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ZEISS VICTORY POCKET 10×25 Binoculars Review

February 10, 2023 by Piergiovanni Salimbeni

SUMMARY

Toggle
  • PREMISE
  • TECHNICAL DATA DECLARED BY THE PARENT COMPANY
  • AVAILABLE FORMATS
  •  
  • ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED
  • MECHANICS AND FOCUSING SYSTEM
  •  OPTICS
    •  Goals
    • Eyepieces
    • Prisms
    • Anti-reflective treatments
  • CHROMATIC ABERRATIONS 
    • Chromatic aberration at the center of the field
    • Lateral chromatism
  • GEOMETRIC ABERRATIONS
    • Field curvature
    • Angular distortion
    • Other aberrations in astronomical use
  • USAF CHART TEST AT 35 METERS
  • REFLECTIONS, GHOST IMAGES
  • FIELD TEST
    • Birdwatching
    • Landscape observation
    • Twilight observation
  • PROS AND CONS
    • Merits
    • Defects
  •  
  • IN SUMMARY
  • PRICE AND WARRANTY
  • THANKS
  • DISCLAIMER
  • PREMISE
  • TECHNICAL DATA DECLARED BY THE PARENT COMPANY
  • AVAILABLE FORMATS
  •  
  • ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED
  • MECHANICS AND FOCUSING SYSTEM
  •  OPTICS
    •  Goals
    • Eyepieces
    • Prisms
    • Anti-reflective treatments
  • CHROMATIC ABERRATIONS 
    • Chromatic aberration at the center of the field
    • Lateral chromatism
  • GEOMETRIC ABERRATIONS
    • Field curvature
    • Angular distortion
    • Other aberrations in astronomical use
  • USAF CHART TEST AT 35 METERS
  • REFLECTIONS, GHOST IMAGES
  • FIELD TEST
    • Birdwatching
    • Landscape observation
    • Twilight observation
  • PROS AND CONS
    • Merits
    • Defects
  •  
  • IN SUMMARY
  • PRICE AND WARRANTY
  • THANKS
  • DISCLAIMER

PREMISE

I already had the pleasure of presenting you, about six years ago, the review of the Zeiss Victory Pocket 8×25, while in November 2020 I proposed to you, with the same format, a reportage at the Reserve Brabbia Natural Marsh. However, some readers passionate about “compactness” have suggested that I write an in-depth review of the 10×25 model. For this reason, thanks to the collaboration of Handbooks, I had the pleasure of using these small but excellent binoculars for a few weeks, which I am often happy to tell you about, and which are capable of surprising owners of binoculars with much larger diameters. 
It costs 899 (Bignami's suggested price – February 2023), and benefits from a ten-year warranty.

Before starting I suggest you to Subscribe to the YouTube channel for free   and come visit me on:

https://www.binomania.it/phpBB3/index.php 
The official forum since 2010
https://www.facebook.com/binomania
The official page of Binomania
https://www.facebook.com/groups/termicienotturni
The group dedicated to night vision and camera traps
https://www.facebook.com/groups/binocoli
The group for lovers of binoculars, spotting scopes and astronomical telescopes
https://www.instagram.com/optics_reviews/
My Instagram page 
https://twitter.com/binomanianews
All the news on Twitter
https://www.termicienotturni.it
The website dedicated to reviews of optical and digital night vision instruments

 

TECHNICAL DATA DECLARED BY THE PARENT COMPANY

Model

ZEISS VICTORY POCKET 

Enlargement

10x

Lenses (mm)

25

Exit pupil (mm)

2.5

Eye relief (mm)

17

Twilight value

16.5

Minimum focusing distance (m)

1.9

Actual field of view at 1000 m in meters

105

Apparent field (°)

69° (Classic Formula)

Transmission of Light

ND.

Interpupillary distance

34-74

Diopter adjustment

+-3

Optical hull composition

ND.

