For many years, Zeiss' popular Diascope series was available in 65 mm and 85 mm objectives, and both angled and straight versions. The Diascopes were discontinued with the release in 2016 of the Conquest Gavia 30-60x85, followed by the Victory Harpia 22-65x85 and 23-70x95. So, for nearly a decade, Zeiss has had only 85 mm and 95 mm angled scopes.  They're great scopes, and no one denies that larger objectives resolve better and allow for higher magnifications.  

But big scopes have never been everyone's heart's desire, and most other companies offered compact scopes with objectives ranging from 50 to 68 mm. The smallest of these are marketed as "travelscopes", meaning they (and their tripod or other support) will fit in an airline carry-on. We carry several such scopes from different manufacturers.  Clearly, Zeiss was missing out on this segment of the market.

We're very happy to report that with the introduction of the Conquest Apia 20-50x65 Zeiss is back in the compact scope game!  

With ED, Aspherical, and field-flattener lens elements, T* multicoating and 87% light transmission, it also offers more magnification and better low light performance than the smaller 50 to 56 mm competitors. 

The large eyebox and 17 mm of eye relief offer comfortable viewing of the large field with or without eyeglasses.  The image is consistently bright, and resolution is quite commendable!  The included throw lever allows you to focus and zoom (with your thumb) with one hand.  It's your choice whether to attach it or not.    

Above left: Stop sign at 1,300 ft. through Apia Conquest at 20x, above right at 50x. Strong sunlight and heat shimmer challenged my cell phone more than the scope.  

The Apia 20-50x65 is not as small and light as the 50 mm to 56 mm "pocket" models, but it is among the smallest in the 65 mm class.  At just under three pounds and 11.7" long with the eyepiece attached (9.5" without), it will easily fit into a back pack or under your ever-shrinking airline seat.  

In summary, when your full-sized scope and tripod kit starts to spend more time in the trunk than in the field, be sure to include the Zeiss Apia Conquest HD 20-50x65 on your short list!