Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Zeiss Conquest HD

Hi guys,

I have been eyeing the Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42 binoculars and keep debating between those or the same in 10x42. My only other binoculars are some very old German 10x35 binoculars I've had since childhood days. What advice do you have? And thanks for your help.

What's more important, FOV or magnification? Where will you be using these? As a long standing supporting vendor here on the forum it is our pleasure to assist in discussing different options and opportunities with you. Please give a call, 516-217-1000, when you have a few moments

They would be for general use...fairly open, cropland country. I am concerned the 10x42 would be a bit shaky, but I haven't had any 8x so can't compare. With rifle scopes, I've found I like the 4-20 range in magnification, so maybe I should opt for the 10x42s? Or something else? Thanks Doug.

If you'd tripod mount bthe 10x you'll be thrilled. Tripod mounting improves your glassing big time

I owned the 10x42 for awhile and could tell you what I think, but if I were you I would buy both from a store that allows 30 day return. Assuming that you have already handled them in a store and have made up your mind to buy a Conquest HD.

Use both everyday if possible, early and late, and midday. In bright sun, and overcast days. Take them into a dark forest, as well as places with really harsh bright light if possible. I like to sit in the shade on a sunny day and try to peer into distant timber, looking into the shadows for animals and details.

See how they handle mirage, backlit scenes, stray light, etc. You'll have plenty of time to see how you like the eyecups, diopter adjustment, and handling. If you already own other binoculars, be sure to bring those along too for reference.

Some people do more specific and detailed tests such as checking for aberrations and resolution but I suspect that you'll get a sense of which configuration you prefer and if there are any faults fairly quickly just using them in the yard and field under different conditions.

I’m an optics junkie meaning I have way way too much money tied up in scopes and binoculars,have had and own them all. Or very close to all and for the money the 10 power Conquest HD binoculars can’t be beat. I personally think they best anything Vortex has ever built.Period.

I'll take a Tract Toric over a Conquest. Had them both for 10 days in Namibia a few years ago.

How much do you want to spend? If money is no object then Swarovski, then Leica then Zeiss, Then the rest of tier 2. I own Meoptas and they are right there with the tier 1 stuff for half the cost. YMMV

Toda is the last day of the Kowa Genesis Binocular Sale. These are great binoculars, right there optically with a Swarovski SLC, and at the sale price it's an amazing buy

Aren't the Conquests made by someone else?

I seem to remember Meopta built the fir a long time.