I have an opportunity to buy a pair of Zeiss 8x20 Conquest's for about half price.I'm almost ready to spring for them, but wanted to know if any of you have used them.Are they worth $280? I "need" new binocs anyhow, and thought this might be a heck of a deal.Any thoughts?
Gimme your contact. I'll buy them!
Killdeer
I take it they're worth the price then? :)
Zeiss is top shelf glass. If you like compacts that is a good price if they are new.
You will look long and hard before you find better glass than Zeiss.
Excellent glass! 8x20 is just right for a compact binoc too.
Zeiss is great, and it depends on what you want them for.........a binocular guy will tell you magnification x 5 is optimal. If you are looking to spot an animal on a hillside, or pick out a patch of fur in a bush, you would be better off with 6x30, 7x35 etc.
Just realized that they ar 20mm objectives. I want 30 mm.
Zeiss is premier glass, but I've talked to people who were disappointed with the 8x20's. Premier glass does not make up for 20mm objectives. That's why many have settled on 30mm or 32mm for smaller glasses; they are a pretty reasonable compromise. If you are set on an actual pocket binoc, these are a fine deal at that price. If that price is available for multiple binocs, you would likely make a lot of people here happy by posting the info.
I have Zeiss compacts & love them, they are fantastic glasses. I'd buy them if I were you.
Frank
I agree with JockC and Bjorn. That is a good price,but you have to figure out what you want to use them for. The more magnification you have at lower objectives gives you less light gathering and field of view. I bought a pair of 10X40 Zeiss not understanding a lot of this,and ended up not being able to hold them steady. I still have the Zeiss,but ended up getting some Steiner 8X56. I use them both for different stuff.
I got away from the compacts and bought zeiss 8x30"s. I love them. It was worth the money.
Zeiss is a good company, but Conquests are not their high end glass. 8x20 IMO is not a good combination for low light conditions, regardless of the manufacturer. 8x30 or 8x32s are much better.
8x20 are good for looking for shed antlers or stuff like that during good lighting, but for hunting during prime time evening or mornings they just don't let in enough light for my taste. Mike
I would have no use for 8X20s at any price.
I'm not sure I would agree completely with Ground Hunter, as i carry a pair in the side pocket of my van (yeah, a socker mom van :rolleyes: ), but not for sitting or even walking in the woods. My 8 x 50's were definitely too big and heavy, but 8 x 40s sure are brighter and faster to use than the 20mm.
I'm not a fan of the compacts. Leupold makes a small model Yosemite that fits in your hand well. 6x30 and 8x30. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I have the Vortex Vanquish 8x26 compacts. Clear, compact, and good quality for the $$. They have the same warranty as their high end models too.
I have a pair of Leopold Katmai 6x30-under 300 dollars. Perfect for spotting hogs etc in their beds.
For low light situations in the morning or late afternoon, Nikon or Leupold in 6 x 30, 7 x35 or 8 x 42, 8.5 x 45, will allow maximum light to the eye. Lower power better in fog or rain, but higher better for distance. Look at the field of view, construction, coated lenses and waterproof factors. Good binocs from good companies often have life time warranty, especially important if they get dropped.
Good buy, Great binoculars. !!!!
I have the 6x30 Yosemite by Leupold. Paid $66 now they go for about $95. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: 8x42 Nikon Monarch for when weight is not a factor, and Optolyth 8X56 for looking at the next mountain.
Those who denigrate 8x20s because of their poor performance in low-light are right . . . mostly.
However, I have a pair of 8x20 Leicas --- some of the best glass one can buy --- and they're surprisingly good in low-light.
That said, I have a pair of Busnell 8x42s that are much brighter early and late in the day.
The Leicas are very small and weigh less than 8 ounces. The Bushnells, of course, are much bulkier and weigh in at 1.5 pounds.
The Leicas can go with me anywhere, anytime . . . and they do. Often, I decide that the bigger Bushnells are not worth lugging around.
It's good to remember: The terrific binoculars you DON'T take along are not as good as the lesser binoculars you DO take with you.
Mark
I have a older pair of 8X20 Zeiss. I bought them new in 1981. They are great for still hunting and whitetail.
I bought a used older pair of 10X40 T*. I couldn't get both eyes to focus. Zeiss guarantees their binoculars for life. I called about getting them fixed and they told me to ship them to their service department. I haven't gotten them back yet, but I am expecting that they will be repaired.
Having said that today many of the current binoculars are very good. I just bought a pair of 10X40 Bushnell H2O. I took them on a 11 day backpacking hunt for elk in Colorado. I had all kinds of weather - rain, snow and sleet. The binoculars were great and more clear than my 10x40 Zeiss. They were extremely clear with a wide field of view and never fogged up. It seems today's manufacturing of these binoculars has gotten pretty good and I don't think you have to spend that kind of money any more for a good pair of binoculars.
Just my opinion.
Gil
I've used Zeiss 10x40's for everything since ~1980...couldn't be happier. Don't like compacts of any sort, though.
Everything has a trade off, glasses are no different. I personally dont like small binos as I have larger hands and small glasses can make my hands cramp up. One thing I can tell you is you'll never regret buying good glasses. I bought a set of swarovski 8.5x42 and the first time I peered thru them, the first thing that went thru my head was...why did I wait so long?
Good glasses do cost, no doubt about it. But, if you take care of them, it should be a one time expenditure that will amaze you every time you look thru them.
How much is that worth?
Like someone else said, you dont need to go to that level of glass to get a great view. The smallest glasses I personally use are 32mm objectives (6x32 eagle optics platinum rangers). They are no longer made in that configuration but I paid 150 for those glasses. That is a good buy on quality optics. The el's were a bit more...
JL
if you're still on the fence - buy them!!!! You won't be sorry. Personally, I think the best binoculars you can get are the ones you actually carry with you. Ones that small should be with you all the time. At that price they are a steal.
They are a niche objective size, HOWEVER, they are clearly the best you can get for the size. If you're going on a once in a lifetime sheep hunt you want something with a bigger objective but high quality. The 2.5mm exit pupil will be fine in all but the darkest of first and last light. go for it
I own a pair and really like them for what I bought them for: binos small enough that never mind bringing them along, and great for many situations where lighting is good to "decent".
Just realize the compromise they are: small lenses = less light through the glass. So in low light situations you won't see as much or as well as with bigger lens binoculars.
On an evening walk in the woods with a rifle hunting fried let me try his 8 x 56 Leicas. It was almost like the binoculars "added" extra light to the picture. Big difference in picture, but also big difference in size and weight.
Henrik
I have a pair of Leupold 8x32 Katmais. I sent them back for some warranty work. Moisture got inside. The company sent me a brand new pair. I'm sure there are better brands/models, but I've been happy w/ these. They have met my needs & they come from a great company.
Good glass and a good company to deal with. Low light as in before legal shooting they will be dark. They will work fine for most all bowhunting. They will shine because they will always be with you.
KT
I have a pair of Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42s and really like the quality of these, especially given the price. Used them on a recent hog hunt and was very please with clarity and light gathering capabilities.