TXBuyer from United States, TX Public Profile

I have owned this Zeiss 6X18B monoculars for 5 years now and recently purchased the Leica version as well. Both the Zeiss and Leica monoculars are excellent, but excel in different ways.

This Zeiss 6X18B is lightweight, sharp, compact. The high quality real-leather case is very compact and includes a neck lanyard. At first, I was concerned with the plastic construction of the housing; however, it remains in the same excellent condition as it was 5 years ago. Zeiss's leather case is made of heavy/medium weight leather and has a pebble pattern so it is not as easily scratched as the smooth leather of the bulky Leica case. The plastic Zeiss is much lighter than the all metal Leica. In addition, Zeiss warranties it for lifetime; however, I have yet to see how easy the claim process is. Please note that the focus is based on a pull/push system which is good and bad: once you master the technique, focusing is faster than Leica's turn knob system, but it is easier to bump the tube and lose focus again if you are not careful. The other thing that makes the Zeiss is defensive to the Leica version is that there it is not nitrogen filled, it is not weatherproof. I would not recommend using the Zeiss in the rain. The Zeiss is also much cheaper than the Leica as well. With all this said, why did I purchase the Leica after 5 years with the Zeiss?. . .the Leica is nitrogen filled and is sharper than the Zeiss. I plan to keep both and use them in different situations.

This is the original light puck. While you will see many other versions from other companies for much cheaper, it is truly a case of you get what you pay for. The PowerFlare is very durable and reliable. Before purchasing the PowerFlare, I went on-line with the other big internet store with a big "A" and ends with a "n" and found my people complaining that the imitator brands had battery connector problems, etc. This is not the case with PowerFlare, especially after talking with some local police who really like the PowerFlare. The battery is well secured inside the PowerFlare and you will need to use the hex wrench key which is provided with the PowerFlare to change the battery.

The one warning that I should point out to non-police purchasers is that they should check their local laws and regulations before they purchase a blue light version of the PowerFlare because many states and municipalities reserve blue lights for police and rescue vehicles.