Prism Type

Schmidt Pechan Roof Prisms

Waterproofing

Yes, with nitrogen 100 mbar

Operating temperature (°)

-25+63

Dimensions (mm)

112×110

Weight (g)

290

Price (Euro VAT included – Bignami, February 2023) 

899

Warranty

10 years

Reference site

www.bignami.it

 

AVAILABLE FORMATS

The VICTORY POCKET series is available in two sizes: 8×25 and 10×25.

 

ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED

The packaging of these binoculars features the same design (and class) as the entire Victory series.. It is sold in an elegant white case featuring a prominent image of the binoculars. Opening it reveals a naturalistic scene depicting a mother bear and two cubs. Inside, protected by a thick, shock-absorbent material, the binoculars are clearly visible, alongside a small case similar in shape and color to the one used in the Victory SF42 series. The carrying strap is included. The quick guide and lens cleaning cloth are also included. Lens covers are not included.

FIG.1 – The complete and classy packaging of the Victory Pocket

MECHANICS AND FOCUSING SYSTEM

The Zeiss Victory Pocket 10×25 benefits from an asymmetrical bridge that gives it a compact size that can easily fit into a shirt or jacket pocket. Thanks to the use of magnesium alloy my electronic scale estimated a weight of 290 grams. The dimensions are: 112mm in length and 74.8mm at the thickest part of the closure, becoming only 68mm in the area near the lenses.


In my opinion  The asymmetrical bridge allows for greater sturdiness, thanks to the presence of a single zipper and, furthermore, with a little practice it is possible to open and close it with just one hand. The mechanism is very solid and flex-free, better than the one on my economy-class compact binoculars with double hinges that often close due to the sheer force of gravity.
The bridge is very wide, creating a very secure grip. The weight is slightly biased toward the eyepieces. Personally, I found the right comfort by using my little finger and ring finger on the optical tube, my middle finger on the control bridge, and my index finger perfectly aligned with the small focus knob.  

FIG.2 – The single hinge allows for more immediate opening compared to solutions with two hinges

Model

Weight

Dimensions (closed)

VICTORY POCKET 10×25

 1035 g

20x13 cm approx.

         
It is protected by a high-quality rubber armor in "Zeiss black." To maintain the characteristics of the Victory series, it is waterproof up to 100 mbar, filled with nitrogen and capable of operating at temperatures ranging from -25 to +63. The care and quality of the components used are truly TOP OF THE LINE. It is a small optical gem. Even the interior of the tube is excellently designed and I only noticed one slightly bright area, albeit slight near the prisms.
As I mentioned, its shape allows for an excellent grip, which is often not possible with ultra-compact binoculars. It's so comfortable to wear that it sometimes feels like you're looking through 30mm binoculars.

FIG.3 – In this image you can see the focus and dioptric correction


The Zeiss Victory Pocket 10x25 focuses using a small knurled knob. I measured the minimum focusing distance, and it was 190 cm, as stated in the specifications. From this distance, you need to rotate the dial clockwise about one and a quarter turns to reach infinity. Thanks to the minimal distance between the optical tubes and its size, I didn't notice any eye strain even when observing subjects as close as about two meters for extended periods. It's also excellent for nature observation of flowers and butterflies.

The dioptric compensation adjustment mechanism of the right eyepiece is also appreciable. Not a simple ring was inserted into the optical body of the eyepiece, but another wheel on the front part of the bridge. The precision is high and requires much more force when rotating than with the focus knob. This prevents any accidental loss of the adjustment which I remember being +-3.
Both knobs are not big enough to facilitate use with winter gloves but honestly I would have expected a worse performance, also because the central knob is very smooth, free of play and with knurling that makes it easy to use.

 

Model

Minimum focusing distance detected

Direction of rotation

Reaching infinity from the minimum distance

ZEISS VICTORY POCKET 10×25

1.9 metres

hours

About 1 1/4 turns.

 

 OPTICS

 Goals

They are the heart of this little system and have amazed me on every outing. It features high-quality optics called "FL" optics, undoubtedly featuring a blend of fluorite components. Contrast is extremely high, as is sharpness, as you'll see; even in testing with the USAF CHART, it proved to deliver benchmark performance. The color tone is slightly warm, which further accentuates the micro-contrast.

