BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!

Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="BruceH" data-source="post: 3490003" data-attributes="member: 106398">Pkent86 .... The Zeiss Conquest HD 10X42 would be my first choice.  I have looked through the Opticron DBA VHD a couple of times and over all it is very nice but the narrow FOV, especially for that price range, eliminates it from contention for me.  it has a 105m FOV compared to 115m for the Zeiss Conquest.  I found the FOV of the Opticron tunnel like.  My experience with the new Leica Trinovid is limited to a couple of views in a store where I was able to compare direct to the Conquest, both in the 10X42.  Although the Leica is very nice, I just liked the Conquest better in all aspects (feel, build, and view).  Also the Conquest has slight edge on the FOV (115m vs 113m).I have not seen the Nikon but it is the oldest design on the list.  I believe it has sliver coated prisms rather than di-electric. Some versions have issues with rolling ball and  some have a fast focus so be sure and research first.  I would go with the Zeiss because from what I have read, it most likely has a more neutral color balance.  The Conquest is an excellent binocular that is very close to the top tier.  There are two things to keep in mind.  Some of the Conquest models have short eye cups in relation to the eye relief.  This is more noticeable in the 8X42 than the 10X42.  However Zeiss offers a free longer eyecup replacement if it is an issue for non-eye glass users.  Second, some of the Conquest models I tried seem to have a little less over travel past infinity.  This could be an issue for someone who is strongly near sighted and uses the binocular without eye glasses.  Since you appear to be in a location where it is not feasible to try first, then be sure and purchase from a vendor with a good return policy just in case things to not work out.  Purchasing a binocular can be very personal and what works for one person does not work for another.</blockquote>

Verification