FOGHORN
June 2021 Twobirds Flying Publications
SIG SAUER ZULU6 10x30 Image Stabilized Binoculars
Copyright 2021, Twobirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
SIG SAUER ZULU6 10x30 Image Stabilized Binoculars SIG SAUER ZULU6 10x30 Image Stabilized Binoculars By: Sal Palma
SIG SAUER announced two image stabilized binoculars, the ZULU6 10x30mm and the Zulu6 16x42mm for 2021. Image stabilized binoculars have been around for a few years in maritime application. I have been sailing for several years and one of the challenges you face in navigating unfamiliar waters is locating the correct channel markers and buoys, the sailboat’s motion makes it difficult to locate and identify critically important aids to navigation, so image stabilized binoculars were readily accepted by the community.
2021
Image stabilization on the Zulu6 is achieved via a 2-axis gimbal acting on its optical prism. It is not a default mode of operation; it is switch selectable.
Upon initial enabling of stabilization, the image seems delayed this is an optical effect of the process and is only a momentary visual effect.
Stabilized binoculars differ in several ways from basic binoculars. In addition to lenses, and or prisms, they have microprocessors that accept inputs from either a gimbal, or solid-state sensors, to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the optic. It is the microprocessor’s job to move internal lenses or prisms to stabilize the image. I have been looking forward to test driving the 10x30mm ZULU6; the folks at SIG were gracious enough to make that happen.
Copyright 2021, Twobirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
SIG SAUER ZULU6 10x30 Image Stabilized Binoculars
2021
If you click on the image above, it will take you to a brief video I shot to illustrate image stabilization. I must disclose that in preparation for shooting this video, I made a speed run to Starbucks and picked up a Venti Dark Roast, so there is plenty of shaking, which was further enhanced by having to support the Digi scoping apparatus. The ZULU6 requires a power source for the stabilization feature and uses a Lithium CR2 battery that fits in a battery housing located on the left side of the binocular’s body. SIG also includes a MOTAC energy saving feature whose job it is to power down the Zulu6 if it remains motionless for 5 minutes.
If you have chunky hands, as I do, removing the battery compartment cap is less than optimal due to its location and limited space, a critique that merits little discussion since it is the only flaw these binoculars exhibit, but you will want to use caution to avoid any cross threading. The ZULU6 binoculars have all the features you expect from a high-end optic; for example, a very generous adjustable Interpupillary distance of 56 mm to 75 mm and adjustable ocular cups to help establish a comfortable eye relief. Optical clarity is impressive! Images, even in less-than-optimal lighting conditions are sharp with excellent detail.
I tested the MOTAC feature observing how long it would take for the green power LED to go out. At 5 minutes and 5 seconds, the MOTAC energy saver kicked in powering down the ZULU6.
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
SIG SAUER ZULU6 10x30 Image Stabilized Binoculars The picture above captures a street sign 789 yards from my point of observation during a noon sun and high humidity; any distortion you see is due to the effects of mirage.
Manufacturer Specifications
Unfortunately, I was not able to locate a galloping herd of antelope to Digi scope for this review, but I can say without reservation that on image quality alone SIG’s ZULU6 gets a buy signal from me, but when you add image stabilization, MOTAC, light weight and robustness to the list of features, it becomes a tremendous value proposition and a must have for outdoors enthusiasts, hunters and bird watchers.
Price
$659.99
SKU
SOZ61001
Color
Black
Magnification
10x
Objective Lens
30 mm
Field of view
5.2
Eye relief
15
Overall length
5.9
Weight
Kudos to SIG’s Electro-optics Division.
Near Focus
-SP
Interpupillary Distance Prism
2021
18.6 oz 8.2 56-75 Schmidt-Pechan
Coating
SpectraCoat
Frame
Polymer
Diopter adjustment
+/- 3
Waterproofing
IPX4
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved