ZEN ED binoculars 8x and 10x, a review.

[Steve C]

Well, I have only a couple of posts here, but I have a bunch of experience with optics and have reviewed binoculars in other places.  So why post here?  Well a few weeks ago I queried Charles at Zen-Ray with a couple of general questions which produced a query from him as to whether I'd review these.  Binocular nut that I am he didn't have to twist my arm hardly at all.  In that process I discovered he was a site sponsor here, so along with the other forums where I post, I decided to post here too.

There is a relatively new binocular design out there of which the ZEN ED is an example.  Maybe some of you have seen reviews of the Promaster Infinity Elite ELX ED,  and the example from the British Company Hawke and their Frontier ED.  The ZEN is the same basic binocular, but while the three are similar, they have their differences.  Now, I have owned the Promaster ELX ED for several months and have placed considerable emphasis on comparing it to as many binoculars as I could arrange to compare it to.  I've only had the ZEN for about a week, so the Promaster will have to figure more into the review than if I had more chance to compare the ZEN.  The Promaster and ZEN are so close, that I will be able to offer comparisons in which I am fairly confident.

So, just what do these things have to offer?  I have been referring to them as 99.33 binoculars.  That means 99% of the optical performance of a $1,500 binocular at about 33% of the price.  I am serious about that statement and what you just read is not a misprint.  For the person needing a high quality glass for the absolute best "bang for the buck", here you have it.  And you can get it from an Oregon company who happens to sponsor the forum, and who is offering a $90 discount to boot.  I have no connection to Zen-Ray, at all, and have been offered either monetary compensation, or either free or deeply discounted binoculars for doing this.  I told Charles straight out it would be an objective look.  If I didn't like them, I would not be doing this.

Now as to comparison to the top glass, my 8x42 Promaster have been up against the following:  Swarovski 8.5x42 EL. Steiner Peregrine XP 8x44, Zeiss FL 8x42, Leica Ultravid 8x42, Meopta Meostar 8x42, Bushnell Elite 8x43, and Vortex Razor 8x42.  Of these I think the Promaster has a superior image to the Meopta, in that it does not have as much of the Meopta yellow tint, and it is a bit brighter in appearance and a tiny bit sharper Than the Bushnell Elite and the Razor.  It is less bright than the Zeiss as well as the Leica. The Leica does not seem as bright as the Zeiss, but seems to have a more neutral color tint and maybe a bit better color contrast.  Put the Promaster ELX, the Swarovski EL, and the Steiner XP on a tripod and you have your work cut out to distinguish the three.  Eventually, I placed it Swarovski, Steiner, the Promaster.  None of these three are quite as bright as the Leica or Zeiss.  Looking at a resolution chart really does not give any of these binoculars either a clear advantage or disadvantage.  What there might be I think is largely un-noticeable unless all are right there for comparison.
 
So, this puts the Promaster, and I think the ZEN ED about in the middle in this bunch of optics, which is not bad company.  It is also clearly better than the mid priced Vortex Viper and Fury, The Nikon Monarch and Pentax SP.  The build quality of these is easily on par with the Vortex Razor.  The ZEN ED is maybe a touch more svelte than the Promaster.  The ZEN has much nicer eye cups, which those with smaller faces and narrower IPD will like.  About the only nit pick tat I might have is the slow focus wheel rate.  It requires a bit over two turns, but a lot of that is used focusing in closer than about 50 feet.

Now, to go on to the ZEN ED and the Promaster ELX ED; what is the difference?  Well the ZEN is a bit brighter and has a wider field of view, 426' vs. 393', both of which are outstanding regardless of price in a 42mm class binocular. The images of each are crisp, sharp and clean, with very good color resolution.  Both give the precise impression of having just walked 8 or 10 times closer to the subject.  Both are very sharp across the field, especially so for wide angle binoculars.  Color abberations and distortions are extremely well controlled.

The Zen is a tiny bit shorter and according to specifications, two ounces lighter.  The Promaster offers both water and oil repellent coatings.  The Zen has neither.  The Promaster has a smooth gripping surface; the ZEN has a nicely stippled griping surface.  Is there a practical difference?  I don’t think so.  I have spent some hours with them and what one will resolve, so will the other.  I would place hem both in the same relative ranking as I put the Promaster above.  These sort of take away the “WOW” factor associated with the alpha class binocular and replace it with “WOW look at what these things do for 1/3 of the !@#$% price!”

