SIG SAUER ZULU6 HDX OIS 16x42mm Schmidt-Pechan Prism Binocular
$1,570.09
Introducing the ZULU6 series of image-stabilized binoculars from SIG SAUER. With its 2-axis gimbal providing razor-sharp optical image stabilization, the ZULU6 compensates for natural human motion providing the clarity of a mounted spotting scope in a handheld, portable package. The ZULU6s lightweight construction, spectracoat, lenshield, and lensarmor technology means that it is ready for any environment. Available in a 10x and 16x magnification, the ZULU6 is guaranteed to provide extreme clarity with unmatched image stability. Specifications for SIG SAUER ZULU6 HDX OIS 16x42mm Schmidt-Pechan Prism Binocular: Manufacturer: SIG SAUER Color: FDE Magnification: 16 x Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm Prism System: Schmidt-Pechan Image Stabilizer: Yes Eye Relief: 14 mm Field of View, Angle: 3.8 degrees Optical Coating: Spectracoat Interpupillary Distance: 56 – 75 mm Close Focus: 8.2 m Diopter Adjustment Range: -3 – 3 dpt Water Resistance Level: IPX-4 Length: 7.1 in Weight: 20 oz Finish: Rubberized Fabric/Material: Polymer Condition: New Package Type: Box Magnification Type: Fixed Width: 4.72 in Overall Length: 7.08 in Features of SIG SAUER ZULU6 HDX OIS 16x42mm Schmidt-Pechan Prism Binocular The Optical Image Stabilization in both modes electronically cancels out shaking and vibration HDX-Glass to enhance light transmission, resolution, and definition afield User selectable modes Scan Mode is designed specifically for scanning and griding terrain Target Mode is designed specifically for locking in on wild game & targets Package Contents: SIG SAUER ZULU6 HDX OIS 16x42mm Schmidt-Pechan Prism Binocular Carrying Bag Strap
Steve S –
Purchased these binoculars specifically for long range glassing. I don't have the steadiest hold and hoped that the Zulu6's motion / optical stabilization would make these binoculars usable while hand held. I was both surprised and impressed the first time I turned on OS; after a brief moment that was slightly disorienting, the scene steadied up and I had no trouble seeing fine details in the distance just as Sig claims in some of its advertising. The optical stabilization is really quite impressive! The binocular optics are clear and sharp. Not as good as Swarovski or Leica of course, but much better than I expected. In terms of size and weight, the Zulu6 is very compact and lighter weight than some of the Canon OS binoculars that one might consider. The Zulu6 comes with a neck strap and a black nylon case (only has a belt loop) in the box.There are a few oddities, however. While the focus knob works smoothly, its placement and texture could be a little better. The battery pod on the bottom of the body interferes a bit with your hold. I also found the interocular distance hard to adjust. The eyepieces are very stiff (probably a good thing to maintain adjustment) so moving them by small increments can be challenging. The diopter rings are either extremely stiff or there is some locking adjustment that I can't find (see my comment about instructions). I use the binoculars with my glasses, so this is not a problem. However, it brings up the issue that, for some reason, Sig does not provide any detailed instructions in the box! (And it isn't just the Zulu6; I didn't get any instructions with my Kilo2400 rangefinder, either!) There is a sketchy "Quick Start" card, but it brings its own oddity. There is a different card packed with the binoculars that warns the user NOT to use a Mg-alkaline battery; this caution is repeated on the Quick Start card. A Li battery is recommended, likely to avoid battery leakage. So when I opened the battery compartment what did I find? Sig shipped the Zulu6 with a Mg-alkaline battery! Finally, when I tried to register my purchase online, there was no listing for the Zulu6 on the registration page. I notified Customer Support, but you'd think that Sig could do better than this.Bottom line: The Zulu6 offers sharp, clear glassing in a compact if unusual form factor at a price that is a price that represents real value. If you need binoculars with Zulu6's specific features (16X mag with stabilized image), I don't think that you'll be disappointed.
