Binoculars are a helpful tool, designed to help you make out objects and landscapes in the distance. Whether you want to hunt or birdwatch, they are a critical tool. Read on to learn more about two of the most popular - the Vortex Crossfire and Zeiss Conquest.
Technical Specifications
The first critical item to consider in a pair of binoculars is the technical specifications. These details make up the general structure of a pair, determining how the image is reflected in the front of the pair for the viewer to see.
In the Crossfire and Conquest, the most vital technical specification is the prism type. Although they won’t make a drastic change in viewing, it’s helpful to know what to anticipate.
The Vortex Crossfire boasts a roof prism as the core of its foundation. This type typically costs more, but the higher price points allow more light to flood inside the system. The lenses are also a little longer than in opposing systems.
On the other hand, the Zeiss Conquest has a Schmidt-Pechan prism. This variety is shorter and more affordable than the traditional roof prism and is much more common in binoculars.
Our choice is the Zeiss Conquest with the Schmidt-Pechan system. It’s more practical for the standard user on the go.
Technical specifications are valuable to consider as a buyer. Next, let’s go over the performance features to further clarify which contender is the winner of the two options.
Performance
The performance category is critical. It helps determine what you will see and how far you will see it during your experience outdoors, influencing what you can do. The Crossfire and Conquest provide different abilities on the move.
First, it’s vital to note there is only one similarity between the two. They have a center focus type, but that’s where it ends. Everything else is different in the performance category.
The Crossfire has a magnification of 8x, while the Conquest has one of 10x. The Crossfire has an angle of view of 7.5 degrees actual, while the Conquest has one of 54 degrees apparent. The former has a minimum focus distance of 6 feet, while the latter has one of 5.7 feet.
The Crossfire has an objective lens diameter of 42 mm, while the competing Conquest has one of 25 mm. The former has an exit pupil diameter of 5.3 mm, while the latter has one of 2.5 mm. These aren’t the only items that set the two apart.
Here are a few additional categories where the Crossfire and Conquest differ:
- Field of View: 393' @ 1000 yd / 130.48 m @ 1000 m for the Crossfire, 291' @ 1000 yd / 96.6 m @ 1000 m for the Conquest
- Eye Relief: 17 mm for the Crossfire, 16 mm for the Conquest
- Interpupillary Adjustment: 57 to 74 mm / 2.2 to 2.9" for the Crossfire, 35 to 72 mm / 1.4 to 2.8" for the Conquest
- Diopter Adjustment: — for the Crossfire, -3 to +3 for the Conquest
It’s critical to consider every feature when looking for a quality pair for your adventure.
Overall, we would have to declare the Vortex Conquest the winner in the performance category. It offers excellent interpupillary adjustment, minimum focus distance, and more.
Performance is critical, but it’s nothing without the additional features. Let’s discuss these items in the pairs next.
Features
The features in each pair are critical to consider. It might be able to perform well and possess excellent technical specifications inside, but none of that matters if your pair isn’t able to withstand the weather. Let’s see how each option fares.
First, the Vortex Crossfire. This product is fog-proof, the ability given by filling the system with nitrogen. It’s advertised as water resistant, though no testing proof is supplied.
The Zeiss Conquest is also fog-proof and it’s also given this ability by using nitrogen. Similarly, it can withstand water without any testing methodology provided by the manufacturer on the packaging or the description of the product.
There is no winner in this category. Both products have the fog-proof ability, both given by filling the system with nitrogen. They also both offer water resistance, although neither has any supplied test methodology.
We’ve mentioned many aspects of the Crossfire and Conquest, from the technical specifications to the features. Now, let’s dive into a final section before picking the winner - the general details surrounding each product.
General
The general specifications are also vital to consider in a pair of binoculars. These determine how large a pair is, providing how easy or difficult it will be to use on the move.
First, the Vortex Crossfire. This product measures 6.3 x 5.2" / 16 x 13.21 cm and weighs 23.8 oz / 675, which is about average for a standard pair available on the market.
On the other hand, the Zeiss Conquest measures 4.5 x 4.4" / 11.4 x 11.2 cm and weighs 10.9 oz / 309 g. It’s much smaller than the Crossfire.
The winner in this category is the Zeiss Conquest. This pair is much smaller and lighter than the Crossfire by more than half. With this tool, you can easily transport and pull it out whenever you need to examine something in the distance.
We’ve discussed several vital categories, drifting from technical specifications to the features of each product. Now, it’s time to ask one final question - should you buy the Vortex Crossfire or Zeiss Conquest for your next pair of binoculars?
Conclusion
Overall, we declare the Vortex Conquest to be the winner. It offers excellent performance, features, and a lightweight design, among other benefits. However, the Vortex Crossfire isn’t too far behind this winner and it’s also not a bad choice for your next adventure.
No matter which pair you choose, you are sure to have an excellent time on the move. The Crossfire and Conquest are designed to help their users have a quality experience, offering an excellent view of whatever they need to see in the distance.