Now I do not think either of these will pass a thorough professional optical exam with the same sort of scores as the alpha class.  We are talking about silver coated prisms vs. dielectric coated prisms, and probably technically better broadband multi coatings, so direct equality is not likely in the cards.

Even if your ultimate goal is a top flight binocular, and you are willing to pony up the cash, keep in mind that before you do that, you need to know some things.  Like do you want an 8x or a 10x, do you want full size or compact, what do you like or want in image characteristics?  Buying a Swarovski because your buddy has one and he thinks it’s the best, doesn’t mean you wouldn’t like a Zeiss or Leica better.  With one of these you can spend less that $400 to figure most of that out and still have a top notch pickup, loaner, learner, or backup binocular.

I have sort of come to the conclusion that unless you are an obsessive optics nut, or unless you need optics in earning your living, or use optics very intensively for whatever your reasons, you probably are not really in need of $1,500++ binoculars. But for more mortal eyes and limited budgets, you cannot do yourself any better than to order one of these.  I have both 8x and 10x and all comments apply to the 10x ZEN as well.  I will likely buy the 10x review sample.

[wsmnut]

Thanks Steve.
      I have been shopping and flipping a coin.  I ordered a set of 8x42 Vipers from Doug
at Cameraland.  I still might go ahead and order the new Zen ED and see which one works for me the best, and send the other one back.  I wish I could look at the Zen Ray's locally.....

[Steve C]

The Viper is a good glass, I have a 10x, but it will be gone when I get the ZEN.  I had an 8x Viper that went when I got the Promaster.  I have an 8x42 Monarch that would go too, but used Monarch's aren't worth a whole lot.  The Viper is more compact than the ZEN class, but that's it.

I'll review the new ZRS as well, so the Viper will stay around for that comparison.

[ZRS-8x42]

Hi, Steve, Thanks a lot for sharing your experience with ZEN ED here.  To fellow Hunt-WA members, Steve has a rich hands-on experience with different optics, particularly with binoculars.  He has published numerous binoculars reviews on several respected optics forums. His participation will be an invaluable contribution to this forum. I am so glad that he is able to join this great hunting community in his home state. Thank you, Steve, and a warm welcome.

I am going to send one pair of 8x43 ZEN for our members to try, just like what we did on VISTA previously.  Robodad already signed himself up even before I announce this.  Well, Allen, there you have it. There is one more spot available so robodad can pass it along when he is done.  The only requirement is: minimal post count of 500.  After you are done, just share your honest opinion about the product with fellow members here.  PM me if you are interested.

Thanks

[Ray]

Steve that is a fine and thorough review.

Zen Ray can produce some durable quality optics at a great price. Charles thanks for being kind enough to send them out to folks for a try out. Zen Ray is obviously going to build a good reputation based on customer care and service as well as products. I await some more reviews from folks here. With this addition to your product line it will only get better.

[ZRS-8x42]

Thanks Steve.
      I have been shopping and flipping a coin.  I ordered a set of 8x42 Vipers from Doug
at Cameraland.  I still might go ahead and order the new Zen ED and see which one works for me the best, and send the other one back.  I wish I could look at the Zen Ray's locally.....

wsmnut, I would encourage you to give ZEN ED a try and compare. If it does not work out, simply drop me a PM. We will take it back and issue you a full refund.

[robodad]

OK Charles, once again I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the review of your products, I am quite certain I am in for a real treat. Thank You Steve for your review, now I have some things to look forward too !!!

Allen...

[wsmnut]

Thanks Steve.
      I have been shopping and flipping a coin.  I ordered a set of 8x42 Vipers from Doug
at Cameraland.  I still might go ahead and order the new Zen ED and see which one works for me the best, and send the other one back.  I wish I could look at the Zen Ray's locally.....

wsmnut, I would encourage you to give ZEN ED a try and compare. If it does not work out, simply drop me a PM. We will take it back and issue you a full refund.

