Zeiss Conquest HD 8×42

Specifications:

Objective diameter: 42 mm
Magnification: 8 x
Exit pupil: 5.25 mm
Eye relief (acc. to spec): 18 mm
Usable eye relief (measured from rim of eyecup): 16.5 mm
IPD: 54 – 74 mm
RFOV: 7.3 degrees = 128 m
AFOV: 59 degrees
Minimum focus distance (measured): 2.3 m
Focus type: CF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: > clockwise)
Degrees of rotation of focus wheel from 3m to infinity (measured): 260 degrees
Range of diopter adjustment (according to spec.): +/- 4 dpt*
Excess travel of focus wheel beyond infinity position (estimate): 6 dpt*
Prism system: Schmidt-Pechan
Waterproof: yes
Weight (measured, with eyepiece cover and strap): 866 g
Made in: Germany
*range of diopter adjustment not affected by position of focus wheel

Remarks:

Since they came into the market, the various models of the Conquest HD line of binoculars have gained reference status for their particular size. This is especially true for the 8×42 model. Less expensive than many competing “subprime” instruments from other manufacturers, well designed and finished, with excellent central and good off-axis sharpness, and overall very acceptable CA correction and stray-light control, the Conquest HD shows in many ways characteristics of a “premium” binocular. One complaint has been voiced frequently: although the Conquest HD features quite a nice eye relief of 18mm, the eyecups cannot be extended far enough and so many users have had trouble with “kidney-beaning” (dark shadows at the edge of the image). This, however, is only an issue with the 8×42 model, not with the others of the Conquest HD line (and Zeiss is offering optional eyecups upon request), and there are methods to hold the binocular so that kidney-beaning does not become an issue.

Ratings: