10x42 Binoculars: Zeiss Conquest HDX vs Vortex Viper HD vs Zeiss Victory SF

This document is in response to a question I received from a reader:

Comparison Table -Main Features & Specifications

Feature	ZEISS Victory SF 10x42	ZEISS Conquest HDX 10x42	ZEISS Conquest HD 10x42	Vortex Viper HD 10x42
Magnification	10×	10×	10×	10×
Objective Lens Diameter	42 mm	42 mm	42 mm	42 mm
Field of View at 1000 m	120 m	115 m	115 m	113 m
Field of View at 1000 yds	360 ft	345 ft	345 ft	341 ft
Exit Pupil Diameter	4.2 mm	4.2 mm	4.2 mm	4.2 mm
Interpupillary Distance	55 – 76 mm	54 – 74 mm		55mm – 74mm
Eye Relief	18 mm	16.5 mm	17 mm	17 mm
Diopter adjustment range	− 4.0 | + 4.0 dpt	− 4.0 | + 4.0 dpt
Close Focus Distance	1.5 m	2.0 m	2.0 m	1.6 m
Twilight Factor	20.5	20.5	20.5	20.5
Light Transmission	92%	90%	90%	Not specified
Prism Type	Roof: Schmidt-Pechan	Roof: Schmidt-Pechan	Roof: Schmidt-Pechan	Roof: Schmidt-Pechan
Optical Coatings	T* multi-coating, LotuTec	T* multi-coating, LotuTec	T* multi-coating, LotuTec	Fully multi-coated, dielectric, phase-corrected coatings
Waterproofing	400 mbar	400 mbar	400 mbar	Yes
Gas Filling	Nitrogen	Nitrogen	Nitrogen	Argon
Operating Temperature Range	−30°C to +63°C	−20°C to +63°C	−20°C to +63°C	Not specified
Dimensions (L × W)	173 × 125 mm	150 × 119 mm	150 × 120 mm	142 × 124 mm
Weight	790 g	715 g	795 g	705g
Tripod Adaptable	Yes	Yes	Not sure – 32mm versions are not	Yes
Warranty	Limited Lifetime	10 years	10 years	Lifetime (Vortex VIP Warranty)

Zeiss Conquest HD vs HDX Binoculars

I decided to also include the older HD version of the Zeiss Conquest into the mix, because based on what I know and the research I have now also completed, the Zeiss Conquest HD and the updated HDX binoculars are extremely similar. The changes are mostly minor cosmetic and the use of different accessories (the carry case, in particular, is quite different).

One of the main changes between these two is Zeiss moved from a mostly aluminium chassis to a magnesium one, making the HDX versions quite it bit lighter.

In terms of performance, once again, they seem to be very close, but there are some people who say that the HDX is very marginally better in terms of color fidelity and edge sharpness. But the differences are extremely minor and often just a matter of opinion. Therefore, if you can make a substantial saving by getting the older Conquest HD, and you are not concerned with the weight difference, then this could be a way of getting this level of instrument for less.

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ZEISS Victory SF 10x42:

As I have not fully tested a pair of Zeiss Victory binoculars, the points below are based on the specification sheets, the reviews I have read on them, and the times that I have briefly used them in the past:

• Field of view (120 m at 1000 m), is considered wide for a 10x binocular, which helps in areas like quickly locating and tracking moving birds.
• Has the longest eye-relief – 18mm is good and should easily be enough,h should you want or need to wear glasses or eye protection whilst glassing
• Closest Minimum focus distance – may be a factor if you like observing things like butterflies or flowers from very close range
• Has the best Zeiss Ultra-FL glass lenses, their best T* multi-coating on the optics, and LotuTec exterior lens coatings that repel water, oil, and dirt
• Better Light Transmission (92%) than the Conquest Models (90%)
• Constructed using a more lightweight magnesium housing (than aluminium) that should have more durability than most polycarbonate housings
• Many good comments on the web on the excellent ergonomic design with a nicely balanced weight distribution for comfortable, prolonged use. My thoughts are the same based on the times I have used these at shows and in shops –
• Zeiss’ SmartFocus wheel – 1.6 or 1.8 turns (depending on model) to adjust the focus from one extreme to the other is less than average, so in theory it is quicker to make large focal adjustments, but perhaps harder to fine-tune the focus.
• Rated to operate in temperatures ranging from −30°C to +63°C.​

