I am a long time lurker and have really enjoyed the discussions here. I am looking for 8x20 compact roofs for hiking and other occasions where pant/shirt pocket storage is desirable. I have searched forums and reviews and have a definite sense for opinions on the optical and ergonomic qualities of the competitors. But I would like more specific comments on the 'pocketability' of different models folded down outside their cases.
For hiking in recent years, I have been able to borrow Zeiss Classics from circa 1990, which were extremely compact and fairly competent, but I will no longer have access to them. I would be content with optics quality at this level but an upgrade would be nice. I could live with a tad more bulk but not as much as say porro prisms. In my target ~$400 range I have pretty much narrowed my options to the Zeiss Victory, Nikon LXL and Zeiss Conquest 8x20s. I know some feel the Conquests may not be in the same league optically but my first priority is compactness so if they are significantly smaller then they are at least in the running.
I have seen helpful pictures of the LXL and Victory side by side, including from Surveyer in this forum and in a Better View Desired review, but none included a hand or familiar object I could use to size them up. Between the two models, discussions sometimes imply the LXLs are bulkier. But in the pix it looks like the Victory binocs are ~25% wider due to the hinge, although ~5-10% shorter and of course ~13% lighter (not sure about depth/height). I have no idea about the practical size of the Conquests. If anyone can answer the specific questions below or comment generally, I would appreciate it!
(1) Is there a meaningful difference in pocketability of the Victory vs LXL?
(2) How does the Conquest compare to the size of the old Zeiss Classics and/or are they meaningfully more compact than the Nikon/Zeiss models?
Canīt help you with the Conquests, but Iīve owned the HGL (LXL) and Zeiss Victory 8x20, as well as Leica Ultravid 8x20. IMHO, the cutest most pocketable of all is the Zeiss Victory, followed closely by the Leicas, then by the Nikons. Optically, I found the Leicas best, followed by the Nikons, followed by the Zeiss (based on my own particular requirements, others may differ strongly).
Last I saw the Conquest, 2 yrs ago, still had rubber cups. So they get dented a little in long pocket storage. Seemed OK, pleasant view.
Still looks rubber in the picture.
"The phase corrected Schmidt-Pechan prisms and anti-reflection multi-layer coatings combine to greatly enhance light transmission. Waterproof and fogproof, the Conquest B T* is ready for any outdoor adventure."
I almost bought them many times. Last time I spent 250 on Chinese 10x36 ED glass instead.
Look in here, they usually have them in open box specials
http://www.samplelist.com/