Brief Comparison between Zeiss Conquest HD & HDX (in 10x32 format) (1 Viewer)

[Maljunulo]

If @jackjack could accurately measure resolution (and maybe brightness and color fidelity) under controlled conditions as part of his binocular reviews, he would go down as a legend of BF much like @henry link (or even @[email protected] for other reasons )

Just how do you propose that he measure brightness and color fidelity?

 

[SivaL]

Just how do you propose that he measure brightness and color fidelity?

Measuring visible light transmission rate, may be not. Referring to Henry’s post earlier this week in the same thread. Under controlled conditions( same target, lighting, distance, camera, iso, exposure, etc.) this could work - Brief Comparison between Zeiss Conquest HD & HDX (in 10x32 format)

 

[Maljunulo]

Transmission is not brightness.

I think Henry's method demonstrates color bias, but it does not quantify it, nor standardize it.

I'm not sure that is possible. If it is, you'll have to tell me how.

 

[STi_maXim]

Hello! Is the inside build quality the same from what you can tell by looking through objective lens? Can you post some pictures?

 

[Gijs van Ginkel]

Maljunulo post 43,
You are right: transmission is not equal to brightness. That is often a matter of confusion, therefore I have written a review paper entitled "Color vision, brightness, resolution and contrast in binocular images", a review of published data" , May 2013, 30 pages. It can be found on the WEB-site of House of Outdoor.
Gijs van Ginkel

 

[ArchStanton]

Are you planning on reviewing the 8x versions on the Conquest HD & HDX? Thanks for the informative comparisons, Jackjack!

 

[GrampaTom]

From #45 above,
Maljunulo post 43,
You are right: transmission is not equal to brightness. That is often a matter of confusion, therefore I have written a review paper entitled "Color vision, brightness, resolution and contrast in binocular images", a review of published data" , May 2013, 30 pages. It can be found on the WEB-site of House of Outdoor.
Gijs van Ginkel

In addition to the paper Gijs refers to, he and I had an exchange some months back when I was struggling with the distinction between transmission and exit pupil. Assuming others may be wondering, with his OK, here it is...

9/26 - me
"Thank you Gijs,
I bow to your expertise, easily. Here's why I was thinking... maybe?
I get 90% light transmission measured for a particular binocular means 90% of light passes from front to back, period, full stop. That is a quality of that bino, doesn't have anything to do with whats happening outside the unit. 90% of available light makes it through. Right?

As well that bino has an exit pupil. So same bino, 2 different attributes. But don't both have to do with what I see? If things are heading towards dark, (late afternoon), available light starts to diminish. The bino still provides 90% of that. Combo of its EP and my eyes ability to dilate effects how I perceive it, though. 90% of less light would seem er.. darker, while the ambient light, EP/pupil thing is the actual.

Hmm, maybe I just answered my own?
Tom"

10/7 - Gijs
"Tom,
You hit the nail on the head,
Best regards,
Gijs"

 

[jackjack]

Are you planning on reviewing the 8x versions on the Conquest HD & HDX? Thanks for the informative comparisons, Jackjack!

sorry for late responses.
I have compared 8x42s and the result is very similar with this.
every major changes that I said here have maintained on 8x42 almost as same as 10x32.

 

[greekgeek]

CONCLUSION

There are optical and Ergonomical upgrade on HDX compared to it's predecessor.

Critical parts of image quality (Central, Edge sharpness and color fidelity) are increased and also Critical parts of Ergonomics (Eyepoint, focusing) are increased. along with better accessories.

it is obvious to say MIJ CHDX is better binocular then MIG CHD which is introduced more then 10 years ago.

BUT.

I doubt to say this amout of difference as 'UPgrade'
Though HDX have some nice 'Improvements',
it is not significant enough to say 'sell your CHD and change to HDX for significantly better experience'...

moreover, CHD's price have been dumped around 650$ before the lauch of CHDX.

In my opinion
if the price difference is around 200$, CHDX's improvement is well worth it.
but if HD series are still available around 600$, it is obvious to go for old ones which still operating nicely.