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ZEISS Conquest HDX 10x42:

As with the Victory above, I have not officially tested the Zeiss HD or HDX – so these points are based on the times I have used them in store, at shows, and on research on the web:

• Same field of view as the HD (115 m at 1000 m), which is less than the Victory SF, but still considered wide for a 10x42
• Like the Victory, it has the T* multi-coatings and LotuTec coatings, but not the Ultra-FL glass lenses
• Slightly shorter eye relief (16.5 mm) compared to the Victory SF and HD models – might be worth factoring in if you wear glasses
• Updated from the HD model to now have a magnesium housing – not better, just more lightweight
• Designed to operate in temperatures ranging from −20°C to +63°C.​

ZEISS Conquest HD 10x42:

• Same field of view as the HDX (115 m at 1000 m), which is less than the Victory SF, but still considered wide for a 10x binocular
• Like the Victory it has the T* multi-coatings and LotuTec coatings, but not the Ultra-FL glass lenses
• Eye relief (17 mm) is the same as the Vortex Viper and a bit more than the HDX – might be worth factoring in if you wear glasses
• Aluminum chassis.
• Designed to operate in temperatures ranging from −20°C to +63°C.​

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Vortex Viper HD 10x42:

• Has the narrowest Field of View on this list, but is very close to the Conquest, and for a 10x binocular, it is still good, but worth keeping in mind if you are considering the Zeiss Victory, which is a fair bit wider
• This binocular has a fully multi-coated optical system with dielectric and phase-corrected coatings on the prisms, which pretty much matches the Zeiss Conquest models.
• The Viper also has extra-low dispersion glass elements in their lenses, which could, but not is not always able to reduce color fringing compared to the Conquest which I don’t believe has ED glass – The Zeiss Victory goes a step further using ED glass elements containing Flourite which is considered to be as good as it gets. More on Extra Low Dispersion Glass (ED Glass)
• Close focus distance of 1.6 m is better than the Conquest (so worth keeping in mind if you like observing things like insects/flowers, etc, from very close range), but a fraction longer than the Victory
• Built around a magnesium alloy body
• Uses Argon gas as opposed to the usual nitrogen, not necessarily better or worse than Nitrogen used in the others – just different: More here: All About Fogproof and Waterproof Binoculars

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Price & Where to Buy

Model	Typical Price Range (USD)	Retailers (USA)
Zeiss Victory SF 10x42	$2,699.99 – $2,950.00	B&H Photo, Adorama, EuroOptic, Amazon
Zeiss Conquest HDX 10x42	$1,299.99 – $1,499.99	Kenzie’s Optics, Lancaster Archery, Berger Bros
Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42	$1,049.99 – $1,111.00	BlackOvis, Amazon, Adorama
Vortex Viper HD 10x42	$388.00 – $499.99	Vortex Optics, B&H Photo, Amazon, REI

Note: Prices vary by retailer, availability, and seasonal offers. Always make price comparsons for the latest information.

Conclusion

Overall, there is little debate that the Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 binoculars are the best on this list.

It has the best optics and overall the best specifications, so if the price difference is not an issue, then these would be the ones to go for.

As to if it is worth it, it depends on how important that extra money is to you, and thus I really can’t make that decision for you. The differences are all small, and whilst they do add up, do keep in mind that both the Zeiss Conquest and Vortex Viper binoculars are still extremely good binoculars (especially that the price) and as you are not using your binoculars daily, I would say they will be more than sufficient for your needs.

Deciding between the Vortex Viper HD 10x42 binoculars, the ZEISS Conquest HDX 10x42 binoculars, and the ZEISS Conquest HD 10x42 binoculars is also tough, as they are all so similar.

If weight is a factor, the older HD won’t be ideal; however, do keep in mind that its weight is pretty much the same as the Victory.

But overall, there really is no wrong choice here – all will be a very good choice, so often it can just come down to which brand you feel more for, which pair you like the look of the most – this is an aspect that I feel is more important than many give credit as it is always nice to use something that you feel good about.

Then lastly, if price is a factor, which pair you get may just come down to which one you can get the best deal on.