FIG.4 – The objectives that equip the Victory Pocket are excellent

The most demanding enthusiasts who perhaps already own a TOP OF THE RANGE binocular will undoubtedly appreciate its performance which does not decrease even when moving from 8x to 10x. . Another advantage of the Victory Pocket is its light transmission equal to the 91%, which allowed me to observe at twilight better than some mid-priced 32mm binoculars. The lens is recessed into the optical tube by a few millimetres and this allows both excellent protection from bumps and scratches but also excellent glare control in the presence of sunlight in the framed scene.

Eyepieces

I often don't have a great feeling with the eyepieces of compact binoculars: they are too small, they have uncomfortable eyecups that insinuate themselves around the eyelids, pressing on them and giving the impression of being surrounded by the eyepiece. I'm very satisfied with the Victory Pocket's eyepieces. They have a diameter of 32.95 mm, feature a lens hood with a decidedly soft edge, and—for my eyesight—are very comfortable, or at least among the most comfortable, if not the most comfortable, in the compact binocular sector. 
In addition to this they benefit from a wide angle field, forget about the “keyhole” effect with these binoculars, the linear field is in fact 105 m at 1000 metres, or 6 degrees with a consequent apparent field of sixty. The immersion in the scene – to quote my friend Piero Pignatta – is excellent. I measured an interpupillary distance between 35.58 and 73.70 mm, while at 66 mm distance the distance between the eyepieces is 32.38 mm, an optimal value for use even at shorter distances. They provide a wide-angle field. The distance between the field lens and the extracted edge of the lens hood is 12 mm, I had no problem observing with sunglasses even if a less recessed edge of the lens hood would have been even more suitable for spectacle wearers even if perhaps there would have been more problems in managing the lateral light.

FIG.5 – The binoculars are waterproofed and filled with nitrogen

 

Model

Distance between eyepieces with a distance of 66 mm

Victory POCKET 10×25

 32.38 mm

 

Prisms

High quality components were used in this case too: Schmidt Pechan Bak-4 glass prisms. As you can see in this image, the exit pupil is perfectly circular and the edges are very dark except for the two small lateral areas. There is not even any obvious vignetting. 

FIG.6 – The excellent exit pupil, circular and dark

Anti-reflective treatments

The Zeiss Victory Pocket 10×25 benefits from both the well-known ZEISS T* coating  which allows you to obtain contrasting and bright images but also of the LotuTec® protective external coating. Repellent against water, dust, snow and fingerprints, it prevents the agglomeration of water droplets while making it easier to clean the lenses.

 

CHROMATIC ABERRATIONS 

Chromatic aberration at the center of the field

Nothing to complain about. Excellent quality similar to that of its "brothers" Victory SF and HT. Chromatic aberration is remarkably well contained and is really difficult to detect when looking for it in high-contrast situations. 

Lateral chromatism

The lateral chromatism obviously increases moving towards the edges of the field but always remaining minimally invasive. It is perceived as a thin green-purple halo around the edge of the most contrasted subjects such as backlit branches

GEOMETRIC ABERRATIONS

Field curvature

As is well known, the perception of field curvature is partly reduced by each of us's subjective visual compensation.  In daytime use I noticed excellent curvature correction right up to the edges of the field. I'd say all six degrees of field can be used with great satisfaction. Excellent performance!


Angular distortion

There is some pincushion distortion, I would say less than the 5%, but more on man-made objects towards the 75% from the center of the field. While it is not very sensitive to rolling ball effect (see glossary) I also find it very relaxing to use in panning.

 

Other aberrations in astronomical use

When analyzing the stars toward the 90%, you can see a distortion that is almost entirely affected by the curvature of the field. In fact, when refocusing at the edges, you get the impression that the stars are almost as pinpoint as they are at the center. Once again, you can see the great care Zeiss took in crafting these small but high-performance binoculars.