Jim –
Big statement and here’s why. I own many binoculars including Leica 10×42 and Canon 15×50 IS. If you haven’t looked through high power IS binoculars you have no idea what you’ve been missing. Sig Zulu6 have good glass are compact and lightweight. They have rock stable IS and good FOV. They are better overall than binos costing a thousand dollars or more than these Zulu6. These will be my go to binos until top makers like Swarovski, Ziess, or Leica can make something that’s better. Wish they will make a Zulu6 PRO model with the sharpest ultra ED glass.
Eli –
I'm upgrading from the Vortex Diamondback HD 12×50. My biggest concern was the low light visibility. I'd say these are on the same level as the diamondbacks during last light. Maybe a small few minute difference but nothing major from what I'm seeing. Glass is great and super crisp. The stabilizing is great and has me moving away from my spotter/tripod, saving me about 8 lbs in my pack.4 stars because of the following. Adjusting the eyepiece width/distance is cumbersome and very tight. The focus know is a bit low profile, making it harder to hit with gloves and the actual switch for stabilizing is a bit small. The way you turn on super stabilizing, you switch it off and back on and check the light to go amber. Would be nice if there was a 3 position switch instead or something along those lines.Other notes: Harness/case is pretty lame. No big deal as most people buy other harnesses anyways. The eye covers are separate and don't have a retention system to attach to the harness as the vortex do. I've already lost 1 of 2 eye pieces.Overall great binos! They exceed expectations at their main feature – stabilization. Just a few small things that could be updated. Otherwise, very usable and effective binos.
ellbender –
Stabilized binos is a small field; I've tried:- Canon 12×36 IS III ~$800- 10×42 L IS ~$1500- and watched reviews of Fuji TS and TS X14x42 $1000-$1350, which say they're similar to the Canon L in optical qualityThe Canon 12×36 glass seems lower quality than the others and, with the much smaller FOV due to 36mm (quadratic instead of linear relation to the radius), the 10×42 L even feels like higher mag.What Sig has accomplished with the Zulu6 16×42 is to bring higher optical quality to the $700 price point as opposed to $1000-$1500. The view is bright & clear (no longer have the L's to compare side by side but no complaints) and stabilization practically lag-free. The older Fuji TS, at least according to Youtube reviews, shows enough lag for the view to move backwards at the end of panning (fixed in the TSX).I quickly got used to the layout of everything; I actually prefer the focus knob being further away from the eyes but that's subjective. The body has a non-slip rubbery feel.As for gripes that might be addressed for a version 2, they're relatively minor:* A springy switch so that it can auto-shutoff if you forget to flick the switch back to Off.* The soft case and strap seem like afterthoughts. You attach the strip using small key rings, which seems more of a DIY solution. My guess is it was borrowed from other designs the (3rd party, I learned) factories already had and slapped the Sig logo on. The bag does not connect to a strap so if you carried it that way, you drop the bag in order to use the binos.* Also, what would a crowd or park ranger think seeing you with a loud "SIG SAUER" strap and logo on the bag? With SIG being a relative newcomer to optics, you'd probably raise some suspicion of packing some heat as opposed to some innocuous glass. For both these reasons, I ended up ordering a harness. I'd suggest a hard case for transport. A cheap strap is fine as harnesses can be expensive but make it symmetrical with a non-logo side, if the log must be present at all. The backside currently shows the back-stitching of the logo.* The eye covers are separate, maybe better to have them attached to each other with a way to string them to the body so they don't get lost. There's also no cover for the far end of the optic so maybe provide a cleaning cloth.
Andrew –
Been using binos in the $250 range for years and was going to upgrade to something in the $1000 range. My cousin talked me into trying out these. They are fantastic. The glass is great and the IS is game changing. Im seeing things I've never viewed because the shake has always been there. Im able to almost instantly count points on bucks with confidence. Very impressed with Sig Sauer, and IS binos in general. Will consider checking out others in the lineup.
Nick –
BEWARE: You will NEVER go back to ordinary binos after glassing with these. I'm so glad I held out for them. The image stabilization is amazing. Zero eye fatigue, great ergonomics, LIGHT weight and great glass quality. I even found my self using them one handed as I was spotting for my buddy. He shot targets between 500 and 1k yards and not only was I able to call his shots perfectly but I could even see the freakin bullets' shockwave as it flew!! These binos are game changers. Can't wait to take them hunting.