Zeiss Conquest HD Vs Swarovski SLC 10×42 Models-Clash of the Titans!
The Zeiss Conquest HD 10×42 and Swarovski SLC 10×42 are the two most popular binoculars of their respective brands. It would be interesting to pit them against each other and to know which one emerges as the winner.
Here we have tried to compare Zeiss Conquest HD 10×42 Vs Swarovski SLC on the basis of various parameters such as optical quality, build quality and other considerable specifications.
While Zeiss has a long-standing reputation for its quality lenses, Swarovsky has rapidly climbed the popularity charts due to its unbeatable quality and craftsmanship.
Both binoculars sports high-density lenses that remove color aberrations while presenting a bright image. This is due to high light dispersion by the lenses.
Both are ergonomically designed for ultimate comfort and fatigue-free use for long hours. Here’s a more detailed break-down of their features.
Zeiss Conquest HD 10×42 Vs Swarovski SLC- Specification Comparison
Zeiss Conquest HD 10×42 Vs Swarovski SLC- Detailed Comparison
- The purchase Includes: Swarovski Optik SLC 10x42 Binoculars, Field Bag, Eyepiece Cover, Objective Lens Cover, Lift...
- 10x Magnification, 61-degree apparent field of view
- HD Optical System: fluorite-containing glass offers 91% light transmission, enhancing color fidelity and brightness
- Lightweight Ergonomic Design: Compact lightweight ergonomic design for ultimate comfort in the field
- HD Lens System: The HD lens system provides exceptionally true and neutral color fidelity: a visual experience that sets...
- Lotutec Protective Lens Coating: LotuTec water shedding outer coatings for all weather use as well as fully armored and...
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Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42
Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42mm Waterproof Binoculars, Black, 524212-0000-000 - $999.99
Retail Price: $1,111.10
You Save: $111.11
from: OpticsPlanet, Inc
Swarovski SLC 10x42
- This purchase Includes: Swarovski Optik EL 10x42 Binocular, Field Bag, Eyepiece Cover, Objective Lens Cover, Lift...
- Magnification: 10x
- Submersion tightness up to 13 ft(4m) deep
On the Basis Of Build Quality and Construction
Both binoculars are lightweight and have a similar compact size. Both are covered in a non-slippery protective armor.
The Zeiss Conquest HD 10×42 has a compact and robust construction. It has an ergonomically placed large focusing wheel which is very responsive and provides focusing even with gloved hands.
The Zeiss Conquest also has a rotating and lockable eyecup. This is a boon for people who use eyeglasses. The interiors are nitrogen filled to make them fog-proof and water-proof.
Swarovski SLC also has an ergonomic design and has a light and sturdy magnesium housing. The tough exterior is equipped with a new rotating strap connector which is very useful and convenient for carrying and using the binoculars. It also has an open bridge design which helps in making an easy grip with one hand. Both binoculars look slim, handy and portable.
Optical Performance/ Image Quality
As is obvious from the nomenclature, both the binoculars have an objective lens of 42 mm diameter and both provide a 10x magnification. Besides this, both binoculars are equipped with HD lenses and the Schmidt-Pechan prism system.
The Zeiss Conquest has its proprietary LotuTec® coating on its lenses which repels water and provides a clear view under all weather conditions. There is also the T* multilayer coating that ensures the light transmission of 90% or more. This gives brilliant, high-contrast images even in twilight and adverse light conditions.
However, the HD optical system in the Swarovski SLC scores even better with its Swarovision technology comprising of field Flattener lenses and fluoride-containing HD lenses which minimize color fringing to ensure maximum color fidelity. This produces an extremely high-contrast image with razor-sharp outlines. This enables you to identify crucial details even in low light and at twilight.
The Close focusing distance in the case of the Zeiss Conquest is 2 meters (6.6 ft), and it is 3.2 meters (10.5 ft) in the case of Swarovski. Translated in simple terms, with Zeiss you will be able to watch butterflies and insects from a much closer range.