 

FIG.7 – The Victory Pocket provides excellent containment of chromatic and geometric aberrations

 

USAF CHART TEST AT 35 METERS

I tested the Zeiss Victory Pocket 10×25 by mounting it on a photographic tripod with a Berlebach support and observed the USAF CHART located 35 meters away during three time slots of the day. I found that thanks to its excellent sharpness it is able to provide very respectable details, as you can see in the image published below.

This test also revealed excellent containment of chromatic aberration which was almost invisible even in the high contrast areas between the black lines and the white area.

 

 

REFLECTIONS, GHOST IMAGES

The “streetlight” test demonstrated excellent containment of the reflections that are perceived during the day, observing against the light with the sun very close to the framed field. 

 

FIELD TEST

As always, I will cite my experience in the various observational sectors.

Birdwatching

I wouldn't usually recommend such a compact binocular to a birdwatcher, it would be better if he bought, for example, a Zeiss Conquest HD 8×42 or 8×32, but, if a product is excellent, it always performs well within the limits of its format. In fact, the Zeiss Victory Pocket 10×25 is comfortable, bright, displays bright colors, a wide field of view and excellent containment of chromatic aberration. I've observed birds of prey, herons, and even tits that come to feed at the feeders in my garden several times, and I've always been very satisfied with its optical performance. I'm not saying it's comparable to the excellent Zeiss Victory SF 8x32, but if you already own an excellent 10x42 and want to get some satisfaction with a compact instrument, the Victory Pocket will certainly amaze you. Its size allows you to take it with you practically anytime, anywhere, and that's the value. added between being able to observe and not being able to do so.

FIG.9 – The Zeiss Victory Pocket 10×25 during a field test

Observation of the landscape

It's perfect for longer hikes, but also for classic family outings when you can enjoy a stunning view. The ten times of magnification, which is also well-managed thanks to its perfectly designed shape, allow for pleasant observation of distant details, and the well-corrected, wide-angle field completes the extremely satisfying picture I painted during my observations. It's a real pleasure to have 300 grams of quality in my backpack. 

FIG.10 – The perfect panorama for these binoculars

Twilight observation

It's not as bright as the classic 8x56 format, but thanks to the Zeiss coatings and light transmission, it's superior to 10x32 binoculars that cost €250 and that I often use as a backup. In short, considering their diameter, I can confirm that they're very bright.

FIG.11 – Sun, snow, rain, nothing stops these compact binoculars

Astronomical observation

Sure, you'll say: there's very little to observe with such small binoculars. I can't help but agree with you, partly—they are, after all, instruments with 25 mm lenses—but: 

It is sharp, the field of view is appreciable and allows, for example, to see the three stars of Orion's Belt perfectly pinpoint, you can also perceive the M42 Nebula and I was also able to observe Comet Neanderthal, when it was located between Mars and Capella and appeared as a faint nebulous sphere.

The edge-to-edge performance isn't that of a "totally flat field" binocular, but it delivers what I consider to be excellent performance for this particular format. The sharpness during lunar observation is excellent because—I repeat—it often gave me the impression of observing with a 10x30 and not a 10x25.

 

 

PROS AND CONS

Merits

  • Highest quality optics 
  •  Sharp and contrasty
  • Wide angle field
  • Good containment of geometric aberrations at the edges
  • Very bright in its price range
  • Folding bridge with a sturdy and reliable asymmetric joint
  • Lightweight and compact thanks 
  • Minimum focusing distance
  • Excellent smoothness of the knob
  • Ten-year warranty


Defects

  • Top-of-the-range purchase price for compact binoculars
  • The slightly smaller exit pupil makes it a little less relaxing than the 8x25 format and like the 8x version due to the smaller exit pupil
FIG.12 – The Zeiss Victory Pocket 10×25 has proven to be one of the best compact binoculars currently on the market

 

IN SUMMARY

My field test leads me to believe that the ZEISS VICTORY POCKET 10x25, several years after its introduction, remains a benchmark in the compact binocular sector. It is sharp, lightweight, and high in contrast, with a wide field of view and a robust optical body. It is the ideal instrument for the most demanding enthusiasts who perhaps need a compact pair of binoculars to complement their top-of-the-line 42 mm binoculars. It is also excellent for those who want portability as the main focus of their equipment. 