Thanks Charles.  I will probably take you up on that.   

[CHSNGSTLHD]

Is there anywhere near the Puyallup area that carries the Zen Ray ED's? I need to check them out in person. I was set on buying the 10 x 42 Vipers but I would like to see the ED's close up. Anybody know?

[HawkenBob]

I was set on buying the Summits, until I saw the ED's. Still want to look thru some before pulling the trigger. I have Nikons, and if there better than that, Im sold.

[robodad]

I have a set of the 8x43 Zen-Ed and I can tell they are way better then my nikons, Still playing so I'll let you know more a little later !!!   

[wsmnut]

I am currently playing with a set of the new Zen ED's (8 x 42) and a similar set of Vortex Vipers.  I like them both.
The Viper is a bit smaller in physical size, mainly length.  That makes it a a bit lighter (3 oz.?)  I can tell the Zen has the larger field of view, and with one late afternoon sampling it seems that the Zen is the brighter of the two.
Zen also wins the brightness/contrast/color contest during full daylight sunny day sampling.
     I just need to make up my mind on the size and weight issues.

This set of Zen ED's has a very smooth focus wheel.  It also came from Portland to Pugetropolis in less than 48 hours with free shipping.  If all their service is like that then they will have something.

[Steve C]

wsmnut,

Think you're confused now? Try the vew ZRS.  $200 and better than the Viper.  Then you can really squint to tell the difference between the ZEN and ZRS.  I have a ZRS review about ready to post.

[columbiaman]

don't know how I manage to miss this review.  I already have my ZRS and are quite happy with it. I may do with ZEN later. For now, I am all set. 

[robodad]

I was graciously mailed a pair of the ZEN-ED in 8X43 to look at and use and feel and compare to my other optics and here is a short review of what I thought.

These glasses are by far the best pair of binoculars I have ever looked through, over the years I have resisted looking through high end binos because I knew there was no way I could afford them so why be disappointed every time I looked through the ones I could afford however I bought a pair of Zen-Ray's Vista's (cause I could afford them) and was so impressed that this company could put together such a nice pair of binoculars for such a reasonable price that I thought I just might try out the ZEN-ED's for fun and I am very happy that I did, I am so impressed with the ZEN-ED that my Nikon Monarchs 8.5X56's are on the for sale block and hopefully if I sell them I will be able to get the ZEN-ED set.

OK so I did take a peek through a set of Swaro's (don't remember the size but similar to the ZEN-ED's)  a while back on a fishing trip I took and at that time those were the most expensive binos i had ever touched because of reasons above so I really have very little experience with high end equipment.

Now having looked through the Swaros for just a couple minutes on a boat that was moving all around and the sun was really bright and the glare off the water was blinding I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed and thought to myself that I would have to hit the lotto to be able to afford them given my current financial situation so I just enjoyed them for what they were and didn't even think about how I could afford them, They were NICE !!! 

So after speaking with Charles he agreed to send me a pair of the ED's and I have to say that I was very happy with the customer service I received from them, the binos came within just a day or so. I took them out of the mailer and right off the bat I noticed that even the case that comes with the binos is a great quality durable padded type folding case which is sort of molded into the shape of the binos.

After opening the case I saw that they come with caps on both ends which are the cheesiest of the cheese, sorry guys but you can definitely do better here !! The screw-up eye cups are much better then the Vistas eyecups with the more positive "Stops" at least at the half way point however they still lack the padding I think they could use to limit the pressure pain that is put onto your forhead while using for extended periods especially in lower light when your really pressing them to your face to block out the distraction of peripheral lighting.

After picking on them for a while I finally looked through them at some objects in my yard and I am convinced that I NEED a pair of these, I took them to my friends place and had him look them over and he is on my side saying they are the best he has ever seen, I also took them to a sporting goods store to share with an elk hunting guide buddy of mine and it was all I could do to get them back from him, I finally had to tell them that they were stolen and he promptly released his death grip LOL !!!

I had these binos for the worst part of the year, meaning there was almost nothing interesting to look at, it rained and no hunting was going on, all the critters were in that stay hiding mode so I was never really able to get out and put them through their paces like if it were hunting season or something but I have to say that though this is not a technical review just personal observations I am extremely impressed with both the build quality of these binos and the price.

