I wrote about SIG Sauer binoculars back in 2017. A lot has changed since then, as you can see in that first article.
Today, if you consider all the SIG Sauer binoculars called Zulu to be in the same line, there are really only 2 lines of SIG Sauer binoculars. And the other one (Buckmasters) only has one model in it.
I don’t know the significance of the trailing number in a Zulu model, but SIG Sauer seemed to be progressing along a literally odd path – Zulu3, Zulu5, Zulu7, Zulu9. Now, however, their emphasis is on the Zulu6 line. I assume someone at SIG Sauer knows the reason why, but they just aren’t telling us.
These then are the SIG Sauer binoculars I’ll show you that, according to the SIG Sauer website, are available in 2023.
- Buckmasters 10×42
- Zulu6 10×30
- Zulu6 12×42
- Zulu6 16×42
- Zulu6 20×42
- Zulu7 10×42
- Zulu9 11×45
- Zulu9 15×56
You may be able to find other models at Amazon or elsewhere, but these are the models in the official lineup. That said, the Zulu7 10×42 doesn’t show a price at the SIG Sauer site. This leads me to believe that it too is on its way to Discontinued Land.
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Inexpensive SIG Sauer Binoculars – Buckmasters 10×42
I’m not really sure why SIG Sauer even has the Buckmasters in their arsenal. It costs roughly $1000 less than any of the Zulu binoculars. It just doesn’t seem to fit the company’s overall model.
These sub-$200 (possibly sub-$100) binoculars are fine quality-wise. They have fully multi-coated lenses, BaK4 prisms, and waterproofing to the IPX7 standard.
But that’s about it. You can easily find an equally-good or better pair of 10x42s elsewhere.
Expensive SIG Sauer Binoculars – Any Zulu Model
The SIG Sauer website doesn’t consistently give details about their Zulu binoculars. A certain feature or statistic may be mentioned for one of the numbered sub-lines but not another.
So that said, I think they all have the following features / specs. For the price, they certainly should.
- IPX7 waterproofing
- HDX glass, which is ED and HT glass
- Fully multi-coated lenses…probably with nitrogen purged tubes
- BaK4 prisms with phase coating
- SpectraCoat
- LensArmor
- LensShield
- Stealth ID
You’re forgiven if you don’t know what those last four trademarked items are. Here’s the company’s explanation.
SpectraCoat – “Highly efficient, ultra-wide broadband, anti-reflection lens coatings reduce surface reflections to extremely low levels across the entire visible spectrum providing superior light transmission.”
LensArmor – “Abrasion-resistant lens coatings for extreme durability ensure the lenses on your scope will stay sharp, bright, and clear.”
LensShield – “Proprietary Mil-Spec oleophobic coating that sheds water, oil, and gunk to ensure a clean sight image at all times.”
Stealth ID – “Electro-Optics industrial design inspired by our legendary firearms; deflection armor trapezoidal surfacing breaks up the shape and visibility of the optic along with pistol slide serrations and grip checkering to add function to the form of all SIG SAUER electro-optics.”
Clear as mud? Suffice it to say that all these coatings, etc. are intended to be beneficial for your binoculars.
Again, I’m not 100% positive that each of these has been applied to each model, but it seems likely.
SIG Sauer Zulu6 Binoculars – Image Stabilized
Most of SIG Sauer’s products have a military or tactical slant as far as their intended use. Knowing that, it should come as no surprise that their latest binoculars model, the Zulu6, has image stabilization built in.
More than once, the company site mentions that you can scan and grid the terrain (in Scan Mode) and then lock in on the target (in Target Mode). They do mention hunting in this connection, but there could obviously be other uses as well.
As noted above, the Zulu6 comes in four sizes, which are priced (original MSRP) from just under $1300 to $1600. Quality comes at a price.
SIG Sauer Zulu7 Binoculars – Holding On Tight
You may have noticed that, with the exception of these Zulu7 10x42s, all the SIG Sauer binoculars come in different sizes. Only the Zulu7 is a repeat of the Buckmasters 10×42. I’m not sure if this bodes well or ill for the Zulu7, but for now it’s holding on tight to its position in the lineup.
The fishy artifact in the photo above refers to a Best of the Best Award that these binos got from Field & Stream back in 2016.
The Zulu7 has the best field of view (FOV) of any model listed here at 341 feet at 1000 yards. It has nearly the best eye relief at 17mm. However, it weighs a hefty 27 ounces, which is more than any of the Zulu6 models. There is a tripod adapter which you may want to make use of to help offset the weight problem.
SIG Sauer Zulu9 Binoculars – The Big Boys
The two Zulu9 models include the oddly-sized 11×45, a size I don’t recall seeing anywhere else. One wonders what SIG Sauer was thinking when they designed this one.
The picture above could be either the 11×45 or the 15×56 model as they look virtually identical. In real life, the 15×56 would obviously look larger than the 11×45. The 11×45 weighs 36 ounces, while the 15×56 weighs 43. Thankfully, both come with tripod adapter.
Like the largest Zulu6, these each have an original MSRP of about $1600.
Too much for you? If so, try the Bushnell lineup instead.