 

PRICE AND WARRANTY


The official price of the Victory Pocket is 899 euros with a ten-year warranty 5

 

THANKS

I thank Achille Berti of Bignami.it– official distributor for Italy of Zeiss products, for providing the specimen used in this test and for giving me the freedom to share my personal impressions in the field.

DISCLAIMER

Binomania is not a store. On my website, you will only find reviews of sports, photographic, and astronomical optical products. My opinions are impartial, as is the duty of any journalist, and I do not take any percentage of any sales from any product purchases. For this reason, if you would like to purchase or have information on any price changes or new products, I recommend visiting the official website. Bignami.it

 

 

PREMISE

I already had the pleasure of presenting you, about six years ago, the review of the Zeiss Victory Pocket 8×25, while in November 2020 I proposed to you, with the same format, a reportage at the Reserve Brabbia Natural Marsh. However, some readers passionate about “compactness” have suggested that I write an in-depth review of the 10×25 model. For this reason, thanks to the collaboration of Handbooks, I had the pleasure of using these small but excellent binoculars for a few weeks, which I am often happy to tell you about, and which are capable of surprising owners of binoculars with much larger diameters. 
It costs 899 (Bignami's suggested price – February 2023), and benefits from a ten-year warranty.

Before starting I suggest you to Subscribe to the YouTube channel for free   and come visit me on:

https://www.binomania.it/phpBB3/index.php 
The official forum since 2010
https://www.facebook.com/binomania
The official page of Binomania
https://www.facebook.com/groups/termicienotturni
The group dedicated to night vision and camera traps
https://www.facebook.com/groups/binocoli
The group for lovers of binoculars, spotting scopes and astronomical telescopes
https://www.instagram.com/optics_reviews/
My Instagram page 
https://twitter.com/binomanianews
All the news on Twitter
https://www.termicienotturni.it
The website dedicated to reviews of optical and digital night vision instruments

 

TECHNICAL DATA DECLARED BY THE PARENT COMPANY

Model

ZEISS VICTORY POCKET 

Enlargement

10x

Lenses (mm)

25

Exit pupil (mm)

2.5

Eye relief (mm)

17

Twilight value

16.5

Minimum focusing distance (m)

1.9

Actual field of view at 1000 m in meters

105

Apparent field (°)

69° (Classic Formula)

Transmission of Light

ND.

Interpupillary distance

34-74

Diopter adjustment

+-3

Optical hull composition

ND.

Prism Type

Schmidt Pechan Roof Prisms

Waterproofing

Yes, with nitrogen 100 mbar

Operating temperature (°)

-25+63

Dimensions (mm)

112×110

Weight (g)

290

Price (Euro VAT included – January 2023) 

899

Warranty

10 years

Reference site

www.bignami.it

 

AVAILABLE FORMATS

The VICTORY POCKET series is available in two sizes: 8×25 and 10×25.

 

ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED

The packaging of these binoculars features the same design (and class) as the entire Victory series.. It is sold in an elegant white case featuring a prominent image of the binoculars. Opening it reveals a naturalistic scene depicting a mother bear and two cubs. Inside, protected by a thick, shock-absorbent material, the binoculars are clearly visible, alongside a small case similar in shape and color to the one used in the Victory SF42 series. The carrying strap is included. The quick guide and lens cleaning cloth are also included. Lens covers are not included.

FIG.1 – The complete and classy packaging of the Victory Pocket

MECHANICS AND FOCUSING SYSTEM

The Zeiss Victory Pocket 10×25 benefits from an asymmetrical bridge that gives it a compact size that can easily fit into a shirt or jacket pocket. Thanks to the use of magnesium alloy my electronic scale estimated a weight of 290 grams. The dimensions are: 112mm in length and 74.8mm at the thickest part of the closure, becoming only 68mm in the area near the lenses.


