Press release

ZEISS SFL®40 – The New Compact Binocular from ZEISS

ZEISS introduces a new pair of binoculars featuring maximum optical performance with a particularly low weight and compact design – for special hunting moments with new lightness
31 March 2022

Oberkochen, Germany | 31 March 2022 | ZEISS Consumer Products

ZEISS is introducing the ZEISS SFL 40, the newest member of the ZEISS SF line of binoculars. The ZEISS SFL (SmartFocus and Lightweight) stands out for exceptional optical performance combined with a compact design and low weight. The new binoculars come in two models, the ZEISS SFL 8x40 and the ZEISS SFL 10x40.

Our new ZEISS SFL 40 allows users to experience special hunting moments with particular lightness by combining the advantages of high-performance binoculars with the compact design of smaller binoculars.

Tammo Lueken Head of Category Management Hunting at ZEISS

Lightweight and Compact Design

“Especially when on long hunts in challenging terrain and stalk, all the equipment you need can become a burden and every gram adds up,” Lueken explained. “That’s why our primary goal was to develop binoculars that deliver impressive hunting experiences not only because of their light weight and compact size, but also thanks to their perfect image quality.” Thanks to the reduced lens diameter, the use of thinner and more closely spaced lens elements, and the rugged and durable magnesium housing, the ZEISS SFL 40 is an exceptionally lightweight yet reliable companion on the hunt.

Color Fidelity and Sharpness of Detail – Thanks to New UHD Concept

The ultra-high-definition (UHD) concept ensures that the binoculars deliver the highest level of detail and reproduce colors with natural fidelity thanks to a special coating and an improved optical design. The high degree of light transmission and the T* multicoating deliver an accurate image, even in twilight conditions. With a field of view of up to 140 meters at a distance of 1,000 meters and a closest focusing distance of 1.5 meters, the binoculars deliver a perfect overview both from a distance and at close range. “Combining high image resolution and immense detail recognition, the ZEISS SFL allows to identify even the smallest features and to target the game confidently”, Lueken reported. This is complemented by the LotuTec® coating on the lenses, which guarantees a clear view even in rain and mud thanks to its beading effect.

Press photos

  • A person in outdoor gear holds a ZEISS binocular and a rifle while standing in a frosty field surrounded by tall grass.

    The new ZEISS SFL offers a comfortable, immersive viewing experience for all hunters.

    Download image (2 MB)
  • Black ZEISS SFL 8x40 binoculars with a central focus wheel and blue ZEISS logo on a white reflective surface.

    The ZEISS SFL 40 provides exceptional optical performances combined with a compact and lightweight design.

    Download image (1 MB)
  • Black ZEISS binoculars with a sleek, modern design and a ZEISS logo on the side, shown against a white background.

    With the new ZEISS SFL 40, the optics manufacturer is presenting a new member of its SF binocular family.

    Download image (683 KB)

Simple, Intuitive Operation with Perfect Ergonomics

“When observing during the hunt, sometimes even a few seconds can be crucial in order not to miss the game. That’s why it’s so important that users can operate the binoculars intuitively and easily,” Lueken added. Thanks to the proven SmartFocus concept and the ideally positioned focusing wheel, users can focus quickly and precisely, even when wearing gloves. In combination with the improved eyecups and the very large exit pupil in relation to the binoculars’ compact size, the ZEISS SFL delivers a comfortable viewing experience, even in twilight. “The new ZEISS SFL thus offers a comfortable, immersive viewing experience for all hunters,” concluded Lueken.

Availability & Pricing

The ZEISS SFL 8x40 and 10x40 will be available from specialist dealers starting in July 2022.

More information about the ZEISS SFL models, please visit www.zeiss.com/hunting/sfl.

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About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology company in the optics and optoelectronics industry. The ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling around 11 billion euros in its four segments Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (updated: 30 September 2024).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces, and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for life sciences and materials research, as well as medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Industry 4.0 as well as a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping technological progress and, through its solutions, is extending the horizon of the world of optics and associated areas. ZEISS' significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 14% of its revenue in research and development work – ZEISS has a long tradition of high expenditure in these areas. This also represents the company's investment in the future.

With more than 46,555 employees, ZEISS operates in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service sites, 40 research and development sites and 35 production sites worldwide (as of 31 March 2025). The headquarters of the company, which was founded in Jena in 1846, is located in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of Germany’s largest foundations committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

About Photonics & Optics

ZEISS, a leading provider of optical and optoelectronic technologies, brings together business units outside of its segments in the strategic business urea of Photonics & Optics, based in Oberkochen and Jena. This area offers customers worldwide a wide range of optical and photonic technologies in highly specialized markets: Mobile Imaging, Hunting & Nature, Cinematography, Microoptics, Spectroscopy, Planetarium, and Simulation Projection Solutions. By bringing these various business areas together under one roof, ZEISS creates a home for these highly specialized businesses, allowing them to focus entirely on their technology and market development and the success of their customers.