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Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 T Spotting Scope Review (Ideal for Birders)


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zeiss conquest gavia 85 t
Image Credit - Zeiss

Viewing Configuration: Angled
Magnification: 30-60X
Power Variability: Variable
Adjustable Eyepieces: Yes
Eyepiece included: Yes
Objective Diameter: 85 mm
Close Focus Distance: 10.8 feet
Length: 15.6 inches
Weight: 60 ounces
Field of View: 99-69 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: Not Listed/ 2.8-1.4 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Glass: Not Listed
Focus System: Focus Knob/DualFocus
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Digiscope adaptable: Yes

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

Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 T Spotting Scope

This Conquest Gavia has T multi-coated optics, is fully weatherproof, and has an excellent close focus distance of 10.8 feet. It's also digiscope adaptable, has LotuTec coatings, and has HD objective lens system technology.

There's currently no word about it online right now, and if you stick with me, I'll explain why.

As the newest member to the Zeiss spotting scope clan, it has me all curious as to what it can offer us hunters. So, here's to prying! - straight to the Q&A!

Pros:

  • Price
  • Eyepiece included
  • Fully weatherproof
  • Digiscope adaptable
  • Dual focus

Cons:

  • Mainly suited for the birder

Conquest Gavia 85 T Q&A:

What is the eyepiece/magnification range of the Gavia?

This beast of a scope has 30-60X magnification. Although it's a detachable eyepiece, it's the only eyepiece that's sold with the Gavia at this time.

But, back to the power ranges, this would be a great range combined with the perfect quality glass for extended long range hunters, especially those who want to see extended yardages at the shooting range.

But, with these high magnification ranges, they're more suited for the avid birder and nature observer.

Are there any other scopes in the Gavia series?

At this point in time, the 30-60X85 Conquest Gavia is the only model in its line.

YouTube video

How big is the Gavia scope?

This scope is a heifer. It's 15.6 inches long and it weighs 60 ounces - that's 3.75 pounds.

And, if you're toting around a tripod for this baby, which you most likely are and should be doing, that's quite a bit of weight for a hunter.

Again, this reiterates that this scope is directed more towards the other type of outdoorsman - the one that watches but doesn't shoot.

Is this Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 T a mid-level spotting scope?

While the Conquest series of Zeiss' sporting optics is typically the mid-tier product, I don't think that it would be accurate to place one spotting scope better than the other.

All three of the Zeiss spotting scopes we have reviewed are geared towards the different types of outdoorsmen that can benefit from activity and feature-specific scopes.

Now, regarding the Gavia, it's definitely of high-grade and premium quality, and can deservedly be considered one of Zeiss' high-end scopes. But, for the $1999 price tag, it pretty much falls into the mid-level category.

Noteworthy Features:

  • 30-60X long distance viewing, excellent for birding and nature observing
  • LotuTec lens system technology for retaining image quality and lens protection
  • Roof prism system assembly; Angled body; Pull-out sunshade
  • Excellent image quality thanks to the HD objective lens system
  • Fully waterproof and fogproof for use in the harshest weather and climates
  • Backed by the Carl Zeiss Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty

Our Verdict On The Conquest Gavia 85

The scoop on the scope is, the Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 is an excellent wildlife observing tool. The high magnification range is excellent for that long distance spotting. While birders and observers will get a ton of use out of it, hunters will appreciate the low cost of this Zeiss since it does come with the included eyepiece.

But, Zeiss offers more than just what meets the eye. They also have the really neat Zeiss Optical Dialyt Field Spotter 18-45x65 that gives extra reach than what a bino can offer. It's cheaper than the Gavia, but it lacks the interchangeable eyepiece technology. Not a big deal since this enhances the durability factor.

Another high-ticket spotter is the Meopta MeoPro 20-60x80 HD. It's more affordable than the Zeiss, and it also includes the eyepiece. Meopta mightn't be as well-known as Zeiss, but the quality is there. You need to trust us on this, so check it out!

Carl Zeiss is famous for his glass. What do you see when you peer through his lenses? Zilch! And, that's exactly what you want to see. No aberrations, cloudiness, and random specks. Expect the best when you're packing a Zeiss!

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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