Home » Binoculars » Zeiss Terra ED 10x42 Binocular Review (High Quality & Affordable Price)

Zeiss Terra ED 10x42 Binocular Review (High Quality & Affordable Price)


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Zeiss's 10x42 Terra ED Binoculars
Image Credit - Zeiss

Magnification: 10X
Power Variability: Fixed
Objective Diameter: 42 mm
Close Focus Distance: 5.2 feet
Dimensions: 5.5 (L) inches
Weight: 24.5 ounces
Field of View: 330 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 14 mm/ 4.2 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Glass: Schott ED
Prism System: Schmidt-Pechan
Focus System: Center
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Eye cups: Twist up
Tripod adaptable: Yes
Rangefinder: No

Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation

Zeiss Terra ED Binocular

This Zeiss Terra ED 10X42 has an excellent close focus distance, is fully waterproof and fog-proof, and is on your perfect 10X42 platform for long distance and general hunting.

The roof prism binocular is built with the Schmidt-Pechan prism assembly with ED glass for excellent, crisp, and true image quality.

Online, it's the one Zeiss binocular that has the most reviews about it. With quite a few buying up the 10X42, it has a solid rating online. And, for roughly $350, it's a steal which is why we included it in our recommendations for the best binoculars in the $300-$500 price range.

As one of the most affordable Zeiss options, it's no wonder it's so popular - you're getting Zeiss quality for a mid-range price.

Since the Terra line is the entry level class of binoculars, and it's also the most affordable, there was never a time it was not ever going to be included in... "zee Zeiss binocular reviews".

Do you hear my accent? Come on now guys, get into the spirit of things!

For a full run down on zee ever-popular entry level binocular from zee upper crust optics brand, here is everything you need to know from zee Q&A before your hard-earned cash ever sees the light of day.

Pros:

  • Price
  • Excellent coating quality
  • Fully weatherproof
  • Tripod adaptable
  • Multiple color finishes

Cons:

  • Made in China

Terra ED 10X42 Binocular Q&A:

What does ED mean?

You're going to see this term pop-up with many excellent optics manufacturers, and it stands for Extra-Low Dispersion glass. What does ED glass do?

Special glass components help to prevent light loss and light scattering in the light path when light travels from the objective lens through to the ocular lens.

This Terra has multi-layer-coated Schott ED glass that is indicative of using the best ingredients to make the best glass and formula coatings to give you the brightest, crispest, and clearest glassing experience possible.

One of the major advantages of having ED glass is the HD (high-definition) effect.

And, for most of you out there who are addicted to your big, flat-screen, HD TVs, you know exactly what this means - just picture it through a binocular... wow.

YouTube video

What is the close focus distance of the Terra 10X42 binocular?

The close focus distance of this Terra is 5.2 feet. This means you can be as close as 5.2 feet to your viewing object to still retain an incredibly detailed and clear focus.

If you're hunting, this mightn't be too important to you.

By the time you're this close to your target, it'll usually mean you brought it down already or you accidentally, stealthily snuck up on it and you're now left in the dust of its hooves.

But, for bird watchers who happen to have a calliope hummingbird, cactus wren, or a verdin bravely perched on a twig just mere feet from your set up, this close focus distance will make the world of difference to you.

Are there any other finishes available with the Terra ED?

Excitingly there are other finishes with this 10X42 available in the Terra line. There is Cool Gray, Deep Blue, and the standard Black finishes. But, there's one more that's every true hunters favorite finish - camo.

Zeiss calls their camo finish, the Lost Camo Edition, and it pairs perfectly with other Lost Camo gear.

If you're looking for the perfect accessory that'll match your entire outfit for a true camouflage effect to witness the best of Mother Nature's moments, this camo 10X42 is your only option.

Oh, and the very popular 5 star Terra 8X42 also has this camo finish available too.

What are the Zeiss pocket binoculars?

Zeiss' Terra pocket binoculars are their entry level, compact size binoculars with 26 mm objective lens. There is the 8X25 and the 10X25 models available with the Cool Gray finish.

As you can expect with a compact binocular, they're light weight and very convenient to take around with you on the hunt. Their small dimensions and 10.9 ounce weight make it the perfect option if you're looking for something that can fit in your pocket.

The other good news about these compact binoculars is they're pretty much around the same price range as the full size Terras.

The Terra ED Pocket 8X25 compact binocular is roughly $300. While it only has a minuscule review base at the moment, it has a fantastic rating that's proving to be consistent.

Zeiss Terra 10x42 ED Binoculars (Black)
  • 88% LIGHT TRANSMISSION - SCHOTT ED - glass with a hydrophobic multi-coating provides optical clarity and precision in all situations.
  • COMFORTABLE, FAST FOCUSING - The large, smooth and easy-to-grip focus wheel makes focusing particularly easy and, most of all, quick on a ZEISS Terra ED....

What does entry level mean?

The Terra binoculars are Zeiss' entry level series. In the optics industry this usually means the entry level class is their most basic design, without any additional upgrades or features, and it's usually more affordable or in the low-budget price range.

For each manufacturer this could mean many different things. But, Zeiss has an incredibly high standard.

Although this is an entry level binocular, this Terra is still decked-out with premium features.

It is fully waterproof and fog-proof, has fully multi-coated lenses, has several different available finishes, has the same Schmidt-Pechan prism assembly as Zeiss' higher-grade binoculars, and it even has ED glass for an HD experience.

Now, that sounds more like a premium binocular to me, and it sure does eclipse the premium models of other inferior optics brands.

Where are the Terra 10x42 ED binoculars made?

These Terra's are made in China. Although they may be manufactured there, they're put together according to Zeiss' specifications with strict quality control measures.

Zeiss is also the sole shareholder of Schott AG - the German manufacturing group of the optics industry's famous "German glass".

So, when you buy Zeiss binoculars, you don't really have to worry about where they're made. Zeiss has a standard that's above all other brands, and you'll get that quality assurance even with the mere Terra.

Noteworthy Features:

  • Schmidt-Pechan prism system with ED Schott Glass for HD image quality
  • Mid-weight binocular with full-size capabilities
  • Incredibly close focus distance of 5.25 feet
  • Available in Black, Cool Gray, Deep Blue, and in the Lost Camo Edition finishes
  • Fully waterproof and fog-proof to survive the harshest weather conditions
  • Durable rubber armor housing for ultimate protection in even the most rugged terrain
  • Backed by Zeiss' Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty

Our Verdict On The Zeiss Terra ED 10x42 Binoculars

To glass it up, the Zeiss Terra ED binoculars are literally a steal. You get Zeiss quality for well less than 500 bucks. Even though the Terras are made in China, it's a Zeiss. You never have to worry about quality from Zeiss.

However, if you're huffing and puffing about Chinese-made products, you may as well be prepared to spend quite a bit more. Moving up to the Zeiss Conquest HD 10X42 will cost you more than twice the price of the Terra... if that sounds okay to you, you can check out our review on them.

It's extremely difficult to find a price this low for a quality optic that's native-made. You could always go with the MeoPro HD 10x42 binoculars that are made in America through Meopta USA. However, you'll still see quite the price jump. We think we made our point clear.

You can question all day long about where and how Zeiss optics are made. In the end, you're still left with a high quality and unmatched optic that other hunters only dream about. Pay the man, and enjoy your glassing. That's what it's really all about!

Further Reading

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Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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