In my opinion  The asymmetrical bridge allows for greater sturdiness, thanks to the presence of a single zipper and, furthermore, with a little practice it is possible to open and close it with just one hand. The mechanism is very solid and flex-free, better than the one on my economy-class compact binoculars with double hinges that often close due to the sheer force of gravity.
The bridge is very wide, creating a very secure grip. The weight is slightly biased toward the eyepieces. Personally, I found the right comfort by using my little finger and ring finger on the optical tube, my middle finger on the control bridge, and my index finger perfectly aligned with the small focus knob.  

FIG.2 – The single hinge allows for more immediate opening compared to solutions with two hinges

Model

Weight

Dimensions (closed)

VICTORY POCKET 10×25

 290 g

20x13 cm approx.

         
It is protected by a high-quality rubber armor in "Zeiss black." To maintain the characteristics of the Victory series, it is waterproof up to 100 mbar, filled with nitrogen and capable of operating at temperatures ranging from -25 to +63. The care and quality of the components used are truly TOP OF THE LINE. It is a small optical gem. Even the interior of the tube is excellently designed and I only noticed one slightly bright area, albeit slight near the prisms.
As I mentioned, its shape allows for an excellent grip, which is often not possible with ultra-compact binoculars. It's so comfortable to wear that it sometimes feels like you're looking through 30mm binoculars.

FIG.3 – In this image you can see the focus and dioptric correction


The Zeiss Victory Pocket 10x25 focuses using a small knurled knob. I measured the minimum focusing distance, and it was 190 cm, as stated in the specifications. From this distance, you need to rotate the dial clockwise about one and a quarter turns to reach infinity. Thanks to the minimal distance between the optical tubes and its size, I didn't notice any eye strain even when observing subjects as close as about two meters for extended periods. It's also excellent for nature observation of flowers and butterflies.

The dioptric compensation adjustment mechanism of the right eyepiece is also appreciable. Not a simple ring was inserted into the optical body of the eyepiece, but another wheel on the front part of the bridge. The precision is high and requires much more force when rotating than with the focus knob. This prevents any accidental loss of the adjustment which I remember being +-3.
Both knobs are not big enough to facilitate use with winter gloves but honestly I would have expected a worse performance, also because the central knob is very smooth, free of play and with knurling that makes it easy to use.

 

Model

Minimum focusing distance detected

Direction of rotation

Reaching infinity from the minimum distance

ZEISS VICTORY POCKET 10×25

1.9 metres

hours

About 1 1/4 turns.

 

 OPTICS

 Goals

They are the heart of this little system and have amazed me on every outing. It features high-quality optics called "FL" optics, undoubtedly featuring a blend of fluorite components. Contrast is extremely high, as is sharpness, as you'll see; even in testing with the USAF CHART, it proved to deliver benchmark performance. The color tone is slightly warm, which further accentuates the micro-contrast.

FIG.4 – The objectives that equip the Victory Pocket are excellent

The most demanding enthusiasts who perhaps already own a TOP OF THE RANGE binocular will undoubtedly appreciate its performance which does not decrease even when moving from 8x to 10x. . Another advantage of the Victory Pocket is its light transmission equal to the 91%, which allowed me to observe at twilight better than some mid-priced 32mm binoculars. The lens is recessed into the optical tube by a few millimetres and this allows both excellent protection from bumps and scratches but also excellent glare control in the presence of sunlight in the framed scene.

