Brilliant low light performance in a reasonably portable package - Zeiss Conquest HD 8x56mm Schmidt-Pechan Prism Waterproof Binoculars

While not their top line optic the Conquest HD 8x56 astounds with extremely bright images that make these binoculars useable well past sunset. What impresses me is that the image clarity and sharpness helps me to see Saturn's rings a bit better instead of looking like ears at most binoculars at a somewhat lower pricepoint, and I can even make out M57 the ring nebula. Making out animals, boats, vehicles, boats or people at a distance in the water or opposite shores is a breeze, but what I cannot believe is that these binos work better for low light and astronomy than some pairs of 70mm models that cost not that much less. I never cease to be amazed even in urban or beach environments when I carry these around and I scan around me, in areas that look completely dark in the shadows these reveal oustide furniture, bicycles parked or even people that I could not see with my naked eye in really good detail to the point where I can make out colors or details of these aforementioned items.

It's just so much fun to see stuff I would not be able to see when it gets so dark outside with my naked eye or with many binos costing not that much less with comparable, or even larger apertures, especially with this degree of sharpness.

I also appreciate that this optic is not excessively heavy or large and while hunting or on long hikes I'd rather have a lighter, smaller 30 to 50mm pair, usually 30 to 42mm, it's possible to carry these without undue pain. Because Zeiss worked to keep the weight down, being that ounces are pounds and pounds become pain, these don't hurt too bad and give a pretty good value in optics for those looking for crystal clear, sharp images when it gets dark outside.