Maximum overview at close quarters and optimum magnification at long range. This includes sealed boxes, or sealed accessories and manual/software included in boxes. Prism system: Schmidt-Pechan.
These are the Zeiss mid-price range of binoculars. I have owned the cheaper Terras and the dearer HTs and can say that these offer excellent optics overall. The view is very clear and bright, with excellent resolution. I do not detect any colour cast and chromatic aberration is minimal. Colours themselves are well rendered, bright and punchy. The close focus is approx. 2m, which is great for birds and good for butterflies. The general handling is very nice and the rubber armouring is pleasant to touch, although it looks as if it would show marks quite easily because it is so smooth. The binoculars feel reassuringly solid and are made in Germany. The focus wheel is well placed and the binocular is nicely balanced. The focussing itself is very light and smooth - one of the best focusers that I have ever come across, and better than the HTs at almost twice the price. The only caveat that I would mention is that the field of view is only average at 128m or 7.4 degrees. Tried on its own, it is fine, but compared to a binocular with an 8 degree field of view, it appears a little restricted. This is not a fault, and is only really noticeable when I try them against the HTs at 7,8 degrees. The lenses have Zeiss' own proprietory hydrophobic coatings which make cleaning them very easy and reduces the possibility of scratching them while doing so.
Overall, these are a high quality pair of binoculars that give a superb view and will last a lifetime if looked after. Highly recommended.
The 8x42 Conquest HDs make a great every day birding bino’: inexpensive and rugged enough to take lots of hard use, but with plenty of comfort, a fast focuser and a great view. They work well for astronomy too. Highly recommended.