dries1
Member
new Conquest upgrade? perhaps for some. I wonder if they improved the eye cups, the only really glaring defect in the lineup.
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Conquest HDX (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter dries1
- Start date
new Conquest upgrade? perhaps for some. I wonder if they improved the eye cups, the only really glaring defect in the lineup.
A2GG
Beth
The new ZEISS Conquest HDX Binoculars - The ideal premium all-rounder
Are you ready to take your outdoor adventures to the next level? We are excited to introduce the new ZEISS Conquest HDX Binoculars, the perfect companion for your outdoor adventures. These binoculars combine premium optical performance, robustness, and carefully thought-out ergonomics to enhance...
www.birdforum.net
It looks like they have and added fold down lens covers. However, the stats seem similar to the old one. I'm sure there are some improvements, but it is $300 more then I paid for the old one. I don't feel any remorse for buying the old 8x32. I wear glasses, so it works well for me. BH is already selling the new ones.
james holdsworth
Consulting Biologist
Looks like a reskin with field flatteners added.
And slightly lighter with a magnesium frame instead of aluminum and tethered objective covers. No difference in FOV and at the $1000 price point they probably didn't upgrade the glass or coatings so it will still have edge CA like the old one. Maybe they improved the eye cups. It sounds like a pass or get the old one at $600.
henry link
Well-known member
Japan. It is under the hinge.
A2GG
Beth
this depends on the person. for me, the HDX is more attractive for its slightly better eye relief, more natural colors (supposedly) and slightly improved ergonomics. I don't like the thick rubber on the sides of the original Conquest (making it bulkier). Better color presentation is a big improvement (for me).
I wish they didn't make a locking diopter. When I went from Monarch HG to the Trinovid HD I decided I prefer the non-locking diopter on the Leica.
the 32mm weight hasn't changed but the bigger 42mm has lost a few ounces. I'm interested in trying the 8x42 now for its lighter weight and less bulky frame (compared to the original).
hopefully the new 32 and 42 will be available at the Audubon nature store near me sometime in Oct or Nov. I'll check them out then.
Not flashy to be sure, but I have a suspicion the most important change is hinted at by that - location of manufacture. The various improved (changed) bits folks are commenting on and can be gleaned from the specs John has published/linked are a bit meh. But if like the VP and SFLs, (with their designed by Zeiss sticker) the much loved Conquest is moving across the globe to a place where manufacturing is high quality and lower cost so that Zeiss can keep the $1000. price point this is good news indeed. One can guess turning an acceptable profit at that same price with a product made in Germany may have become difficult.
james holdsworth
Consulting Biologist
They mention smooth and durable eyecups, so maybe they actually listened to all the complaints.
Wasn't it already made by kamakura in Japan?
NDhunter
Experienced observer
Good to see the upgrade, and there is also a field flattener. 8 and 10X, in 32, 42 and 56, plus 15x56.
Where does that leave the SFL ? Seems like some product confusion, in duplication, at least in my
mind. But what do I know. I did find some more, today August 20th, is the introduction, and I could
find an emphasis on hunting in the advertising promo. The SFL is lighter and more compact.
Jerry
Where does that leave the SFL ? Seems like some product confusion, in duplication, at least in my
mind. But what do I know. I did find some more, today August 20th, is the introduction, and I could
find an emphasis on hunting in the advertising promo. The SFL is lighter and more compact.
Jerry
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NDhunter
Experienced observer
tenex
reality-based
Good question. According to Zeiss info SFL is "UHD" (?) vs merely "HD", and lighter. Same transmission, "concepts", etc otherwise, both MIJ now. It should be interesting to hear the first comparisons in use.
jan van daalen
Well-known member
Correct, they are now from metal
Looking forward to reviews of the new ones. Having said that I have a like new pair of EDG 8x32 that Chuck gave me a screaming deal on. Like them the best of any binos I’ve ever owned including SFL 8x40s, SF 8x32s, and EL 8x32. A lot of it is because they fit my face perfectly and have no blackouts and rolling ball. Funny thought is that the my first post here was my search for the perfect 8x32. Got a lot of flack as a new member. So much so that I almost quit except for the encouragement of Lee and some other members. Really miss Lee! However I’ve finally found the best 8x32 for me
One would hope the eyecups were improved! I've had two sets in mine but, to this day, they are my most often used bins. My buying days are behind me, however, and my Zeiss HTs and Conquest HDs are all I need for my casual all around use. I only pop by here now and then to see what's new. I've never been a "birder" though I enjoy the hobby on a very casual basis.
NDhunter
Experienced observer
Jan:
What do you think about Zeiss having all the choices, HDX, SFL, HT and SF.
How do you handle that as a retailer ?
Jerry
