Most binocular manufacturers these days seem to use high definition (or HD) as a marketing ploy to sell their gear, but what’s the difference between one brand of HD compared to any other? It generally comes down to the manufacturing process, though it seems reasonable to assume the expensive stuff is better. So for this test I was keen to find out if the new ZeroTech Trace 10×45 ED binoculars have earned their place in the fair dinkum category of high definition.
‘Trace’ is ZeroTech’s stable of mostly hunting optics and a step up from the less expensive Vengeance range. I’d never heard of their ED (Extra-low Dispersion) binos before and learned the 10x45s are the company’s second release in the Trace range after the larger 15x56s. They’re an advanced roof prism-type design, typically identified by the distinct parallel arranged lens barrels. I never thought I’d go down the road of trying to explain a roof prism design, however the Abbe-Koenig label had me intrigued.
Abbe-Koenig equipped binos use a complex arrangement of angular prisms to reflect and reproduce an image as it passes, while the quality reflective coatings increase light transmission and further enhance that image. I challenge you to shine a torch down the objective lens (as I did), check out the angle lens shapes and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about. I’m no expert on lens glass and coatings but, as an average hunter, like to know what I’m buying.
I also wanted to learn more about Extra-low Dispersion as I wasn’t familiar with the term, before discovering it’s a specific glass treatment which helps reduce chromatic aberration. I’ll spare you the science and explain as simply as I understand it. Chromatic aberration is a technical term for what’s known as colour fringing. This happens when a mix of colours don’t entirely focus together, creating a potential outline (or halo) around an object in view. ED glass is commonly found in high-end camera lenses to reduce chromatic aberration, where photographs have to be flawless.
Measuring 165mm long the 10x45s aren’t quite as compact as others I’ve tested, though considering they have a marginally wider objective (providing a slightly larger exit pupil and light transmission over their 42mm rivals), it’s to be expected. In the hand they actually feel closer to binos of 50mm objective, yet their size is offset by the heavy duty dual hinge design which opens for a wide-eyed interpupillary distance of 75mm. I can also fit three of my big fingers around the waist-shaped lens barrels and, despite nudging one kilogram, found them extremely comfortable to hold for extended periods.
The lens barrels are made from robust magnesium alloy, including the integral strap loops on either side, while the olive rubber armour coating with added grip contours feels softish and will provide ample protection in slippery situations. I secured these ones to the straps of my regular bino harness and strongly suggest most serious hunters do the same, as the supplied hard case and neck strap, while well made, is more suited to light duties. In the unfortunate event your binos fall in the drink, rest assured they’re O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproofness and fog resistance.
Differing from the three-twist eye cups typical on other brands, the EDs have just two, yet despite this I’d no problem finding correct eye relief and they remained firm even after strong contact against my cheeks. The alloy focus dial is within perfect reach of the trigger finger, while the single dioptre dial on the right ocular moved easily and I’d no drama adjusting it to my eyes.
I like the way ZT have made these parts out of solid material, rather than just rubber coated rings like others tested, as the bold lugs felt solid and moulded to my fingertips really well. Minor details like this further instil confidence in build strength, while showing careful thought to creating a reliable quality package made in China to a very high standard.
Field and game
I already own quality HD binos in Swarovski ELs and Leupold BX-4 10x42s, so was keen to run the ZeroTech EDs alongside them for hunting. What was instantly noticeable was the strong colour contrast during late afternoon at a mate’s property, when I took a peak at some roos across a green wheat paddock. By comparison the others also gave a clear view, yet all three revealed a different translation of object colouring.
Although this observation was minimal between the three, the ZT EDs showed rich colouring which seemed surreal compared to the naked eye. This phenomenon in no way detracted from the quality of view, as it enhanced the colour of an object which would otherwise seem deficient. I understand everyone’s eyes are different, though I suspect it was the ED lens treatment at work. Furthermore, if you’re into bird watching (as I am when deer hunting ), you can appreciate their full colour while at play in the trees.
The EDs 45mm objective lenses give you a handy 112m field of view at 1000m. I also observed good depth of field which can help minimise focal adjustment on images at close range and long-range targets at around 1500m. Slight peripheral blurring was noticed during some glassing, though only seemed to be an issue in really bright conditions. When I did encounter incorrect eye relief it was my own fault, through hastily scanned views of moving targets but this proved inconsequential.
Binoculars are a deer hunter’s best friend but, as it was late in the year, we were unfortunately out of season for stags. However, I made the most of our trips to western Queensland, running the binos through their paces early morning and late in the day on feral pig hunts. As we stalked them, the EDs helped identify the biggest ones in the mob I’d take first. And while spotlighting, they also made sense of those eyes slinking around paddocks by night, right before I ended a red coat’s dinner party.
End game
With expensive glass such as my Swarovski EL binos, I always expect a lot from them and they’re excellent. Yet priced around $899 at time of writing, I couldn’t ask for more from the ZT Trace 10×45 EDs. They’re as high definition as you’d expect from binoculars in their category and far superior to the cheaper Vengeance models.
I’d difficulty faulting them in all manner of scenarios, including evening hunts, and enjoyed watching unsuspecting animals go about their business long after my naked eye had given up. After sharing them with fellow hunters, all agreed if they were looking for a new pair of binos they’d consider these. All ZeroTech products are covered by their ‘Any Problem, Any Owner, Lifetime Guarantee’. More at www.tsaoutdoors.com.au