will show you the break and a surefire way to reinforce the eyelets with superglue.. you can use a sharpie to darken in the white glue.
edit: 9/21/2017
After using these for some time, I have to say that we're very pleased with them. The superglue on the eyelets held up.
The bright, sharp view, comfort, and ease of getting something into focus pretty quickly has been fantastic. I think overall we are satisfied with the value and I have brought it up +1 star.
Even now, I can't say I would recommend them to anyone, but I would definitely buy if I stumbled across a (discounted) used pair of these binoculars in good condition!
Images in this review
Steve G
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Feels solid as if it was a more expensive product....but with issues
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The optics are very good, especially for the price
Reviewed in the United States on 15 August 2017Size: 10 X 42Colour: BlackVerified Purchase
