Reviews You Can Rely On

Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 Review

Unfortunately these portable binoculars don't live up to their price tag
gearlab tested logo
zeiss terra ed 8x32 binocular review
The Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 produces a very clear image but is darker than we would prefer.
Credit: Michael Payne
Price:  $439 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Zeiss
By Max Mutter ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 6, 2022
51
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#14 of 16
  • Clarity - 45% 4.0
  • Brightness - 25% 5.1
  • Comfort - 10% 4.0
  • Field of View - 10% 8.0
  • Ease of Adjustment - 5% 8.0
  • Close Focus Range - 5% 9.0

Our Verdict

Zeiss is known for its ultra-high-end optics, and offers a more consumer-friendly price point in the Terra ED 8x32. With a great close-focus range and a wide field of view, they are a good option for close encounters in an aviary or butterfly house. As far as a compact binocular goes overall, they could be lighter, sharper, and offer a little more in terms of brightness. This model, while quite good, didn't eke out a performance in any specific niche to be on our shortlists of award winners.
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent field of view
REASONS TO AVOID
Much darker than expected
Not very comfortable
Editor's Note: This review of the Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 received an update on December 6th, 2022.

Compare to Similar Products

 
zeiss terra ed 8x32 binocular review
Awards  Best Buy Award  Best Buy Award Top Pick Award 
Price $439 List
$399.99 at Amazon
$286.95 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$270 List
$239.00 at Amazon
$150 List
$120.79 at Amazon
$190 List
$158.50 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
51
75
74
65
54
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros Excellent field of viewGood clarity and brightness, smooth focus knobExcellent brightness, great clarity, comfortableInexpensive, good clarity and brightnessGood clarity, small and lightweight, relatively comfortable
Cons Much darker than expected, not very comfortableMediocre close focus range, mediocre field of viewSlightly heavy for backpackingAverage construction quality, mediocre low-light performancePoor low-light performance
Bottom Line Unfortunately these portable binoculars don't live up to their price tagThese perform well for the price, offering a smooth focus knob and decent brightness and clarityAn excellent balance of price and all-around performance with particularly impressive brightnessThe most budget-friendly option we've found that offers a good introduction to birdwatchingAn inexpensive, small, and packable model that offers surprisingly good optics
Rating Categories Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Vortex Diamondback... Celestron Nature DX... Vortex Diamondback...
Clarity (45%)
4.0
7.1
6.3
5.8
5.1
Brightness (25%)
5.1
8.6
8.1
7.7
4.6
Comfort (10%)
4.0
8.1
9.3
5.6
7.0
Field of View (10%)
8.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Ease of Adjustment (5%)
8.0
8.0
6.4
7.0
5.5
Close Focus Range (5%)
9.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
Specs Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Vortex Diamondback... Celestron Nature DX... Vortex Diamondback...
Glass Type ED ED HD Bak-4 HD
Multi - Coating FMC FMC FMC FMC FMC
Magnification 8 8 8 8 8
Field of View (at 1000 yards) 404 ft 335 ft 393 ft 388 ft 332 ft
Close Focus 5.3 ft 8.2 ft 5.0 ft 6.5 ft 6.0 ft
Eye Relief 16.9 mm 19.5 mm 17 mm 17.5 mm 18 mm
Prism Roof Roof Roof Roof Roof
Waterproof/Fog Resistant? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Measured Size (Length x Width) 4.9 x 4.6 in 5.7 x 5.1 in 5.7 x 5.1 in 5.3 x 4.9 in 4.6 x 4.5 in
Measured Weight 18 oz 22 oz 22 oz 22 oz 14 oz
Tripod Adapter No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

As a brand with a quality reputation, Zeiss makes quality products. We found the Terra ED 8x32, however, to be darker than expected, when compared to similar products, and also not as comfortable as we would like when held to the face. Yet this pair of binos had the best field of view in our tests.

Performance Comparison


zeiss terra ed 8x32 binocular review - the zeiss terra ed 8x32 produces a very clear image but is darker...
The Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 produces a very clear image but is darker than we would prefer.
Credit: Michael Payne

Clarity


The Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 lives up to the Zeiss name when it comes to clarity in a smaller optic. In our clarity test, Zone 9 was seen on the ISO 12233 chart with no noticeable chromatic aberration around the edges. We could see some defocusing around the edges but we generally thought the clarity was good in this smaller-sized lens, even if it was not as clear as some larger higher-end models.

Brightness


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 testing the Zeiss Terra ED 8x32, we found that the interpupillary distance would put pressure on the ridge of some testers' noses. Not all of the testers found it uncomfortable to use, but some did. So if you have a sensitive bridge of your nose, it would be worth trying these out before buying. The eye relief of 16.9mm is in the middle of the test group and should provide adequate strain relief for most users. The Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 also comes with an UnderArmor harness for strapping the binoculars to your chest, which is a nice co-branding touch.

zeiss terra ed 8x32 binocular review - the ziess terra ed 8x32 is a small and lightweight pair of...
The Ziess Terra ED 8x32 is a small and lightweight pair of binoculars and the UnderArmor harness makes it easy and comfortable to carry.
Credit: Michael Payne

Field of View


The manufacturer-specified field of view is 404 feet at 1000 yards, and after actual testing, the Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 still maintained an above-average field of view, compared to the group of binoculars we tested. At 353 feet, the field of view is on par with many of the 8x magnification optics that we tested, and still 30 feet greater than the average of the entire test group.

Ease of Adjustment


The hinge point for adjusting the interpupillary distance is stiff and hard to move. This helps the binoculars stay in place better, but can also make them difficult to adjust. The focusing knob is smooth and focuses fast and easily. The diopter is located on the right eyepiece and is easy to adjust but has no locking mechanism to keep it from accidentally moving.

zeiss terra ed 8x32 binocular review - we found the adjustments on this pair to be stiff and the...
We found the adjustments on this pair to be stiff and the interpupilary distance to be uncomfortable when viewing through.
Credit: Michael Payne

Close Focus Range


The Zeiss Terra is able to focus on objects just 5.3 feet away, an impressive close-focus range that only the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 could match. So if you happen to be visiting an aviary, butterfly house, or maybe you are fortunate to stop at a point along the Monarch butterfly migration, these would be an incredibly handy pair of binos to have in hand.

zeiss terra ed 8x32 binocular review - with a view of 404 feet from 1000 yards, the zeiss terra ed has the...
With a view of 404 feet from 1000 yards, the Zeiss Terra ED has the best field of view in our test. But that wasn't enough to make up for its other shortcomings.
Credit: Michael Payne

Should You Buy the Zeiss Terra ED 8x32?


These binoculars definitely cover a niche in our testing group. With the 32mm objective lens, they are smaller and lighter in weight than many, making them a great pair to tote along while hiking. If you find them on sale, this is not a bad product. However, our advice would be to try them first since they can be uncomfortable on the face for some users. Decide if they are right for you or if it is worth exploring other sizes that may be heavier, but offer greater overall benefit.

What Other Binoculars Should You Consider?


Although much larger, the more attractively priced Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 and the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42, both of outperformed the Zeiss Terra ED in our test. If the compact size is a key feature for you, then look closely at the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x28 which might be the model for you.

Max Mutter
 

Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.

GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.

Learn More