
Zeiss Conquest HDX 8x42 Binoculars Reviews - The Frank Perspective
This week we have another fantastic blog from the brilliant Frank. We sent him off with the Zeiss Conquest HDX Binoculars, so he could give us his thoughts on them. In this blog, we will answer some of those all-important FAQ's, and Frank will of course give you a few good laughs along the way.
In my teens, I thought (like most teenagers) that I knew everything. Since I’ve blundered my way to becoming a septuagenarian, I have discovered that there are still surprises to be had and that every day is a school day. I've had my eye on an upgrade for my binoculars now for some time, and although the binoculars that I have are very good, when you work in a showroom like South West Optics there’s always something new to spark your interest and set you off in a new direction.
This being my first year of birdwatching I assumed (incorrectly as it happens) that now it was winter I wouldn’t be going birding again until the spring. Oh no!! I've been informed that there are plenty of migrating birds that get blown off course and end up taking a short all-inclusive vacation in our neck of the woods and that there are plenty of birds that overwinter here to look out for.
If I’m honest I’m a bit of a fair weather man. I hate being cold and wet and even though I have good quality outdoor clothing, getting me to venture outside in the winter (according to my wife and friends) is a bit of a challenge. However, it's just the first part that I struggle with. Getting up off of the sofa and dressing up to face the gales is the difficult part, once I’m out I’m fine I find inclement weather quite bracing and refreshing.
As it happens, our dogs need to go out twice a day so I’m getting used to the wind biting me as much as they do. They’re always very active, running around and coming back carrying a small poodle or similar miniature breed hoping for a game of fetch. All that nonsense keeps me warm, but when I’m out birding I’m expected to take things far more seriously. No running about shouting “c’mere” “give” and “put that child down” as happens when I’m out with my boys.
I've come to realise that there is so much more to learn if I’m to take birding seriously. It's far more than who has the best pair of binoculars or the trendiest spotting scope.
Russell, my colleague from South West Optics has been a birding enthusiast for most of his life and has a good knowledge of all things feathery and a comprehensive knowledge of binoculars and Spotting scopes. I think it is fair to say that birding and optics is his passion and it wouldn’t surprise me if at some point I caught him in the showroom pecking at a little mirror and nibbling on a piece of cuttlefish……..anyway, he’s a thoroughly good egg (no pun intended), and if you need to know anything about optics he’s the man to ask and will only be too happy to help and advise.
I have to confess that I’m a little bamboozled about the amount I need to learn to class myself as a birder. There are resident breeds in the British Isles that I’ve never even heard of let alone seen, then there’s plumage, female, male juvenile etc. not to mention identifying the little blighters by their call.
I now make a point of taking my binoculars with me whenever I’m out. I tend to walk the dogs early in the morning and at this time of year it's not really light enough to see much but I take them anyway. I live by the coast in Devon and on the rare occasion that the sky is clear it is possible to see some of the sea birds that along with me are just wiping the sleep from their eyes. Of course when I do see something interesting I rarely know what it is and I thought at first I would find that very frustrating but surprisingly at this stage I’m happy just to see them close up and watch what they are doing. It is a bit like when I tried fishing when I was younger, if I was in a lovely place with a good friend or just enjoying the peace it didn’t matter that we didn’t catch much (anything, however as time went on it did get a little pricey continually stopping off at the fish counter at the local store) not to mention trying to convince my wife that I really did catch four mackerel in that freshwater lake.
Since last summer I’ve been looking to trade in my trusty pair of Opticron Veranos for a pair of Leica Trinovids, however, after a chat with Russell, I was persuaded to try something a little different in the shape of the new Zeiss Conquest HDX 8x42. These are fairly new to our showroom so I hadn’t had much chance to give them a good coat of “looking at”.
I had in the past tried the original Zeiss Conquest HD and if I’m honest they didn’t really float my boat so I was a little sceptical when I was encouraged to try the new version. On first inspection, they did look quite similar, roughly the same size and design. I was surprised to also find out that they were the same weight, as the new HDX version definitely feels a little lighter, but that could be that the HDX version are a little better balanced. After giving them some “side by side” comparisons in the showroom I decided that I would take them (along with a pair of my favourite Leicas) out and about for a more practical trial.
Since it was a nice day for a change, I decided to leave a little early and try them at Clennon Lakes, one of my favourite local places, and not to mention pretty, much on my way home (not as daft as I look).
