EnjoyTheView
Well-known member
Zeiss Terra ED 10x32
I received my 10x32 Terra ED binoculars, the Under Armor edition, from the super sale for $170. This was an outstanding deal I think. I confess I just bought then because the price seemed so good based on the information I could find on this line. Packaging was excellent, definitely robust enough to be mailed some distance. Everything arrived shipshape.
Overall these are a very good binocular and if you can get them for $200 or close I think most people will be happy. Fit and finish is very good. The hinge and the diopter were a bit stiff, but I prefer that so they don’t move. I use them with my glasses with eye-cups fully embedded, the IR was good enough for me; my lenses are small and I can get binoculars pretty close. The diaper loosened up after a few twists and then stiffened up after some rest time, so it's probably just grease keeping the tension.
I compared them with the Nikon Monarch 7 10x30, and they compare pretty close.
I prefer the M7 for it’s smaller size, as well as its soft armor which is so comfortable. The Zeiss rubber armor ‘may’ be more durable in the long run, but i have no way to know right now.
Optically I also prefer the Nikon, as they are sharper and their image has more natural colors. If you’re subject is to far though the sharpness of the 10x probably is not discernible. The colors of the Zeiss are warmer and very pleasant, I think many may prefer the Zeiss look. I let a passer by try them and they could not see any difference, so someone just buying them for casual viewing without experience it seems may not notice, but it’s quite easily discernible to me.
The FOV is close, but the Zeiss was wider, I didn't check the specs, but from observation it was small enough that it didn't matter to me in this format. This was with my eyeglasses.
I didn't have much of a chance to observe CA, but they both seemed similar on a couple objects against an overcast sky. A small green tinge. I can't declare a winner here yet without more viewing time.
I don’t have much else to report. I didn’t try the harness they came with, but I like that the objective covers are tethered to the binocular, but the Nikon approach appears more elegant to me.
If you are thinking about purchasing the Zeiss and find them for a good price they are definitely worth a look. I think they would be a great starter or possible upgrade pair for someone for general nature observation.
It also makes me appreciate just how well the Monarch's are because they are noticeably smaller with superior performance.
I received my 10x32 Terra ED binoculars, the Under Armor edition, from the super sale for $170. This was an outstanding deal I think. I confess I just bought then because the price seemed so good based on the information I could find on this line. Packaging was excellent, definitely robust enough to be mailed some distance. Everything arrived shipshape.
Overall these are a very good binocular and if you can get them for $200 or close I think most people will be happy. Fit and finish is very good. The hinge and the diopter were a bit stiff, but I prefer that so they don’t move. I use them with my glasses with eye-cups fully embedded, the IR was good enough for me; my lenses are small and I can get binoculars pretty close. The diaper loosened up after a few twists and then stiffened up after some rest time, so it's probably just grease keeping the tension.
I compared them with the Nikon Monarch 7 10x30, and they compare pretty close.
I prefer the M7 for it’s smaller size, as well as its soft armor which is so comfortable. The Zeiss rubber armor ‘may’ be more durable in the long run, but i have no way to know right now.
Optically I also prefer the Nikon, as they are sharper and their image has more natural colors. If you’re subject is to far though the sharpness of the 10x probably is not discernible. The colors of the Zeiss are warmer and very pleasant, I think many may prefer the Zeiss look. I let a passer by try them and they could not see any difference, so someone just buying them for casual viewing without experience it seems may not notice, but it’s quite easily discernible to me.
The FOV is close, but the Zeiss was wider, I didn't check the specs, but from observation it was small enough that it didn't matter to me in this format. This was with my eyeglasses.
I didn't have much of a chance to observe CA, but they both seemed similar on a couple objects against an overcast sky. A small green tinge. I can't declare a winner here yet without more viewing time.
I don’t have much else to report. I didn’t try the harness they came with, but I like that the objective covers are tethered to the binocular, but the Nikon approach appears more elegant to me.
If you are thinking about purchasing the Zeiss and find them for a good price they are definitely worth a look. I think they would be a great starter or possible upgrade pair for someone for general nature observation.
It also makes me appreciate just how well the Monarch's are because they are noticeably smaller with superior performance.