Hi All,
My present binoculars are a pair of 20 year old Nikon Monarchs. When my wife asked me what I want for Christmas I saw an opening to replace them.
I use binocs for multiple things: bird photography spotting, hunting, any other thing I need bigger eyes, and they are always in my SUV 24/7/365. That so I never forget them. The Monarchs have served me well but I'm ready for an upgrade.
I prefer 10x42s and have narrowed the choice to the Zeiss Conquest and the Nikon Monarch HG. Both are the same price $1k and the specs are almost identical. The Monarchs are lighter, the Zeiss have less chromatic aberration at the very edge of the FOV (10%), the Monarchs have a wider FOV. Both have excellent optics.
Looking around in the birding sites there are discussions about the Zeiss being made, not assembled, in Japan. No issues there but If true, and I will be buying what amounts to Japanese optics (I own whole Nikon camera systems and love the brand) what would be the difference.
Does anyone here know otherwise or actually own these?
Here are the forum comments on the Zeiss - the issue is not settled:
www.birdforum.net
I would like to own the Zeiss but I'm not married to that. If in fact manufacturing takes place in Japan then I might as well get the Nikon HGs. Here are the links to the specs:
Nikon:
www.nikonusa.com
Zeiss:
www.zeiss.com
Best,
JAS-SH
My present binoculars are a pair of 20 year old Nikon Monarchs. When my wife asked me what I want for Christmas I saw an opening to replace them.
I use binocs for multiple things: bird photography spotting, hunting, any other thing I need bigger eyes, and they are always in my SUV 24/7/365. That so I never forget them. The Monarchs have served me well but I'm ready for an upgrade.
I prefer 10x42s and have narrowed the choice to the Zeiss Conquest and the Nikon Monarch HG. Both are the same price $1k and the specs are almost identical. The Monarchs are lighter, the Zeiss have less chromatic aberration at the very edge of the FOV (10%), the Monarchs have a wider FOV. Both have excellent optics.
Looking around in the birding sites there are discussions about the Zeiss being made, not assembled, in Japan. No issues there but If true, and I will be buying what amounts to Japanese optics (I own whole Nikon camera systems and love the brand) what would be the difference.
Does anyone here know otherwise or actually own these?
Here are the forum comments on the Zeiss - the issue is not settled:
Conquest where made?
I have heard that the Conquest brand is not many in Germany....the Victory brand is though. Am I right?
www.birdforum.net
I would like to own the Zeiss but I'm not married to that. If in fact manufacturing takes place in Japan then I might as well get the Nikon HGs. Here are the links to the specs:
Nikon:
Nikon MONARCH HG 10x42 | Nikon Binoculars
MONARCH HG 10x42 binoculars provide impeccable magnification for all your outdoor needs. Shop visionary Nikon full-size binoculars!
www.nikonusa.com
Zeiss:
ZEISS Conquest HDX 10x42 | The ideal premium all-rounder
www.zeiss.com
Best,
JAS-SH
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