Zeiss Conquest HDX will take a part among best 30~32mm bin around 1000$ beause CHD is still one of the most renowned and loved 32mm bino around 1000$ and HDX have worthy improvement compared to it.

Ironically, HDX's biggest goal will be overcoming the price - value of it predecessor, not competing with other brands binocular.

Zeiss CHDX 32mm will be highly recommended binocular if one is looking for nice price - value optical quality in 32mm high level binocular.

despite it's slightly heavy weight for it's lens size, it still have superior optics that have advantage over lighter competitors such as MHG and Companion.
the optics will not be perfect (Such as CA issue) but other critical imafe quality such as Brightness, FOV, Central & Edge sharpness should not be overlooked.


this phrase is also can still be used as introduction of 32mm Conquest HD series.

Thanks for your comparison. 10x32 CHD clearance to make way for the improved CHD seems like a bargain especially now, as at least one dealer is discounting to around $500 USD.

The 10x42 size has a much bigger improvement IME when considering the weight reduction of 65.6g, neck straps, objective covers, and rain guard included. The barrel housing dimensions (narrower) are improved as well, making for a more comfortable grip/hold.

 

[Viraj]

Dear @jackjack, have you compared the Conquest HDX 8x32 and HD 8x32 models? I am curious about how the color rendition varies between them. Also I am curious how it compares to the SFL 8x models.

I am thinking to use the Easter offers and buy a Conquest HDX 8x32. However, I don’t have much experience with Zeiss binoculars except the SFL 10x40. If the optics of HDX 8x32 as good as SFL 10x40, I will just go for them. I am asking these questions since obviously the Zeiss 10x models are more color bias than 8x models (as you mentioned in your previous threads).

 

[hopster]

I think it was Patudo who recently asked, if you can have sharp edges, why wouldn't you? Again, this must have sold a lot of ELSVs, but not to me. You have a wider range of choices if you don't insist on a flat field. It's also possible that modest field curvature makes panning more pleasant, but I haven't spent enough time with a flat-field bin to reach a conclusion about that, and don't seem curious enough to make it happen.

As well as panning, there is also the open question about whether a very flat field with a high value of k produces an unnaturally 2D 'poster' presentation which some see clearly but others don't.

 

[hopster]

but sadly, other optical quality apart from 'Flat' such as Brightness, Central sharpness, CA control just stay about half a price tag UV have.

so there are Zero part in optics that can be called alpha in UV (except for glare suppression)

but still, it's small size, unique focus mechanism, top of the range build quality still entertain many mania such as me. apart from the Red dot that escalated it's price more then it deserve.

How about colour balance (not filtering out red end of spectrum) and contrast? Also, brightness and central sharpness seemed fine in the UVHD+ 7x42 that I used recently for a few days.

 

[jackjack]

How about colour balance (not filtering out red end of spectrum) and contrast? Also, brightness and central sharpness seemed fine in the UVHD+ 7x42 that I used recently for a few days.

color balance gets better from non HD, HD to HD+

due to 6mm exit pupil and low magnification, It will give nice and stable 'fine' view.

and since there are very few 7x42 in the market, it is hard to find similar bino to compare directly.

but, it is not close enough to compete Zeiss TFL 7x42 (though UVHD+ have better color renedition)

 

[jackjack]

Dear @jackjack, have you compared the Conquest HDX 8x32 and HD 8x32 models? I am curious about how the color rendition varies between them. Also I am curious how it compares to the SFL 8x models.

I am thinking to use the Easter offers and buy a Conquest HDX 8x32. However, I don’t have much experience with Zeiss binoculars except the SFL 10x40. If the optics of HDX 8x32 as good as SFL 10x40, I will just go for them. I am asking these questions since obviously the Zeiss 10x models are more color bias than 8x models (as you mentioned in your previous threads).

I haven't compare 8x32 HDX and HD yet.
but if you have 10x42 SFL on your hand, I suggest you to keep it. becase it's weight is similar to 32mm CHDX