In both low and bright light, the Conquest HDX offers exceptional clarity, contrast and light transmission, with neutral color fidelity, in a rugged, ergonomic binocular. (Drew Warden)
December 09, 2024
By Drew Warden
Among hunters, the Zeiss name is synonymous with exceptional optics. The German company relies on nearly 180 years of experience manufacturing various optical systems to produce high-quality riflescopes, spotters and binoculars. Extraordinary glass doesn’t come cheap, and Zeiss optics have an equal reputation for being on the pricier side. Most of Zeiss’ top-end offerings run well above the $1,000 mark.
At least that was the case until the new Conquest HDX binocular line debuted this fall. Hunters can now get premium German glass in several classic configurations right around $1,000. The new Conquest HDX series includes seven models: 8x32 mm, 10x32 mm, 8x42 mm, 10x42 mm, 8x56 mm, 10x56 mm and 15x56 mm. The first four come in at or under a grand, while the models with 56 mm objectives are $1,699 to $1,899. Now, $1,000 is still a lot of money, but when you consider all the optical features, performance and durability of the Conquest HDX, it becomes a wise investment.
Built on Zeiss’ HD concept—a balanced system blending optical design, lenses and coatings—the new Conquest HDX binos deliver more than 90 percent light transmission and bright, clear, high-resolution images, even in low light. They utilize Zeiss’ T* multi-coating, carefully selected lenses (up to 10, depending on model) and phase-corrected roof prisms to produce clear images without color fringing or color casts. The multi-layer T* coating yields brilliant, high-contrast images and should be especially valued by hunters. Higher contrast, or an improved ability to differentiate between colors, helps in identifying game animals, which often blend in with their surroundings. Meanwhile, Zeiss’ Field Flattener Technology ensures high resolution across the entire field of view to help eliminate distortions, especially near the edges, and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass reduces chromatic aberrations.
That’s a lot of jargon, but I found Zeiss’ descriptions to be true in testing. Most seasons in Missouri and Kansas weren’t open when I tested the 8x42 mm model, so while I couldn’t hunt with it, I did spend ample time glassing fields in the evenings and scouting during the daytime. Low-light performance was excellent, as was image clarity regardless of time of day. The level of detail throughout the day, but especially at low light, proved exceptional. Whereas my eyes often start to fatigue relatively quickly with many binos, I had no difficulty glassing for extended periods with the Conquest HDX.
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While Zeiss’ technologies produce crisp, detailed views, they mean little if the binocular isn’t robust enough to protect them. Thankfully, the Conquest HDX has a rugged, ergonomic, closed-bridge, single-hinge design. The lightweight
magnesium housing and full rubber armoring protect those critical internal components, and the exterior features a coarse surface that’s easy to grip, even in rainy or humid conditions. The bino is nitrogen filled to prevent moisture inside the lenses in high humidity, and Zeiss’ hydrophobic LotuTec coating repels water, dirt and fingerprints on the exterior lenses.
I let the bino (placed inside the included soft-sided case) ride in the bed of a side-by-side while navigating bumpy dirt roads on my family’s Kansas property, and it held up fine. Zeiss has conducted much more formal durability tests (moving mechanical parts like the hinge, eyecup and focus wheel several thousand times), resistance tests (water, UV light and extreme temperature) and shake tests. The Conquest HDX is waterproof, fog proof, shockproof and has a 10-year warranty on optical and mechanical components.
For about $1,000, the Conquest HDX offers high-quality German glass in a durable, reliable, ergonomic binocular. When compared to other binos with this level of optic quality, that’s a deal. Zeiss bills the new Conquest HDX as a solid all-around binocular, and I agree. It’s perfectly at home in the whitetail woods, mountainous elk country or wide-open plains.
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SPECIFICATIONS: Zeiss Conquest HDX Magnification: 8X (tested) Objective Diameter: 42 mm (tested) Field of View @ 1,000 yds: 384' Eye Relief: 16 1/2 mm Focus Range: 2.2 yds. to infinity Lenses: fully multicoated ED glass Prism: roof; phase-corrected Length: 5.9" Width: 4.7" Weight: 25.2 oz. MSRP: $999.99 zeiss.com This article was featured in the Month Year issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe .
