• Categories
• Tips & Inspiration
• Reviews
• News
• Events
• Features
• Buying Guides
• Competitions

Discover ZEISS Conquest HDX Binoculars

Over 120 years of accumulated knowledge and experience in crafting binoculars have gone into the new mechanical design for the ZEISS Conquest HDX Binocular Range. It replaces outgoing Conquest HD binoculars, improving on key features while keeping the highly regarded HD optics at the core.

Having teased the premium all-rounder in a video on the ZEISS Nature channel back in July 2024, which you can see embedded below, we can now discover ZEISS Conquest HDX binoculars in more detail, just in time for summer wildlife observations and before the autumn rutting season here in the UK.

The ideal Premium All-rounder: The new ZEISS Conquest HDX binoculars Video

Our buying guide introduces the new Conquest range, highlights key differences compared to the previous generation, and addresses frequently asked questions, including how it compares to other ZEISS binocular ranges.

So without further ado, let’s begin by finding out where Conquest HDX binoculars fit into the lineup.

Where do Conquest HDX binoculars fit within the ZEISS range?

With six ranges catering to every level of user and observation requirements, the Conquest HDX range is regarded as a premium all-round binocular, available at an attractive price point. The table below highlights where this fits within other ZEISS models, effectively replacing Conquest HD binoculars for 2024.

Introducing the New ZEISS Conquest HDX Binocular Range

How do Conquest HDX compare to Conquest HD binoculars?

Upgraded SFL accessories include more robust and easy-to-mount lens caps, and the tripod interface is readily accessible, the grip has been improved and the diopter is lockable. These join an overhauled housing and modernised rubber grip, which adds to the overall premium ergonomics.

ZEISS has updated these key features and some of the included accessories for the Conquest HDX range, but what differentiates them from previous HD binoculars? The table below highlights key changes, which include:

Next let’s find out how the various models compare to each other.

Comparison between Conquest HDX binocular models

The table below is for anyone wondering what differentiates the seven HDX models and how to choose between them. It’s worth noting that included accessories are the same for each model, except for the flagship ZEISS HDX 15x56, which includes a 1/4” Tripod Adapter as standard.

What is the Conquest HDX range for?

Conquest HDX are high-performance binoculars, which are designed for virtually all observation situations. Depending on the precise model, subjects can include:

1. Wildlife viewing
2. Bird watching
3. General nature observation during camping and hiking
4. Outdoor sports and events
5. Astro and moon observation

Conquest HDX binoculars are extremely tactile, featuring a smooth focus knob and great grip. They are well balanced with fantastic weighting, being neither too heavy nor too light. If you like to hold a binocular with a solid feel, these are perfect for your needs.

Conquest binocular build quality

ZEISS went to great lengths to reduce the weight of the extremely popular 42mm models (Conquest HDX 8x42 and Conquest HDX 10x42) by 10% compared to the previous gen, while retaining their robust qualities. All HDX models are extremely rugged and durable, being waterproof, fog-proof, shake-proof and resistant to temperature.

The armour is made from a natural rubber armouring material, which is a Latex-free NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) compound that fulfils the requirements imposed by conformity according to GS with respect to PAH. The housing material was also revamped with Magnesium, which is known to be robust and lightweight.

Where are ZEISS Conquest HDX binoculars manufactured?

ZEISS Conquest HDX binoculars are made in Japan, meeting the same high ZEISS performance and quality standards as their German-made counterparts. They also undergo stringent lab and field tests to ensure longevity, and are backed by a generous 10-year warranty.

Which prisms do Conquest HDX binoculars utilise?

The Conquest HDX 32 and 42 models use a Schmidt-Pechan prism, whereas the HDX 56mm models utilise the Abbe-König prism. The Schmidt-Pechan prism is more compact and lighter, where the Abbe-König prism achieves better transmission, which is required by the wide objective lens.

How do ZEISS Conquest HDX and SFL binoculars compare?

As with all ZEISS binoculars, HDX and SFL benefit from well-known ZEISS premium optics, including high light transmission, ZEISS T* multi-layer coating and LotuTec. Both the Conquest HDX and SFL range come with a durable but lightweight Magnesium housing, which is covered by a rubber armouring for excellent purchase.

The ZEISS SFL family is designed to be as compact and lightweight as possible, up to 25% lighter than the Conquest HDX range. Featuring outstanding UHD optics, it offers improved image quality and a larger field of view compared to HD. Additionally, SFL models include a SmartFocus feature for ergonomic, long-term observation.

The updated Conquest HDX binoculars enhance the range for 2024, bringing them closer to the ZEISS SFL family, with similar rubber armouring and certain accessories, while retaining the original HD optical concept.

All models are slightly lighter, with the 32 and 42mm object models being a notable 10% lighter, while just as rugged and durable as their predecessors.

If you enjoy a robust-feeling binocular with various general applications, from simply enjoying nature to more detailed bird and wildlife observations, then this may well be the perfect choice for you.

Explore the complete range of ZEISS binoculars today and take your observations to the next level with the perfect pair that inspires your passion for nature and wildlife. They also make an amazing gift for the budding wildlife enthusiast in your life, helping us connect with nature and stay healthy.

Share this post:

By Nick Dautlich on 20/08/2024