Zeiss 10x40 Conquest T*

The first time I field tested these binoculars, I thought I was looking through a pair of the top end optics produced by Zeiss.

The Conquest range of binoculars deliver an extremely high resolution image but at a mid range price. There are differences of course between these and the flagship Victory range, but they are subtle and in no way make for an impoverished optical performance. The 10 x 40 model is beautifully balanced in the hand, comfortable against the eye and surprisingly lightweight given the price and magnification. Talking of magnification, I generally prefer 7 x or 8 x for field use, but as an entry level binocular, the added punch of 10 x can be particularly exciting, especially if you use your bins from a bird hide or other viewing platform where you can rest your elbows to eliminate wobble. The rubber armoured build is rugged enough to take the knocks, and the coated optics make for a crisp, clear, bright image under even low light conditions.

If you're on a budget, but don't want to skimp on quality, you won't go wrong with these.