ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating

[bobcat]

Is this a good binocular for $340? I'm hoping they're not made in China. Is there anything better in this price range? Minox? Vortex? I'm in need of better optics for my bighorn sheep hunt.

[Pathfinder101]

I love my Zen Rays.  I was all set to buy a Leupold Gold Ring.  Looked through both side by side and couldn't tell the difference, so I bought the Zen Rays.  That was 5 years ago, still haven't felt the need to upgrade, but when I do it will probably just be to a newer pair of Zens.   

[bobcat]

Thanks. I was hoping to hear from people who actually had Zen Rays. I've never even seen them except online.

Is yours the ED3?

[Bean Counter]

I tried the either the ED2 or the ED3 for several days.  For the money, whatever it was, it's great. A bit on the heavy side but great quality image.

[Pathfinder101]

Thanks. I was hoping to hear from people who actually had Zen Rays. I've never even seen them except online.

Is yours the ED3?

Mine are the ED2s.  I have heard lots of good things about the 3s though.  $370 is a smokin' deal, I'd go for it.  About a year after I bought them, I was shooting a 3D course with my pastor (a serious elk hunter) and he looked through mine.  THe next time I saw him, he had bought a pair.  That was 4 years ago, and he hasn't upgraded yet either.

[HntnFsh]

I think mine are ed2.  Pretty  good glass for the money.

[GameHunter1959]

Bought a good set of Vortex last season for $299. They were 2013 model, so they were on sale. Ended up buying a Vortex spotting scope to match a week later, because I liked them so well.

[bobcat]

Which vortex binos, and are they made in Japan or China?

[hughjorgan]

Zen-ray are made in China but I believe some of vortex are as well except for their top tier are made in Japan. I like my zen ray prime hd. Glass is clear and does well in low light.

[Mxracer532]

For the $ Vortex's are really hard to beat. Warranty is also 2nd to NONE!

[Bean Counter]

I looked through a mid grade Vortex spotter at the rifle range once and is all I could say.

[winshooter88]

bean counter,

From past threads everyone knows that you only like the high end, high priced optics. Not everyone can afford the price.

[bobcat]

I'm still researching. I will be checking out Vortex. I already have a Vortex Diamondback. Actually two, an 8x and a 10x. I might be putting both of those up for sale so I can afford to upgrade. 

[columbiaman]

I love my ZEN ED3 binoculars. Have them for more than 2 years. It is solidly built. The glass is very clear and bright

[brianmtsinc]

Hey Bobcat,
I bought the Zen Ray ed2 last year and am very impressed.  I compared them side by side with a $1000 pair of glasses and the difference in my opinion was minimal. 

I am curious if the Ed3 or the Primes are that much better and worth the upgrade ??      I love mine but am also considering upgrading for my White River hunt this year. 

[bobcat]

I think I've decided to go with the Vortex 10x42 Viper HD. I can get it for about the same price as the ED3 and I think the Vortex warranty is better. Plus they're made in Japan. I try to avoid Chinese made products as much as possible.

[JackOfAllTrades]

What's the difference between the Vortex and ZenRay warranty?
 
I recently sent in a four year old pair of ZenRay's (My son's) for repair. $25 for the shipping and handling. Very smooth transaction. I emailed them. They gave me an RMA number. I put a note with the RMA, our return shipping address and a check for $25 in the box.  A few weeks later a new/refurbished, (I can't tell) pair showed up at the house. That's pretty good customer service in my book.
 
Yes, they are a tad heavy.
 
-Steve

[X-Force]

I think I've decided to go with the Vortex 10x42 Viper HD. I can get it for about the same price as the ED3 and I think the Vortex warranty is better. Plus they're made in Japan. I try to avoid Chinese made products as much as possible.

I believe the vipers are made in the Philippines. not that it matters...

[bobcat]

Thanks I didn't realize that. Oh well, it's still not China.