The Exit pupil diameter in the case of both the binoculars is 4.2 mm. The eye relief or the exit pupil distance is 18 mm. in the case of Zeiss and it is lesser at 16 mm for Swarovski. This means Zeiss binoculars are slightly more comfortable as you do not have to peer as close to the eyepiece as in the case of Swarovski. This comes as good news for people wearing spectacles.
The inter-pupillary distance is 54 – 74 mm in the case of Zeiss Conquest whereas it is 56-74 mm in the case of Swarovski SLC. This means Zeiss is more suitable for people with close-set eyes.
Twilight factor according to ISO 14132-1 standards is 20.5 for both binoculars making them at par in their ability to see in low-light conditions like early morning or late evening.
Both binoculars have diopter adjustment range on the right eyepiece between − 4.0 to + 4.0 diopters. This is especially good for people wearing spectacles and both the binoculars are on par.
Field Of View
A large field of view is desirable in binoculars as it helps pan a large expanse and helps to spot the target quickly. This is crucial for bird-watchers, hunters and nature observers.
The Zeiss Conquest 10×42 HD offers the largest field of view in its class. The field of view is 115 meters at 1,000 meters (377 ft at 1000 yards) and the subjective viewing angle is 6. 6°.
In contrast, the Swarovski SLC has a field of view of 110 meters at 1000 meters (330 ft at 1000 yards) and a viewing angle of 6.3°. Here the Zeiss Conquest wins by quite a wide margin.
Weight and Size
Zeiss Conquest 10×42 HD weights 795 grams or 28 oz. In comparison, Swarovski SLC is comparatively lighter at 765 grams or 27 oz.
The Zeiss binocular has a length of 150 mm or 5.9″ whereas Swarovsky has a length of 144 mm or 5.7”. As you can see, the Swarovski wins in compactness, literally, by a slim margin. When you spread open the Swarovsky binoculars so that the inter-pupillary distance is 65 mm, the width of the binocular comes to 120 mm (4.7 inches).
Price/Warranty
There is quite a huge difference between the prices of these binoculars. Whereas the Zeiss Conquest is priced at $1,049.00, the Swarovski SLC comes at $1,599.00. No wonder then that Swarovski SLC comes bundled with a field bag, eyepiece cover, objective lens cover, and lift carrying strap.
Swarovski also offers an extended warranty of 10 years, which excludes damages due to improper use or mishandling, as well as those by normal wear and tear.
Performance Under Extreme Weather Conditions
Both binoculars have nitrogen gas fillings and the lenses are tightly sealed to make them waterproof. The Zeiss binocular is water-resistant up to a pressure of 400 millibars which translates to 4 meters depth of water. This is the same with Swarovski binoculars.
The Zeiss binocular can be operated in extreme cold and snowy conditions with temperature as cold as -30°C and in hot deserts with the temperature rising up to 63°C during the day time. These sets of figures are -25 °C and +55 °C in the case of Swarovski. Here, Zeiss Conquest is the clear winner in terms of its performance under extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
(Both the binoculars have similar specifications, yet both have certain distinctive capabilities. Zeiss Conquest has a wider field of view which makes spotting your target easier, and has LotuTec water-repellant coating; it is more suited for hunting and on cruises and sight-seeing. Swarovsky SLC with its better color fidelity is ideal for bird-watching. But then Zeiss gives you the ability to watch from a much closer distance. The advantages are evenly matched which makes the choice more of a personal nature. The Swarovski SLC while ticking off a few more scores is also much more expensive. Since technically both binoculars deliver outstanding performance, whichever one you finally choose.you would be making the right choice.
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Last update on 2024-03-27
Thanks for your reviews on the Swarovski 10×42 and Zeiss 10×42.
As Swarovski have discontinued the SLC range, it looks like the Zeiss 10×42 Conquest HD is the next best option.
Very kind regards.
Steve