Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 Review

Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 ReviewIf you have ever bought more than one pair of binoculars, maybe you have come across the Zeiss brand.

For decades, this company using cutting-edge technology has produced some of the most superior binoculars in the market.

The Terra ED series was introduced for people who want to own a good pair of binoculars without burning their pockets.

There are 6 models in the series and the Zeiss Terra ED 8X42 is one of them. So what is interesting about this product, read on and find out.

Product Review

[wpsm_box type=”dashed_border” float=”none” text_align=”left” width=”100%” ]

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]

Zeiss Terra ED 8x42

[/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”]
[wpsm_list type=”check” hover=”1″ gap=”medium”]

  • Schmidt-Pechan Roof Prism Design
  • Hydrophobic Multi-Coated Optics
  • SCHOTT Extra-Low Dispersion Glass
  • 5.25′ Close-Focus Distance
  • Submersible to 100 mbar

[wpsm_button color=”blue” size=”medium” link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N24I2GX/?tag=opticzoo-20″ icon=”none” class=”” border_radius=”0 px” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”]Check Price on Amazon![/wpsm_button]

[rehub_affbtn btn_text=”Check Price on B&H Photovideo!” btn_url=”https://bhpho.to/2KKyRzw” target=”_blank” ]
[/wpsm_column]

[/wpsm_box]

Ever bought a pair of binoculars because they were cheap but ended up getting disappointed by the performance?

Well, I have, and I felt the pinch of losing my money, even though it was not much. But let me give you a quick breakdown of what I got for being frugal.

The cheap binoculars had a compact design. They were easy to handle and not heavy at all. But as for the optical quality, they were crap. To put it simply, my overall experience with the binoculars was terrible.

After doing some research, I came across the Zeiss Terra ED 8X42. And I decided to give them a try because it had high ratings and great customer reviews. And I can tell you this, I give these binoculars a thumbs up.

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]

  • ED glass lens for peak optical performance
  • Multi-coated lenses for crisp, clear views
  • 42 mm objective lens for a wide field of view
  • Comfortable eyecups and neck strap
  • Large focus wheel for easy and quick focusing

[/wpsm_pros][/wpsm_column][wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”][wpsm_cons title=”CONS:”]

  • Compared to similar binoculars, the price tag for these ones is on the high side
  • Poor quality carrying case

[/wpsm_cons][/wpsm_column]

Features and Benefits

Lens Coatings

When you see a lens with the initials ED it means that the lens is made of extra-low dispersion glass.

The Terra ED glass lens is infused with Fluoride, which helps minimize chromatic aberration or color fringing and thereby producing brighter and sharper images.

[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
Chromatic aberration is when a view or target appears blurry. It can become hard to make out a buck from a rock at a long-distance especially at low light conditions.
[/wpsm_box]

The strain itself over an extended amount of time can cause your eyes to experience extreme fatigue. And when this happens, it might become very difficult to hit your target.

The Zeiss Company ensures that its optics are made of ED glass to eliminate color muddying. Furthermore, the lenses are multi-coated to ensure that your views are clear and bright.

Optical Features

I always go for a binocular that has a wide field of view because it helps me keep my target in sight. And the 8×42 model has a field of view of around 400 feet at 1000 yards. And this is what makes this binocular great for outdoor activities like bird watching.

Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 has the multi-coated lenses

Aside from that, the binoculars have a close focus of 5.25 feet. It doesn’t matter how big or small your target or view is, the close focus you can get a close look at everything. The large focus wheel enables you to quickly and easily bring your view into focus.

Overall Build

The fiberglass-reinforced casing makes it possible to take the Terra ED out in any weather condition. The casing keeps all the components protected from the effects of water, fog, or shock.

Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 has a compact design and weighs little

Additionally, the binoculars have a compact design and weighs little, which makes it easy to carry around. So you don’t need a special bag for it, you can throw it in any pocket without worrying about it falling off or being exposed.