Eyepieces

I often don't have a great feeling with the eyepieces of compact binoculars: they are too small, they have uncomfortable eyecups that insinuate themselves around the eyelids, pressing on them and giving the impression of being surrounded by the eyepiece. I'm very satisfied with the Victory Pocket's eyepieces. They have a diameter of 32.95 mm, feature a lens hood with a decidedly soft edge, and—for my eyesight—are very comfortable, or at least among the most comfortable, if not the most comfortable, in the compact binocular sector. 
In addition to this they benefit from a wide angle field, forget about the “keyhole” effect with these binoculars, the linear field is in fact 105 m at 1000 metres, or 6 degrees with a consequent apparent field of sixty. The immersion in the scene – to quote my friend Piero Pignatta – is excellent. I measured an interpupillary distance between 35.58 and 73.70 mm, while at 66 mm distance the distance between the eyepieces is 32.38 mm, an optimal value for use even at shorter distances. They provide a wide-angle field. The distance between the field lens and the extracted edge of the lens hood is 12 mm, I had no problem observing with sunglasses even if a less recessed edge of the lens hood would have been even more suitable for spectacle wearers even if perhaps there would have been more problems in managing the lateral light.

FIG.5 – The binoculars are waterproofed and filled with nitrogen

 

Model

Distance between eyepieces with a distance of 66 mm

Victory POCKET 10×25

 32.38 mm

 

Prisms

High quality components were used in this case too: Schmidt Pechan Bak-4 glass prisms. As you can see in this image, the exit pupil is perfectly circular and the edges are very dark except for the two small lateral areas. There is not even any obvious vignetting. 

FIG.6 – The excellent exit pupil, circular and dark

Anti-reflective treatments

The Zeiss Victory Pocket 10×25 benefits from both the well-known ZEISS T* coating  which allows you to obtain contrasting and bright images but also of the LotuTec® protective external coating. Repellent against water, dust, snow and fingerprints, it prevents the agglomeration of water droplets while making it easier to clean the lenses.

 

CHROMATIC ABERRATIONS 

Chromatic aberration at the center of the field

Nothing to complain about. Excellent quality similar to that of its "brothers" Victory SF and HT. Chromatic aberration is remarkably well contained and is really difficult to detect when looking for it in high-contrast situations. 

Lateral chromatism

The lateral chromatism obviously increases moving towards the edges of the field but always remaining minimally invasive. It is perceived as a thin green-purple halo around the edge of the most contrasted subjects such as backlit branches

GEOMETRIC ABERRATIONS

Field curvature

As is well known, the perception of field curvature is partly reduced by each of us's subjective visual compensation.  In daytime use I noticed excellent curvature correction right up to the edges of the field. I'd say all six degrees of field can be used with great satisfaction. Excellent performance!


Angular distortion

There is some pincushion distortion, I would say less than the 5%, but more on man-made objects towards the 75% from the center of the field. While it is not very sensitive to rolling ball effect (see glossary) I also find it very relaxing to use in panning.

 

Other aberrations in astronomical use

When analyzing the stars toward the 90%, you can see a distortion that is almost entirely affected by the curvature of the field. In fact, when refocusing at the edges, you get the impression that the stars are almost as pinpoint as they are at the center. Once again, you can see the great care Zeiss took in crafting these small but high-performance binoculars.

 

FIG.7 – The Victory Pocket provides excellent containment of chromatic and geometric aberrations

 

USAF CHART TEST AT 35 METERS

I tested the Zeiss Victory Pocket 10×25 by mounting it on a photographic tripod with a Berlebach support and observed the USAF CHART located 35 meters away during three time slots of the day. I found that thanks to its excellent sharpness it is able to provide very respectable details, as you can see in the image published below.

This test also revealed excellent containment of chromatic aberration which was almost invisible even in the high contrast areas between the black lines and the white area.

FIG:8 – The test with the USAF CHART showed the excellent sharpness of this binocular

 

REFLECTIONS, GHOST IMAGES

The “streetlight” test demonstrated excellent containment of the reflections that are perceived during the day, observing against the light with the sun very close to the framed field. 

 

FIELD TEST

As always, I will cite my experience in the various observational sectors.

