You are caring about Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 binoculars, but you do not know whether they are suitable for you? Let’s find out their characteristics via our review.
Overview of Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 binoculars
Unlike its brothers, Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 is not in the top luxurious choices for binoculars users. However, if you intend to spend money on this toy, it is still better for you to know about it thoroughly.
To help you with this, we analyze characteristics of Zeiss Terra ED 8×42, then compare it with another pair of 8×42 binoculars as well as the Zeiss Terra ED 10×42.
On top of that, let’s view this technical data:
| Technical Data | Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 | Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 |
| Magnification | 8x | 10x |
| Effective Objective Lens Diameter (mm) | 42 mm | 42 mm |
| Exit Pupil Diameter (mm) | 5.25 mm | 4.2 mm |
| Twilight Factors | 18.3 | 20.5 |
| Field of view | 375 ft/ 1000 yds | 330 ft/ 1000 yds |
| Shortest focusing distance (ft / m) (Close Focus) | 5.3 ft/ 1.6 m | 5.3 ft/ 1.6 m |
| Eye Relief | 18 mm | 14 mm |
| Prism System | Roof Prism | Roof Prism |
| Optical Quality | Prisms & Prism Coatings: reflective dielectricThe lens coating: Fully Multi-coated (FMC) Optics.The glass type used: ED = Extra-low dispersion.Light transmission = 85 % | Prisms & Prism Coatings: reflective dielectricThe lens coating: Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) OpticsThe glass type used: ED = Extra-low dispersion.Light transmission = 85 % |
| Chassis Material | Glass-reinforced Polyamide | Glass-reinforced Polyamide |
| Focusing | Centre Focusing (CF) | Centre Focusing (CF) |
| Diopter Adjustment | Standard Diopter Adjustment | Standard Diopter Adjustment |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof and fog-proof | Waterproof and fog-proof |
| Gas Filled | Nitrogen | Nitrogen |
| Uses | Birdwatching Wildlife observationHunting | Birdwatching Wildlife observationHunting |
| Size | Standard size Binoculars | Standard size Binoculars |
| Brand | Zeiss | Zeiss |
The above chart has indicated all of the necessary information on the configuration of Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 and Zeiss Terra ED 10×42. Made by one manufacturer in the same product line, they are very similar in many aspects.
Well, we might discuss the Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 further in the next articles. Here, since you need to learn about Zeiss Terra ED 10×42, see what they feature as followings:
Strong points of Zeiss Terra ED
- Compact and elegant
The Terras offer a small frame and low weight that you can feel obviously the moment you pick them up. They are just roughly 5.5 inches high and 24.6 ounces heavy with the covers.
With eye-catchy and compact design, these binoculars are great for you to carry along anytime and anywhere.
- Vivid pictures reproduction
When it comes to optical properties, Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 binoculars are somewhat better than average. Besides admirable 375 ft/ 1000 yds FOV and 5.3 ft/ 1.6 m close focus, the high-resolution optics enable users to view scenes clearly and deeply without chromatic aberration.
The color is neutral and brilliant enough though not too superb. In other words, these binoculars allow you to see things in the most realistic way at a farther distance and in a broader area. At around $400, the performance of this item is considered to be high.
- Durable construction
Being lightweight does not mean a lack of strength. In addition to robust rubber armor covering all parts, this product has a glass-reinforced polyamide chassis.
The rain guard coming with the item seems to be made of hard rubber and supplies sufficient friction on the eyecups to keep itself in place. Nonetheless, you are likely to find this unnecessary as the binoculars are already very good at preventing water and debris from getting inside.
- Low price for great value
Although Zeiss is famous for its excellent yet pricey products, Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 is exceptionally affordable. Of course, perhaps there are many other rivals that are comparable. However, if we compare the value that Zeiss Terra brings about in comparison with its cost, this is a big bargain.
Search around the current market, and you can scarcely find $400 binoculars with incredible vision, fantastic design and reliable construction.
Weak points and notes
- Uncomfortable for a number of users
The interpupillary distance of these binoculars ranges from 57.5 to 76 mm. As a result, narrow-face users hardly find them comfortable to view. However, others can utilize them conveniently.
Plus, there is not any thumb groove or flange to fit the webbing between your forefinger and thumb, so it is a bit tricky to grip.
- No scale or marked point
We tried to find if there is any default scale on the binocular frame and the knob above it to show the current level of adjustment. Unfortunately, there is none.
Indeed, the marked center point to indicate the right position for equal eyes even does not exist. Instead, users might need to create one for themselves by centering the emergent mark between the + and – symbols on the binoculars’ diopter adjustment ring.
- Unlockable diopter adjustment ring
Since you cannot lock the diopter adjustment ring, the position is likely to get lost sometimes. Then, you must spend quite a lot of time readjusting the appropriate setting if you have not marked it.
Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 vs Vortex Viper HD 8×42
In terms of 8×42 binoculars, Vortex Viper HD 8×42 is renowned enough for us to compare with Zeiss Terra ED 8×42.
We can see how well the product from Zeiss is doing compared with another good opponent in the same market here!
| Factors | Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 | Vortex Viper HD 8×42 |
| CLARITY | 9 | 9 |
| BRIGHTNESS | 8 | 9 |
| EASE OF ADJUSTMENT | 8 | 9 |
| CONSTRUCTION QUALITY | 9 | 9.5 |
| COMFORT | 7 | 9.5 |
| CLOSE FOCUS RANGE | 9 | 8 |
| FIELD OF VIEW | 9 | 9 |
| BRAND & WARRANTY | 9 | 8 |
| PRICE | 9 | 8.5 |
Both of these two products are in the medium-price 8×42 binoculars segment, but there are quite many things to say about their differences.
First of all, we need to say that the Vortex Viper HD is a bit more expensive than the Zeiss Terra ED. Although the prices may vary among vendors, their gap should be approx $100.
Hence, it is not too strange that the Vortex product offers the better light-gathering ability, ease of use, construction quality and convenience.
Because Zeiss Terra ED is a budget-friendly product line of Zeiss, its binoculars deliver rather dark images and somewhat uncomfortable handling. Luckily, the excellent close focus range and field of view can be a proper offset.
Furthermore, the reputable name of Zeiss guarantees its products’ quality regardless of their prices.
Overall, if you want to trade off quality for a low expense, you might like to go for Zeiss Terra ED 8×42. On the contrary, Vortex Viper HD 8×42 seems to be generally superior with some extra bucks.
Final words
In the end, we have reviewed the Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 thoroughly for you. Now that you have not only an overview but also an insight into it, you must have known whether it is an ideal choice for you or not.
Besides, you can also consider other binoculars that we mentioned throughout the article as they are likely to be suitable alternatives for you, too.
After all, thanks for reading!
Vilis-bino
References:
https://vortexoptics.com/binoculars/viper-hd-binoculars.html