Guidance wanted

[WyoElk]

I have finally decided I've had enough with using cheap optics and am going to upgrade this year. I'm looking for input to my plan, if you see something that might be better or that I haven't thought about please let me know. I would like to run these on a tripod. Here is the plan

Zeiss Conquest HD 10X42- $750
Slik 634 tripod- $235
Promaster 6160 tripod head- $45
Outdoorsman tripod adapter for binos- $110
Badlands bino bivy- $130

I been to the box store a couple times looking at vortex razors, SLC's, trinovids, and the conquest and I keep gravitating toward the conquest. My plan was to get them this season and if I feel like they were sub-par sell them and get the SLC's. I want the SLC's now but with all the additional purchase items it's just feels like I might have to wait a while.

Thanks in advance for the input. I hunt Wyoming and Colorado usually, all species.

 

[dotman]

If your brave the end cap comes off and there are 1/4 20 threads to use a cheaper bino adapter. It is locktighted on but if you just slowly drill the center of the end cap it falls off then just blackout the plastic threads. Super simple and not nearly as dangerous as it sounds. I really like my conquest hd's.

 

[Screamrider]

I think the bang for your buck is hard to beat with the Conquest binos. While I don't have the 10x42, I do have the Conquest HD in a 8x32. I also have Swarovision EL's in 10x42 with the outdorrsmans stud.

To be honest, I have huge trouble discerning any difference between the Conquest and the EL, other than in very low light. I think they're both great, but if I would go back I don't think I would have spent the extra on the EL's over the Conquests in a 10x42.

As for a tripod, IMHO, don't overlook the Promaster 525C. I got one from sandsarchery and couldn't be happier. I also got the vanguard PH-111V pan head, another great value item!

I've had two different FHF bino harnesses and now the kuiu. For wearing around my neck all day I like the kuiu for my 8x32's. When I'm using my EL's and want to set the up on the tripod throughout the day, I prefer the FHF. I've never tried the Badlands.

Good luck.

 

[handwerk]

I think you have a great plan put together. Although I use and love my swarovision El's, I've heard great things about those Zeiss HD binos and it would afford you the other goodies you're looking for.

 

[WyoElk]

I think you have a great plan put together. Although I use and love my swarovision El's, I've heard great things about those Zeiss HD binos and it would afford you the other goodies you're looking for.

This is kind of how I feel too but Im afraid that in a couple years I'm going to yearn for the SLC's instead. I'm thinking if I get the Zeiss glass for $750 I could get most my money back if I feel like I have to upgrade. I'm willing to drop the coin on the SLC's now if need be but with all the accessories I'm way over budget and will probably have to sell my backpacking gun to swing it, I would prefer to avoid that. I wear contacts too so I'm a little worried that even with the best glass I'm going to be somewhat limited by my eyes.

Plus if I go this route it may leave a little nest egg to start saving for a spotting scope which I also don't have.

 

[Clarktar]

What is your backpacking gun?

 

[WyoElk]

What is your backpacking gun?

It's a S&W 329PD. It's a great gun and I would like to keep it but the reality is that I will use my optics a lot more than my gun. If I decide to go big (Swaro's) I'm afraid it's going to have to go in order to free up some cash.

 

[boom]

i'd find easier binos to tripod mount. i thought the Zeiss require real surgery?

great glass..light, compact. next to my Leicas, they are pretty difficult to call. i'm no optics pro.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

I was in the same boat last month. Initially had it narrowed down between the Meoptas and the Conquest HDs. I really liked the Meoptas but did not like the ergonomics at all..... Delayed the decision and researched for another week and decided to go back and buy the SLCs (hadn't even looked through them yet). I transferred some money around with the anticipation of the big purchase.....well, since I was there I had the guy pull out all 3 once more. Compared quite a bit telling myself the money was irrelevant, I went with the Conquest HDs.

I'm not knocking the SLCs at all, I really liked them but couldn't discern any difference in all but the darkest shadows... Even then I wasn't sure that my I wasn't playing tricks on myself.

 

[Browtinemt]

I don't think you'll be disappointed with Zeiss. fairchasedeals.com has the badlands bino case for $70 right now. Looks like max 1 camo.

 

[stephen b]

I think your optics list is very solid. The Zeiss Conquest HD is very nice glass, and I think you could be happy with that for a long time without needing to upgrade.

Yes, the Swaro's are super glass ( I have a couple of their bino's); but the Zeiss hang real close ( close enough) to them.

In real use- the Zeiss will show you all you need to see, and the only way you could possibly tell the difference would be in close side by side testing- and even then it will be close. So unless you have a buddy that has the Swaro's and you are hunting and glassing together all the time, and you have a problem with comparative bino envy- I do not think you would be dissatisfied at all with your Zeiss bino.

Plus- with the money you save, that just puts more money towards a spotter.

 

[dotman]

i'd find easier binos to tripod mount. i thought the Zeiss require real surgery?

great glass..light, compact. next to my Leicas, they are pretty difficult to call. i'm no optics pro.

See my post above, it is so minor to do, took me a min. The threads are already there to mount the adapter, just have to remove the end cap that is threaded in but they used an epoxy to secure and there really is no easy way to unthread the cap. Just drill thru the cap and unthread the plastic screw that remains. The cap is plastic with an aluminum cover.

Edit: The tripod adapter I used is the Vortex Uni-dapter made by Jim White here in the US. Cost was $35.

 

[WyoElk]

Thanks Dotman, I called zeiss to make sure it was threaded back there and they told me the same thing. Also said they would send me a new cap if I wanted as well.

 

[dotman]

Yeah I didn't think it would be an issue with them.

 

[wapitibob]

Stick a Jim White adapter on it and then screw a tripod quick disconnect plate to that. Simple, quick, and solid.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

Dotman,
You saved me $90.... Or $55 I guess. I owe you a beer.

 

[dotman]

Dotman,
You saved me $90.... Or $55 I guess. I owe you a beer.

Just glad I could help out but yeah I'll take that beer

 

[boom]

Just glad I could help out but yeah I'll take that beer

cool!! passing this onto a bud!

 

[voidecho]

Holy smokes. I have the Zeiss Conquest HD's and didn't know it was threaded back there. I'd actually heard it wasn't. All I knew was that I certainly wasn't going to spend the $220 on the Zeiss cradle tripod adapter.

Dotman, can I send you a PM if I need more detailed instructions? I just bought these things and don't want to jack them up.

 

[dotman]

Sure, best advice I can give is drill in the center and use a smaller drill bit then a 1/4" bolt. Go slow, very slow. One the end cap is off use a small flat screw drive to unthread the plastic in the threads. Just take your time and be careful and you'll be ok.