Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42

Quality – Needed replacement for our unexpectedly good and durable Hanimex 7X50 binoculars given to me by my grandmother when I was in grade 11. Which lasted for … around 40 years!! Clear as crystal they were too. I have more substantial means now than I did in year 11, and granny sadly is long gone, so I thought I’d lash out and buy something which on balance, given reputation, should last another 40.

After the usual research and scanning of available reviews the choice came down to just two contenders - Steiner and Zeiss, with both being synonymous with quality optics. After careful consideration, and thoroughly assessing different display samples, I selected the Zeiss. A tough choice then between the likely better light gathering capabilities of a lesser magnification, or the higher power - with the possible trade off of less light gathering and twitchiness when trying to hold the things steady. Decided to go for the higher magnification - at 10X42MM the compromise seemed natural. After all, the whole purpose of bino’s is to magnify stuff. Might as well do it thoroughly.

The unit presents as weighty and perfectly balanced in the hands. Slightly rubberised outers for grip. Despite having very meaty looking tubes, the length is actually quite compact - overall it’s really not that much more than my palm of hand width. Lens caps front and rear can be incorporated into the body or strap (should you choose) so as to always be there, and extremely difficult to accidentally lose in the field, with the neck strap itself progressing to a nice wide, comfortable neoprene like material with the brand emblazoned on the outer. Great range of diopter adjustment, activated off the right side ocular. Main focus is weighted just right and simple to manage even single handedly.

Light gathering?? Well I needn’t have worried. Clear as crystal. Even good for stargazing. Just a look at the ocular lenses will be enough to convince you of this - I still remember my overwhelming first impression of these when first unboxing was the torrent of light pouring out from the massive oculars. Had never encountered anything like it, and they certainly stood out from the Steiners! Width of field seems totally natural, and colour reproduction razor sharp.

A feature I really like is the multistage adjustable eyecups to allow for glasses wearers. The stages are clearly defined via a tactile detent, and there is a broad range of adjustment on each cup. Terrific range of width of tube adjustment too. Just bear in mind that the tubes have to be in what appears to be a default position - right out wide - for the lens covers to comfortably slip into position.

The accompanying case seems a little cheap in comparison to the oozing quality of the bino’s themselves … but at least one gets the case. I bought one of Zeiss’s ridiculously expensive telescopes not long after the binoculars, and didn’t even get a case!! I don’t use it with the bino’s anyway. The lens caps do a great job, and to be perfectly honest it’s just as easy to chuck them into the backpack or onto the car seat as they are. The exterior is certainly up for it.

These things are expensive, but are apparently very highly regarded by the likes of professional guides and birdwatchers. So it comes down to horses for courses. There are stack of way more economical offers around, but in my humble opinion one certainly gets what one pays for in this particular case. I have every confidence that these will see me through, and I can simply not fault their performance in the field.

Pro-Tip ….. Make sure when checking prices that you check with gun shops too. I found these new at one for considerably less than at the likes of camera/telescope stores.