ZEISSConquest HDX Binoculars 10x42 Waterproof, Compact with LotuTec T* HD Coated Glass for Optimal Clarity in All Weather Conditions for Bird Watching, Hunting, Sightseeing, Black

ORIGINAL COMMENTThe item when it arrived was not in a sealed box and the UPC label had another label stuck on top of it. I believe the item was previously used and returned. I am returning it and reordering another one. After paying over a thousand dollars for these binoculars I expect them to arrive in new condition in a sealed box from the factory. Once I receive the replacement, I will rerate my review to five stars since the Conquest HDX is an outstanding binocular.The reason I decided to purchase the Zeiss Conquest HDX rather than the Zeiss Terra ED's which are half the price, is because the Conquest HDX provides superior optical performance, especially in terms of brightness, sharpness, edge-to-edge clarity, and low-light performance, while also boasting better build quality and ergonomics. Made in Japan rather than China, the Conquest HDX is constructed with a magnesium housing and rubber armor rather than fiberglass. Designed with a focus on ergonomics, the Conquest HDX provides a comfortable and secure grip. The Conquest HDX eyecups are adjustable and the HDX comes with flip down lens caps fore and aft. The Terra Ed does not come with flip down lens caps. Also the Terra does not come with a case, rather it comes with a velvet bag. Finally the diopter ring on the Terra has no scale on either the knob or the binocular frame below it to indicate just how much adjustment is being made. In fact, there isn’t even a clearly marked center point to denote the position for equal eyes. Rather, you just center the raised triangular marking on the armoring on the gap between the plus and minus signs on the diopter adjustment ring. The consequence of this is that if you require a special position for the knob, there is no way to know where that position is unless you mark it yourself. The diopter adjustment ring does not lock, so it is a virtual certainty that the position will get lost at some point, forcing you to go through the laborious process of re-locating the right setting, unless you have marked it. The HDX diopter ring has a scale and it locks. For these reasons I decided to spend the extra money and get the HDX binoculars rather than the ED's.UPDTATEThe second pair of binoculars arrived today and they were packaged identically to the first pair that arrived two days ago: Not factory sealed and a sticker covering the UPC barcode. Must be something the merchant is doing in the process of selling the item. I am therefore rerating the HDX's to 5 stars as I am really impressed with the optical performance and build quality of these binoculars as stated above. There are more expensive ones out there (example Zeiss Victory SF), but I think $1,000 dollars is still a lot to pay for binoculars. However, I think these are worth it when compared to what else is out there. Example: The Zeiss Victory SFs cost three times more but only marginally improve on the performance of the HDXs (i.e. 92% light transmission vs. 90% light transmission for the HDX's). Swarovski's cost twice as much but aren't twice as good. At the same time, the HDXs are a definite step up from the Terra's as stated above. I think the HDXs hit the sweet spot of binoculars - great optical performance and build quality at a reasonable price. One note on the front lens covers. I initially couldn't get them to close properly - they kept popping out. Then I noticed that on the inside of the lens cover cap in small letters L for left and R for right. I also noticed that they needed to go on in a a certain way to follow the curvature of the binocular tubes. I had the L on the right and the R on the left so I switched them and placed them on in such a way as to follow the curvature of the binocular tube. And voila, the covers snapped in - no more popping out.

These arrived on time as advertised. The quality of this binocular is top of the line. You won’t be disappointed as a wildlife observer.

Amazing binoculars A+++++

Crystal clear. On par with Swarovski SLC 15sx56 feels slightly heavier but you can't beat the price is 600 dollars cheaper. The outside coating is easy to grip and focusing is super smooth.

I'm a fishing & hunting guide, and I need high quality optics.As a user of T* camera lenses, I expected great things from HDX 8x32 bino's.The eye relief & diopter adjustment let me correct for my 78 year old vision. Dawn & dusk brightness, sharpness, and color are excellent. Focus is smoothe & effortless, & their weight/size & the curved padded neck strap are a welcome addition to comfort & steadiness.The objective lens covers don't fit, & are useless!The enclosed user manual requires ability to scan QR codes inorder to download a PDF file in your needed language. zeiss.com also has those downloads.Final opinion: Zeiss hit a Home Run!

Very good viewing

These are the best I have ever seen. It's like you are standing right in front of whatever it you are looking at. These bad boys will put to shame all other binoculars in your collection.

Truly an upgrade from the mid tier binos i have from nikon and celestron. Made in japan. Removable eye piece. Top notch zeiss lens. Very clear to my eyes.