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Where premium quality meets exceptional value. ZEISS Conquest HDX.

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  1. G

    Who is still viewing through Victory HT 42s?

    I still have and occasionally use a pair of 8x42 HT's. Use to own a pair or 7x42 FL's and 10x42 SF's too - both gone as I found the HT superior to my eyes (FL's were close though). In fairness my SLC's are optically better than the HTs, but they all take a backseat to my 8x42 NL's. Focus...
  2. G

    Considering a Partial Camera Upgrade - D500 w/ 200-500mm lens

    The 180-600 z is basically the mirrorless version of the 200-500, except its a variable apeture that's even slower at the long end (both worse than fixed 5.6). Fine lens and a nice option in mirrorless, but can't see how it would address any of the concerns they're having.
  3. G

    Considering a Partial Camera Upgrade - D500 w/ 200-500mm lens

    Going back to the original post, there's no mirrorless (fill in the brand / model), that would solve the mentioned noise / IQ issues as well or as cost effectively a faster F mount lens would. Upgrading the D500 to full frame mirrorless is fine, and would gain a bit in noise / ISO handling, but...
  4. G

    Considering a Partial Camera Upgrade - D500 w/ 200-500mm lens

    The single biggest upgrade you could make to reduce noise and improve image quality is a faster lens. The 200-500 is versatile, but F5.6 is slow, way too slow for high shutter speeds to freeze wings on overcast days w/o a lot of noise. Despite the hype, the D500 auto-focus still rivals any...
  5. G

    Alternative NL Pure eyepiece cover?

    I did two things to improve the fit of the eyepiece covers on my NL Pures as I concur that they're obnoxiously tight. First, I carefully trimmed / sanded out about 95% of the retention nubs. Second, once I set my IPD exactly where needed, I lightly heated the U shaped "hinge" area of the...
  6. G

    Zeiss 10x54 HT impressions today

    B&H in New York has a used XL Swarovski field bag for $59.95. Grade 10 (like new) condition.
  7. G

    Leather case for UV 10x25

    On second thought, probably much too large for a 10x25.
  8. G

    Leather case for UV 10x25

    Perhaps this... looks exactly like standard Zeiss Cordura case, but done in genuine leather.
  9. G

    Why can’t I find a store that stocks Zeiss SF?

    Bit of a drive, but Time & Optics in Mt. Hope, OH carries Zeiss, Swarovski, and Leica, plus just about every other notable brand. Smallish store, but they carry everything - easy to spend hours there comparing optics. Always fun stuff in the used case too. Tiny town in Amish country, but they...
  10. G

    Any tips or info for transitioning to a Nikon d500?

    Agree - many useful tips a videos from Steve Perry. Maybe the best source of info out there. One of my combos is a D500 w/500PF. Manual mode with back button AF and auto iso is the way to go.
  11. G

    Zeiss SFL 8x40, A Field Review

    Neutral or maybe very, very slight cream tint on left, and a more noticeable yellow/green tint on right.
  12. G

    NL 8x42s with Headrest?

    I don't really think they're a gimmick since it does seem to work for others. I do like that Swaro designed and offered them, just wish they would have made more difference for me. (A bit overpriced though, even by Swaro standards).
  13. G

    NL 8x42s with Headrest?

    I tried it with my 8x42's and found it made no difference in steadiness. Semi-useful as an "index point" for consistent eye placement, but not enough to justify the price or keep it attached. Really wanted to like it, but the gains just weren't there, at least for me.
  14. G

    Swarovski 8.5x42 EL - focus wheel noise

    Are you certain the focus knob is pushed down and fully seated? To me the audio almost sounds like the click one hears when the knob is pulled out to make the diopter adjustment.
  15. G

    Nikon Monarch HG 8x42

    My wife has a pair, and I've handled a couple others - the diopter unlocks easily on all I've tried. Optics are outstanding though - not much difference between them and my Victory HT or SLC. Once the wife got the diopter adjusted, I slipped an o-ring in the gap between it and the eyecup -...
  16. G

    New Zeiss binos 8x40 SFL and 10x40 SFL

    Just called Time & Optics to double- check my SFL info. Pre-order price is in fact $1,599 for both 8x and 10x, and $1,799 after that. Not certain how long the special lasts - the owner was not in and the person I spoke with was unsure. I am not affiliated with T&O in any way - just a...
  17. G

    New Zeiss binos 8x40 SFL and 10x40 SFL

    Pretty sure it was $1,599 pre-order, $1,699 regular price. I glanced at the flyer on the Zeiss case, but I got to talking with them for quite awhile and forgot to look again. Had a NIB old stock Nikon EDG 8x42 for $1,399 that sidetracked me too. 10% off the EDG, but I resisted - want to see...
  18. G

    New Zeiss binos 8x40 SFL and 10x40 SFL

    Stopped by Time & Optics over lunch - don't have the Zeiss SFL's yet, but they are taking pre-orders at a discount. $1,599 I believe it was. Wanted to see the 7x20 Curios too, but none in yet.
  19. G

    New Zeiss binos 8x40 SFL and 10x40 SFL

    Didn't notice if there were any sample bins - everyone on the tour had them, so I just assumed they brought their own.
  20. G

    New Zeiss binos 8x40 SFL and 10x40 SFL

    Forgot to mention they run birding tours both days. You can sign-ups for guided tours (usually led by a factory rep), that run anywhere from a couple hours to half a day. We did one led by one of the Swaro reps that was pretty neat.
  21. G

    New Zeiss binos 8x40 SFL and 10x40 SFL

    Smallish shop, but it's mind-boggling how much glass they have. Leica, Zeiss, Swaro, and just about every other brand too. Even hard to find names like GPO are in stock. Disappointed they're not having their annual two-day optics event this year - not sure why. Factory reps are there...
  22. G

    New Zeiss binos 8x40 SFL and 10x40 SFL

    I work five minutes from Time & Optics. May stop down Friday over lunch - they may have them despite what the website says.
  23. G

    Swarovski Field gloves pro review

    Reminds me of the "Friends" episode where Joey has all the Porsche paraphernalia.
  24. G

    Worthwhile upgrade for not silly money?

    Perhaps a Tract Toric UHD with Schott HT glass?
  25. G

    What did you see in your binoculars today?

    Buffleheads, Blue wing teal, and a Coot migrating through. Also some Wood ducks .
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