Carl Zeiss Jena NVA 7×40 Illuminator Binoculars: A Closer Look

Introduction

When it comes to high-quality binoculars, the Carl Zeiss Jena NVA 7×40 Illuminator binoculars are a name that stands out. These binoculars were produced by the East German company Carl Zeiss Jena (VEB Carl Zeiss Jena) for use by the National People’s Army (NVA) of East Germany, and they were known for their high-quality optics and rugged construction. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at these binoculars and see if they live up to their reputation.

Optics

The Carl Zeiss Jena NVA 7×40 binoculars have a magnification of 7x, which allows the user to observe distant objects at 7 times the size they appear to the naked eye. They also have 40mm objective lenses, which means that they can gather a lot of light and produce a bright and clear image. The binoculars feature a coated lens which improves image clarity, brightness and the overall image quality.

Build and Durability

The Carl Zeiss Jena NVA 7×40 binoculars were designed for military use and are built to withstand harsh conditions. They feature a durable, rugged housing that is shock-resistant and waterproof. Additionally, they were built to withstand rough usage and handling which makes them suitable for outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking and birdwatching.

Low light performance

One of the most interesting features of these binoculars is the built-in low light level illumination on the reticle, which allows the user to use the binoculars in low light conditions or at night. This is a great feature for those who are into night-time observation, such as stargazing or night hunting. However, it is worth noting that this feature might not provide the most precise or consistent illumination, as it was a feature meant for emergency or low light conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High-quality optics with 7x magnification and 40mm objective lens
• Rugged, shock-resistant and waterproof housing
• Built-in illuminator feature for low light conditions
• Suitable for outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, and birdwatching

Cons:

• Bulky and heavy, which makes them less convenient to carry around
• Low light illuminator feature might not be as precise as other modern binoculars
• Limited availability and may be expensive to find a good pair
• 7x magnification might not be sufficient for some distant observation tasks

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Carl Zeiss Jena NVA 7×40 Illuminator binoculars are a high-quality pair of binoculars that are built to withstand harsh conditions. The optics are excellent, with a 7x magnification, 40mm objective lens and coated lenses, providing a bright and clear image. The built-in illuminator feature is a nice addition that gives these binoculars some versatility in low-light conditions.

However, the weight and bulkiness might be a drawback for some users. If you are looking for a rugged and high-quality pair of binoculars that can withstand rough usage and provide good low light performance, then these binoculars might be a great choice for you, but if you need higher magnification and portability this binoculars might not be the best fit.