Birdwatching

I wouldn't usually recommend such a compact binocular to a birdwatcher, it would be better if he bought, for example, a Zeiss Conquest HD 8×42 or 8×32, but, if a product is excellent, it always performs well within the limits of its format. In fact, the Zeiss Victory Pocket 10×25 is comfortable, bright, displays bright colors, a wide field of view and excellent containment of chromatic aberration. I've observed birds of prey, herons, and even tits that come to feed at the feeders in my garden several times, and I've always been very satisfied with its optical performance. I'm not saying it's comparable to the excellent Zeiss Victory SF 8x32, but if you already own an excellent 10x42 and want to get some satisfaction with a compact instrument, the Victory Pocket will certainly amaze you. Its size allows you to take it with you practically anytime, anywhere, and that's the value. added between being able to observe and not being able to do so.

FIG.9 – The Zeiss Victory Pocket 10×25 during a field test

Observation of the landscape

It's perfect for longer hikes, but also for classic family outings when you can enjoy a stunning view. The ten times of magnification, which is also well-managed thanks to its perfectly designed shape, allow for pleasant observation of distant details, and the well-corrected, wide-angle field completes the extremely satisfying picture I painted during my observations. It's a real pleasure to have 300 grams of quality in my backpack. 

FIG.10 – The perfect panorama for these binoculars

Twilight observation

It's not as bright as the classic 8x56 format, but thanks to the Zeiss coatings and light transmission, it's superior to 10x32 binoculars that cost €250 and that I often use as a backup. In short, considering their diameter, I can confirm that they're very bright.

FIG.11 – Sun, snow, rain, nothing stops these compact binoculars

Astronomical observation

Sure, you'll say: there's very little to observe with such small binoculars. I can't help but agree with you, partly—they are, after all, instruments with 25 mm lenses—but: 

It is sharp, the field of view is appreciable and allows, for example, to see the three stars of Orion's Belt perfectly pinpoint, you can also perceive the M42 Nebula and I was also able to observe Comet Neanderthal, when it was located between Mars and Capella and appeared as a faint nebulous sphere.

The edge-to-edge performance isn't that of a "totally flat field" binocular, but it delivers what I consider to be excellent performance for this particular format. The sharpness during lunar observation is excellent because—I repeat—it often gave me the impression of observing with a 10x30 and not a 10x25.

 

 

PROS AND CONS

Merits

  • Highest quality optics 
  •  Sharp and contrasty
  • Wide angle field
  • Good containment of geometric aberrations at the edges
  • Very bright in its price range
  • Folding bridge with a sturdy and reliable asymmetric joint
  • Lightweight and compact thanks 
  • Minimum focusing distance
  • Excellent smoothness of the knob
  • Ten-year warranty


Defects

  • Top-of-the-range purchase price for compact binoculars
  • The slightly smaller exit pupil makes it a little less relaxing than the 8x25 format and like the 8x version due to the smaller exit pupil
FIG.12 – The Zeiss Victory Pocket 10×25 has proven to be one of the best compact binoculars currently on the market

 

IN SUMMARY

My field test leads me to believe that the ZEISS VICTORY POCKET 10x25, several years after its introduction, remains a benchmark in the compact binocular sector. It is sharp, lightweight, and high in contrast, with a wide field of view and a robust optical body. It is the ideal instrument for the most demanding enthusiasts who perhaps need a compact pair of binoculars to complement their top-of-the-line 42 mm binoculars. It is also excellent for those who want portability as the main focus of their equipment. 

 

PRICE AND WARRANTY


The official price of the Victory Pocket is 899 euros with a ten-year warranty 5

 

THANKS

I thank Achille Berti of Bignami.it– official distributor for Italy of Zeiss products, for providing the specimen used in this test and for giving me the freedom to share my personal impressions in the field.

DISCLAIMER

Binomania is not a store. On my website, you will only find reviews of sports, photographic, and astronomical optical products. My opinions are impartial, as is the duty of any journalist, and I do not take any percentage of any sales from any product purchases. For this reason, if you would like to purchase or have information on any price changes or new products, I recommend visiting the official website. Bignami.it

 

 

Piergiovanni Salimbeni
Piergiovanni Salimbeni

Piergiovanni Salimbeni - Journalist and independent tester, founder of Binomania.co.uk, with over 25 years of experience in evaluating optical and digital instruments. It offers practical reviews and personalised advice for informed purchasing choices.

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