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Steiner or Zeiss in the mid-level Euros?

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angus4356 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: October/08/2013
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    Posted: October/08/2013 at 17:56
Can anyone help me with what would be "the best" pick of (1) Steiner Nighthunter XP @ $780 (2) Steiner Peregrine/Discovery XP @ $850 and (3) Zeiss Conquest HD @ $730...all in 10 x 42 (or 10 x 44 in the case of the Peregrines)?
 
Intended purpose is hunting, in any and all conditions.
 
Appreciate feedback from anyone who has had experience with these glasses.
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PhilR. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PhilR. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/08/2013 at 22:56
I had an 8x Peregrine XP, and currently have an 8x Conquest HD.  The Peregrine was great in all aspects except one, and that was sharpness of the view in the central area.  I was very disappointed to find that it wasn't as sharp as a Zen-Ray ED2 that I also had at the time.  Build quality was excellent, but I just couldn't get over the lack of central sharpness, and I sent it back.  I have also had two other Steiners over the past three or four years, and all of them have been a disappointment as far as central sharpness goes.  I therefore have had my fill of the brand, and will not purchase any more of them.
 
The Ziess on the other hand has been an excellent performer, and in fact has become one of my favorite binos.  I have yet to see a sub-$1k bino that is sharper than the Conquest HD.  I am very confident that the 42mm version will perform at a high level as well, so I would much prefer it over any Steiner on the planet.
 
If you have not done so already, you might also look into the Meopta 10x42HD and it's Cabela's twin, and the Vortex Razor in 3rd generation form.  Both are excellent alternatives to the Zeiss, and IMO superior to the Steiners.
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angus4356 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote angus4356 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/08/2013 at 23:04
Thank you very much for the prompt reply, PhilR - much appreciated Smile
I can't find the Meopta or Vortex "equivalents" you refer to in a comparable price bracket (i.e. sub-$900), so I am leaning towards the Zeiss on the basis of your recommendation.
 
I should have mentioned that I do wear prescription glasses - does that change your recommendation?
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PhilR. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PhilR. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/09/2013 at 06:47
Hello again Angus,
 
I only mentioned the other two because they are in the same normal retail class as the ones you mentioned.  If by chance you can find them at the same level of discount as the others you have already found, they would be worth your time to investigate.
 
I don't know what the eye relief is of the 42mm Zeiss, but I can tell you that my 32mm version has plenty of eye relief for eyeglass wearers.  I think that as long as the ER is at least 17mm, you should be fine. 
 
 Since I do not glass with eyeglasses, and I did not keep the Peregrines very long, I cannot say for sure if they would accommodate eyeglass wearers. 
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