Alternative Products

[wpsm_box type=”dashed_border” float=”none” text_align=”left” width=”100%” ]

1. Alpen Optics Apex 8X42 Review

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]

Alpen Optics Apex 8X42

[/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”]
[wpsm_list type=”check” hover=”1″ gap=”medium”]

  • BAK4 Optics
  • Long Eye Relief
  • Fully Multi-Coated
  • HR Metallic Coated
  • PXA Phase Coating
  • Super Close Focus (5 ft.)
  • Waterproof & Fogproof

[wpsm_button color=”blue” size=”medium” link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007D0FT9C/?tag=opticzoo-20″ icon=”none” class=”” border_radius=”0 px” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”]Check Price on Amazon![/wpsm_button]

[/wpsm_column]

[/wpsm_box]

The Alpen Optics Apex 8×42 compares well to the Terra ED in that it offers bright, sharp, and clear views. It has a solid design and it’s lightweight. You can also take it out in any weather condition as its waterproof and fog proof.

[wpsm_box type=”warning” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
The one downside that some customers have noticed with the Alpen Optics is that the optical tubes are not well-aligned, which can lead to eye fatigue. This is not an issue customers have with the Terra ED.
[/wpsm_box]

Nevertheless, some customers opt for the Alpen Optics instead of the Terra ED because it is less expensive. So if you are on a budget, you can go for Alpen binos because they also offer good performance.

Which is what every hunter or naturalist looks for in a good pair of binoculars.

Features:

  • Bright and sharp images
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Made of durable materials
  • Multi-coated lenses for clear views in low light conditions
  • Affordable

[wpsm_box type=”dashed_border” float=”none” text_align=”left” width=”100%” ]

2. Bushnell Forge 8X42 Review

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]

Bushnell Forge 8X42

[/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”]
[wpsm_list type=”check” hover=”1″ gap=”medium”]

  • Exclusive EXO Barrier Protection
  • ED Prime Glass
  • PC-3 Phase Coating
  • IPX7 Waterproof construction
  • Dielectric Prism Coating

[wpsm_button color=”blue” size=”medium” link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F4KR6XZ/?tag=opticzoo-20″ icon=”none” class=”” border_radius=”0 px” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”]Check Price on Amazon![/wpsm_button]

[/wpsm_column]

[/wpsm_box]

The Bushnell Forge 8×42 does give the Terra ED a run for its money. It has most of the features the Terra ED has as well as good customer ratings. The only significant difference between these two brands is the price, which by the way, is marginal.

 Features:

  • Rubber armoring for comfort
  • Fully multi-coated lenses to prevent chromatic aberration
  • Good field of view
  • Clear and sharp views
  • Waterproof and fog proof casing

[wpsm_box type=”dashed_border” float=”none” text_align=”left” width=”100%” ]

3. Leupold BX-2 Alpine 8X42 Review

[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]

Leupold BX-2 Alpine 8X42

[/wpsm_column]

[wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”]
[wpsm_list type=”check” hover=”1″ gap=”medium”]

  • Twilight Light Max Management System
  • Twist-Up Eye Cups
  • Precision Focus Adjustments
  • Central Focus Dial
  • Waterproof, Fogproof & Shockproof
  • Magnesium Housing
  • 1/4-20 Tripod Adapter Port

[wpsm_button color=”blue” size=”medium” link=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NF4NHS4/?tag=opticzoo-20″ icon=”none” class=”” border_radius=”0 px” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”]Check Price on Amazon![/wpsm_button]

[/wpsm_column]

[/wpsm_box]

The Leupold BX-2 Alpine 8×42 gives the Terra ED some serious competition when it comes to optical quality, build, and performance.

However, when you compare certain features like the eye relief and field of view, the Terra ED comes on top. But if you are comparing prices, the Leupold beats the Terra ED hands down.

Features:

  • Fully multi-coated lenses for bright and clear viewing
  • Rugged and compact design
  • Rubber armoring for comfortable and easy handling
  • Good eye relief
  • Large focus wheel for quick and easy focusing
  • Affordable

Conclusion

When compared with some brands, the Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 binoculars seem to come on top when it comes to performance. These multi-purpose binoculars have a solid build that can withstand any weather condition.

So whether it’s foggy, raining buckets or snowing, Terra ED binoculars are designed to deliver bright and crispy clear images.

The only downside is the price tag. When you compare it with many brands that are of similar size and have the same features, it is expensive.

So if you are on a tight budget, you should know that there are some great alternatives that can deliver similar performance to that of the Terra ED.

Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 Review

Leave a Comment