Brock .... I save the Zeiss case SKU labels because as you noticed, Zeiss does not have a label anywhere on the case with the model number. I also save the binocular boxes so I just store the label in the box for the binocular using the case.
I have not seen the 8X32 Terra yet. It has been a while since my last visit to Cabela's. They are most likely to have it if anyone does. If not, I hope to attend a Birding Festival in August and see it there.
My Terra is the 8X42 and yes, it does have a fast focus ratio that takes some adjustment. I usually settle down in a turn or two then all is fine. It take just a little less than 3/4 of a turn to go between close focus and infinity on mine. If Mike J. were to put me in charge of the specs, I would specify 1 1/4 turn, especially in the 10X. Not having received my just ordered 10X42 yet, I do not know what the rotation will be on it, but I expect it to be the same as the 8X42.
The Terra may not be the perfect binocular (none are) or the best at everything (none are), but it does everything well for me and so I like the overall package. It is one I feel comfortable about just grabbing on the spur of the moment and then enjoy the view.
Some fungus has spectacular colors so that could make for great close up viewing with your binoculars! You being the charmer that you are, I hope you got an invite for a fungus dinner so you can tell us what it tastes like. Some people out here eat rattle snake and yes, they do say it tastes like chicken. I however have no intention to find out if that is true! The opportunity did present itself a few weeks ago when I was near Camp Verde, AZ and one was stretched out on the side of road. Umm, Tasty!
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=230910&highlight=adorama
Bruce,
I just went outside to test the turning radius on the Terra's focuser. I used from finger and the ridges on the focuser last time to get a rough guestimate. This time I placed tape on the top of the focuser when I was at close focus and then walked out into the street to focus on the distance mountain ridge and then I focused on the clouds beyond them, which AFAIK, is infinity. I'd have to try them on the stars to double check, because it's so foggy that I can't see beyond the first mountain ridge, which is about 20 miles away.
The focuser turned less than 1/2 turn from cf to infinity. Using the ridges on the focuser, one ridge less than 1/2 turn. Your focus accommodation is probably better than mine, which probably accounts for the difference rather than sample variation.
The 8x32 LX had the same "turning circle" (< 1/2 turn). Hitting my target w/out focusing over or under with either bin a challenge, and unlike you, I don't adjust to it in a turn or two.
The tape did give me an idea. I usually focus on birds at fixed distance, i.e., in the backyard, in the park. So I might be able to use colored tape to mark these distances on the focuser so that when I want to focus at a particular distance, instead of using my eyes to focus, I would look at the tape and bring that tape to the top of the focuser. Different colors for different distances. It probably won't work, because just a small nudge on the focuser and the target is out of focus, but it would be worth a try.
Closed bridge roofs are not my favorite design, I prefer porros (no more capitalization, Arthur, I'm not retired like you, I don't have the time! Ignazio knows I love him
), open bridge roofs and open hinge roofs (e.g., new SLC), but the Terra's barrels are chunky enough that I can cross my thumbs underneath them, which I couldn't do with the baby LX. So while not ideal, I can use them w/out much shaking or getting a cramp in my palm like I did with the LX.
Someone wrote that they tried the 8x32 Terra ED and thought it wasn't as good as the 8x42 model and wasn't worth the money, so I'd be interested in reading what you think of it since you own the 8x42 model. I'm particularly interested in how fast the focuser turns, one user said the 8x32 model turns slower than the 8x42 model, which is surprising.
I like the way the Terra's rain guard and objective caps are both attached to the strap, and they get out of my way when I'm using the bin. The odd thing is that the rain guard and objective caps on the Conquest HD have been a frequent complaint among buyers. I can't understand why Zeiss just didn't use the same caps as it has on the Terra, which works well. Why reinvent the wheel?
To borrow a phrase from someone, could be Jerry, I find the Terra's images to be "acceptably sharp." That is, for the price point, they are very good. With my lousy eyes, though, I'd like a bin to be a bit sharper, like the SE and EII, which is why I'm looking forward to trying the 8x42 Conquest HD.
Brock
