ZEISS has expanded its popular Conquest line of hunting optics with new binoculars offering premium glass, field-flattening lenses, and improvements to the focus wheel, eyecups, and access to the tripod adapter—which you’ll surely need for the most high-powered models. The new Conquest HDX optics include 8x32, 8x42, 8x56, 10x32, 10x42, and 10x56 models, plus the jumbo 15x56, which is up to all terrestrial challenges and wouldn’t be a bad choice for binocular astronomy.
ZEISS is renowned for its optical quality and the HDX models adhere to that high standard. Each model is made with extra-low dispersion, fluoride Schott aspheric lenses that deliver 90% light transmission, and true-to-life color fidelity with virtually no chromatic aberration. The field flatteners assure perfectly sharp detail all the way to the edges of the image, and all that excellent glass bears multiple layers of ZEISS’s famous T* antireflective coating, which yields a noticeably brighter, high-contrast image. That can make all of the difference when hunting at dusk or dawn. For protection from moisture and grime, the exterior glass surfaces are also treated with ZEISS hydrophobic LotuTec coating. The focus wheel has been redesigned for quicker and more precise operation, and the plus/minus 4 dioptric correct can be locked in, saving refocusing time throughout the day.
The Conquest HDX models are a bit lighter than their predecessors thanks to a new magnesium chassis. They still carry the rubber armoring that provides protection and a comfortable grip. Purged with bone-dry nitrogen, they resist internal fogging when moving from a warm car to a cold meadow and carry an IPX7 water resistance rating, so a shower or a brief dunking is no cause for concern. New removable flip-down caps protect the lenses and won’t get lost.
Zeiss has also made it easier to mount these binoculars on a tripod. That’s a big help, especially with the 45.5-ounce 15x56 model. That extraordinary magnification is a game-changer when stalking game in the wide-open spaces, but hand-holding an optic that heavy and powerful generates a jittery shake that’s distracting and fatiguing. Pop on the separately sold adapter and enjoy the perfectly steady view from atop your three-legged helper.
The Conquest HDX’s use roof prisms for a slim form factor: Schmidt-Pechan prisms on all models up to 42mm and Abbe-Konig on the 56mm designs. All offer expansive fields of view for spotting targets: 420 feet at 1,000 yards for the 8x32, 384 feet for the 8x42, 375 feet for the 8x56, 354 feet for the 10x32, 345 feet for the 10x42 and 10x56, and finally 240 feet for the long-range 15x56. Eye relief is comfortable, ranging from 16 to 18mm, and all models have exit pupils larger than 4mm except the 15x56 (3.7) and the 10x32 (3.2). Unsurprisingly, the 8x56 delivers the most light to your pupils at 7mm.
The Conquest HDX range of sizes and capabilities means there’s a model for everything from hunting or wildlife observation to general glassing. For more information, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all of your comments and questions.
