find the Terras more comfortable than other binoculars. For the bulk of the potential users out there, however, this range more than covers at a reasonable price that will allow it to stay in business and develop newer and better instruments.

has changed its relationship with binocular users! It is no secret that their focus has been on premium quality The field of view is nothing special at 125m at 1000m although I don't get the impression that the view is claustrophobic. Close focus is an impressive 1.6m although I could focus to about 1.4m which is excellent. More on this later. Before we leave the physical construction of the binocular, the build quality of the Terra ED binocular we tested favorably impressed glass contains heavy metal elements that help to keep these light wavelengths together better. This means that you get less ofproponents of a wide field of view and are appreciative of optics which seek to be above average in this respect. I was very curious to see just how much optical quality Zeiss offers in their newest and cheapest binocular, the 8x42 Terra ED. For perspective, I compared it to the Nikon Monarch 7 of the same magnification at Cabelas in Allen Texas this morning.

Outside, it was closer but I thought the Monarchs were better there too. CA, for me, was pretty insignificant but I thought the Terras had better correction there. of a deer herd at the far side of a field, for example. One wouldn't expect to do much bird watching at that light level, but it can be interesting new ideas. Zeiss doesn’t include a traditional case with the binocular, though one can be obtained from Zeiss. Instead, they included

The Terra ED binocular's design and manufacturing process has it hermetically sealed after the air inside the Our test Terra ED binocular provided a good sweet spot. We were unable to discern any softening of the viewed image until about If you’re a binocular enthusiast, you may remember that some cheap binoculars are also marketed as having ED glass. But know that, not all ED “marketed” lens are created equal. We were not disappointed. Owners will enjoy the ability to use them for protracted viewing without excessive When compared to the exceptional models that made it into our test group, the Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 was a little less bright. The Zeiss Terra ED is fully multi-coated, but the 32mm objective lens is smaller than some of the other binoculars with 8x magnification, which impacts the ability to capture and transmit light to the viewer — resulting in less overall brightness. Comfort

While the diopter adjustment knob is more like a ring than a wheel, it is made from rubber and super comfortable to use. It does exactly what we expect from it, to adjust the diopter of the binoculars. A slower focus mechanism (more than a single revolution of the focus wheel from close focus to infinity), while not optimal to I found the low light performance of the Terra fantastic. I used them in early evening and they really sparkled. I could easily get a sharp image even past sunset. I would say this is a real strength and fantastic considering the price. Simple and rugged” is how Zeiss Sport Optics describes their “entry class” binoculars and riflescopes, called TERRA. It’s been five years since new management at Carl Zeiss made the decision to break from tradition and expand their binocular and riflescope lines to include moderately priced models for the masses. Recognized for functional design and ease of use, as well as sturdiness despite comparatively light weight, TERRA models continue to provide a doorway to the world of Zeiss and the highly revered blue flag.Noticeable inclination of the transmission curve with the highest transmission values for red light and a noticeable loss of blue and purple light. As a result the image has a gray-yellow hue. The focussing knob is large and well positioned and has a plastic feel to it. It is wide enough to use with two fingers. I find the grooves to be too spaced out and found it difficult to grip. As a result, my fingers slip off quite often. It focusses from left to right, from close focus to infinity in just under one full rotation. The focussing is very light and smooth. I normally like a fast and smooth focusser but I find it quite difficult to get a sharp picture. One tiny touch of the focussing wheel and the view is out of focus. interest for those who may have used binoculars long enough to have developed difficult-to-change focusing habits. Ergonomically, I have always hated compacts and have never found one that could be used comfortably. The Terra 8x25, for me, can actually be used like a regular binocular as the eyecups actually fit my eyes and I get the full field of view without all kinds of vignetting. That said, such a small device will never replace a proper full sized bin in comfort or usability, especially when the light is challenging and conditions are difficult. I have used the 8x25 Terra for hours at a time, for casual birding, and it works great for that, no strain and a relatively easy, relaxing view but would grab a bigger gun for raptor / shorebird / lake watching.