The Frank Perspective:
The new Conquest HDX are surprisingly good. They have a much more robust magnesium chassis which is covered in the traditional Zeiss rubber coating making them feel secure and nice to hold as well as having a good level of grip. And as an added bonus, they are also water resistant making them easy to keep clean, as well as nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging.
One of the “bugbears” for me with the older model was the eye cups and the general fit of the binoculars on my huge head. I could never get the older Conquests to feel comfortable, as they never quite fitted me properly and I struggled to get to grips with the view. No matter how I adjusted the eye cups they never really suited me. It's fair to say that I do have a fairly large head but I’m not exactly the Elephant Man, so I soon decided the old Conquest HDs despite being optically excellent were not for me.
The new HDX’s on the other hand are a different kettle of fish, the design changes appear to be subtle but in my opinion, they have made significant improvements. The three-position eye cups are a little smoother, tapered and fit me so I can enjoy the excellent clear, sharp lenses. The new premium coatings give excellent colour rendition and a big improvement regarding chromatic aberration (purple fringing) over the older HD model. Weight and field of view are the same on both models but the HDX’s now have a locking dioptre ring which is a useful and welcome upgrade. Obviously, I can only speak as I find but I think these latest binoculars from Zeiss are definitely an improvement. Yes, they are a bit more expensive but they seem to be so much more comfortable to use and provide a much improved viewing experience.
So, to sum things up would I be happy with a pair of the new Zeiss Conquest HDXs? definitely!
They’re lovely to handle, well-made and well-balanced with a good field of view. They’re easy to set up and operate with crystal clear lenses and great colour rendition. They are a tiny bit larger than my favourite Leica’s and two ounces heavier but to be honest it is such a small amount it is hardly worth mentioning.
They are a little more expensive than the Leicas but again, on the grand scale of things not enough to put me off, which has left me with a dilemma as to which I will choose when the time comes.
Obviously, if you're looking to spend a considerable sum of money on top-quality optics I would suggest trying before you buy if you can, as not all makes and models suit everyone and of course, you will want your binoculars to be comfortable as well as clear and sharp.
Please feel free to give us a call if you want to know more or pop in any time you’re visiting the sunny English Riviera. We have a large well stocked showroom so call for an appointment.
You can find more technical details about the Zeiss Conquest HDX binoculars and our telephone number on our website www.swoptics.co.uk As for me? Its coat and hat on, trusty Opticron Veranos around my neck and off I go into the bleak mid-winter. I’m sure I’ve just seen a pigeon wearing a hat and scarf……...
Thank you for taking the time to read another great review from Frank. Don't forget to follow us on our socials, to keep up to date with all our latest news!
FAQs: Zeiss Conquest HDX 8x42 Binoculars
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How do the Zeiss Conquest HDX binoculars compare to the previous Conquest HD model?
The new HDX model has improved ergonomics, a more robust magnesium chassis, upgraded lens coatings for better colour rendition, reduced chromatic aberration, and a locking dioptre ring. -
Are the Zeiss Conquest HDX binoculars lightweight?
They weigh the same as the previous Conquest HD model, but they feel lighter due to better balance, making them comfortable for extended use. -
Do these binoculars have good grip and durability?
Yes, the HDX model features the traditional Zeiss rubber coating, providing a secure grip and added durability. They are also water-resistant and nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging. -
Are the eyecups comfortable for people with larger heads?
Yes, the new tapered three-position eyecups are smoother and better designed, offering a much-improved fit over the older model, even for those with larger heads. -
How is the optical quality of the Zeiss Conquest HDX?
The lenses provide excellent clarity, sharpness, and colour rendition, with improved coatings that reduce chromatic aberration (purple fringing). -
Are the Zeiss Conquest HDX binoculars good for birdwatching?
Absolutely! They offer a wide field of view, sharp optics, and a comfortable design, making them a great choice for birdwatchers of all experience levels. -
Are these binoculars easy to adjust?
Yes, they are straightforward to set up and use, with smooth focusing, adjustable eyecups, and a locking dioptre ring for added convenience. -
How do they compare to Leica binoculars?
The Zeiss Conquest HDX is slightly larger and heavier than comparable Leica models but offers excellent optics, improved comfort, and a competitive price point. -
Are they worth the investment?
Yes, they are a high-quality option for those looking to invest in premium binoculars. The improved ergonomics and optics make them a worthy upgrade from the older model. -
Can I try the Zeiss Conquest HDX before buying?
Yes, Southwest Optics offers a large, well-stocked showroom where you can try various binoculars before making a decision. It’s always best to test them to ensure they suit your needs.
For more details or to book an appointment, visit www.swoptics.co.uk.