A field report by hunter and ranger Jernej Legat
Being a hunter and ranger in Triglav National Park in Slovenia is in Jernej’s blood. For almost 20 years, he has been jointly responsible for the protection and preservation of the huge, unique national park in the middle of the Julian Alps, which covers over 800 km2.
The majestic peaks, dense forests and clear lakes not only provide a spectacular backdrop, but also a home for a variety of wild animals. To protect and understand these animals, Jernej needs premium equipment. He tested the new ZEISS Conquest HDX 10×42 for ZEISS and talks about his experiences in rough conditions in this interview.
ZEISS: Hello Jernej, thank you very much for taking the time for this interview. Before we talk about the ZEISS Conquest HDX, why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself and your home country?
Jernej: With pleasure! I am Jernej Legat. I’ve been a passionate hunter since 2000 and work as a ranger in the Triglav National Park in Slovenia. I come from the small village called Mojstrana, which is right on the edge of the national park. Triglav National Park is one of the richest wildlife areas in Europe and is home to numerous rare and protected species. I feel it is a great privilege to live and work in such a breathtaking landscape.
ZEISS: You recently had the opportunity to test the ZEISS Conquest HDX binoculars. What were your first impressions?
Jernej: Yes, that’s right. As soon as I touched the binoculars for the first time, I was impressed by their smooth and high-quality finish. Surprisingly, despite the high-quality materials, they are lightweight and feel good in the hand, which makes them very easy to handle.
I took the HDX out stalking for the first time in the morning. It was cool, the mist was still over the meadows and the sun was just beginning to illuminate the mountain peaks. When I put the binoculars on for the first time, I was immediately impressed by the clarity and detail of the image, even though it wasn’t even fully light yet. Even at the edges I could see a clear and sharp image. I was amazed at how quick and easy it was to focus. I could see a small animal as clearly as if it were right in front of me.
ZEISS: How did the Conquest HDX perform on a typical hunt?
Jernej: A few weeks later, I went to a quiet part of the hunting ground to hunt red deer. The conditions were challenging – pouring rain and early morning hours required maximum concentration. But despite the poor visibility, I was able to spot a big buck thanks to the HDX. I was able to clearly identify the animal and track its movements, which ultimately contributed to the success of the hunt.
The national park is known for its changeable weather conditions. In winter, double-digit temperatures below zero are not uncommon. In spring and summer, heavy rain and sunshine alternate. Absolutely reliable and robust equipment is therefore absolutely essential for me. The Conquest HDX withstands everything. It is waterproof and shockproof. Durability is particularly important to me, as I often work in extreme conditions as a ranger and hunter.
ZEISS: How would you summarize your experience with the ZEISS Conquest HDX 10×42?
Jernej: The Conquest HDX is my first pair of ZEISS binoculars. I didn’t think it would make such a difference. I was particularly pleasantly surprised by the image quality. The images are clear and bright, even at the edges. I have really put it through all the conditions that Triglav National Park has to offer, and it has proved to be extremely robust. In the future I’ll definitely always have it with me!
ZEISS Conquest HDX Binoculars | The perfect premium all-round binoculars for any hunt
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