Zerotech Thrive HD 10×42 Binos: Alaska Tough

Everyone knows a good set of binoculars can make or break a hunt.

So recently when the folks at Zerotech reached out and offered up a set of their newest Thrive HD binoculars to demo we jumped at the chance.

It was perfect timing as we had just set up a late-season Sitka Black Tail Deer hunt for December in the Baranof & Chicgahof Islands here in Alaska. A perfect chance to see how they would perform in a wet environment at near-freezing temperatures.

Before we get into the field evals, let’s look at the details of the Zerotech Thrive HD 10×42 Binoculars.

Zerotech Thrive HD Video Overview

Build Quality & Feel In the Hands

When you first grasp the Thrive HD’s, you notice some heft to them as they are roughly 1.5 lbs (685 grams). But they are large after all measuring almost 4 1/2″ wide when collapsed and 6 3/4″ long.

The optical tubes each measure nearly 2 1/4″ wide at the objective lens (42mm) and the finish on the body is what I would call nontextured and smooth, but not slippery either. A point of note is that these binoculars when wet were not slippery in the field even with a smooth surface.

One thing on many binoculars that is immediately noticeable is the quality and feel of the small parts like knobs, caps & controls. This tends to be where companies shave money and inferior products and quality control come to light. On the Zerotech Thrive HD 10×42’s,

I can proudly report that the twist cups on the user side of the optical tube, focus controls, lens covers, and even the rear lens covers are all well made. All of the twist and adjustment controls spun freely in the office and the field settings. That consistently in various climates is a real sign of quality product.

Field Trials Part 1

Our first day of field trials for the Zerotech Thrive HD‘s occurred while sighting in my wife’s new hunting rifle for the Sitka Black Tail Deer hunt. We were in a rush so 100 yards for a 6.5 Creedmor was going to have to do since it was late December here in Alaska and it was hovering around zero with wind-chill.

When we got to the range it was bouncing between -4 and -8*F, so I was curious how they would do overall. Despite the weather, the binoculars performed very well and all the controls were very easy to operate with gloved hands during our session. This was something I didn’t even consider when I first got them but glad I got to test them with gloves before the hunt.

Overall for a few hours in sub-zero temperatures, the binoculars performed amazingly with no fogging, distortions, issues with operation, or focusing at all. We were able to use them to help sight in the 6.5 Creedmor with great efficiency. We have repeatedly used them outside for spotting moose and foxes over the last month in similar temperatures with similar results. I give them a solid A+ overall.

Field Trails Part 2: The Hunt

The weather for our week-long hunt in the Sitka area ranged from +34*F to *45*F with typical amounts of Southeast Alaska precipitation. That’s to say wet, dry, then wet again type weather. Lots of unusual patterns of ice, rain, and fog. Perfect for testing rain gear and anti-fog ratings on optics.

Despite all that Mother Nature threw at the Zerotechs, they once again operated flawlessly. No fogging or any issues at all. Our testers in the field were very pleased with the Zerotech in terms of the optical clarity and field of view. Several mentioned the lack of eye strain and fatigue when using the Thrive HD’s compared to other brands they have used.

One part of the field trials where the Thrive HDs shined was the protective bag that was provided with the binoculars. I’ve never owned a set of binoculars with a pouch that is so well thought out and versatile. The team at Zerotech nailed it with this accessory.

The pouch allows the end user to carry the binoculars either over their shoulder or in a Y harness/waist belt combination in the middle of their chest for easy access on a hunt.

Other small features that should not be overlooked on this rig are the magnetic top closure flap and the front zipper pouch. We found this to be an excellent place to put a set of surgical gloves or deer tag.

Here is a list of some highlights on the Zerotech Thrive HD’s

• Zerotech Optics offers Lifetime Warranty
• Parent company based in Australia but Zerotech Optics USA is North American Branch
• 54+ Years experience in optics
• Minimum focus distance 8 feet (2.5 meters)
• Waterproof
• Available in 8×28, 10×25, & 8×42
• MSRP $699.00

What’s Next?

Well, it’s January here in Alaska which means Spring should be here in the next few months, so I plan to keep these with me on my adventures all summer and provide you with a 1-year update at the end of the fall.

I have several trips that I am firming up around the State of Alaska and the lower 48 so I should have a lot more miles and adventures on these very soon. So I would say check back and see how these hold up in the hands of our reviewers in the coming months.

As always thanks for checking out the site and the YouTube channel, be sure the like and share our content and if you have any ideas or gear you would like to see explored drop us a line at our contact information.

Get outside, be safe, and see the world.