Though I have limited experience with the high end binos I can definitely say that the ZEN-ED's are crystal clear from edge to edge top to bottom, they are fairly lightweight and the focus ring is awesome for that very precise focusing. I can't comment on the weather related aspects of these cause I never really had them outside but over all they are some binos that are on my list to own in the future for sure !!!

[whacker1]

Very good posts and reviews.  I will be keeping these in mind over the next year.

[whacker1]

Charles sent me a pair of the 10x over the weekend to try out and they arrived this afternoon. What a great opportunity to down-shift from NCAA tournament research to looking out of the office building with a different set of binoculars. 

They come with a very nice travel case. In initial comparison they are smaller in size, but about the same weight as my 9 x 40 Steiner Big Horn's.  The balance is very nice, and they bear a very ergonomic feel in the hands based on the way the binoculars were designed.  The comments others have made about the lots of movement on the focus knob are accurate, but they also make very fine adjustments, which I have had problems with in some of the Nikon's and Bushnells I have tried in the past. 

I am very impressed so far.  More too report over the next couple of days when I get to play with these side by side with the Steiners. 

[columbiaman]

How much better is ZEN, comparing to ZRS? I have a set of ZRS and I am quite happy with it. Not in the market immediately another pair, but always good to know what to expect.

[boneaddict]

I'll let you know shortly.  I usd one all last fall and just got the new pair. 

[Steve C]

The ZEN is noticeably brighter than the ZRS.  The ZRS has a noticeable reddish color bias and the ZEN is more neutral.  The resolution on the ZEN is better, particularly at longer distances.  The ZEN also has a noticeably wider FOV.  The ZEN is clearly an image quality competitor to far more expensive binoculars.  The ED glass on the ZEN also noticeably reduces color fringing on high contrast targets.  I have both types and like both, but the ZRS is the second place prize winner.

[ZRS-8x42]

Thanks everyone for sharing your experience with our product. There is always room for us to do a better job to serve the members in this great community.

Just slightly off topic, I just got an email from Grant McOmie, who is the host on Grant's Gateway on KGW Channel 8 in Portland. He took his ZEN ED for his outdoor adventures too. Here is one segment aired last week. Check them out.

http://www.kgw.com/video/getaways-index.html?nvid=341713&shu=1

or you can watch it in HD mode here

g=embed&sec=&hd=1

[Jekemi]

I have become a big fan of Zen Ray bonoculars. I received a pair of Vista's and used them throughout the recent duck and geese season. About to use them for the Turkey season as well. Now I'm turning my attention to the ED Zen's. As you know ED generically stands for Extra Low Dispersion Glass. This refers to optical glass that is made using rare earth sand that when melted and formulated has the characteristic of allowing a tremendous amount of light through without flare or distortion. Generally ED glass is only found on the super-premium optics, such as Swarovski. As has been mentioned by those testing the Zen ED's they are 1/3rd the cost of comparable Swarovski binoculars with incredible performance. Saving up my pennies.

[whacker1]

Well, I have had the Zen Ray ED 10 x 43 for two weeks.  I wasn't planning on buying binoculars and neither was my wife, but the talk and reviews around the ED's was so good, I just had to demo.  So here is my two cents about them.

I took them out Saturday just before daylight.  I took my Steiner Big Horn 9 x 40 and my Leica range finder to compare with Zen Ray's.  I dropped over the hill and took a look at some birds at 100 yards.  With it being so early in the morning, my Steiners pulled in enough light to see, but difficult to make out the finer aspects of the bird.  With the ED's I began playing with the focus and as others have said - you really need to turn the knob to find the right focal point.  But after playing with a the focus for a second or two I really got a much crisper image than my steiners could provide.  I was able to make out significantly more detail than with the steiners.

I hiked a 1/2 mile or so checking at different distances and comparing back and forth.  i got to looking at some grasses and downed trees at 280 yards.  Still not fully light yet, but starting to providing enough light to shoot had it been hunting season.  I noticed that when I pull up my steiners that it is a little difficult to discern the down log in the grass.  When I pulled up the ED's, I was able to move back and forth on the focus picking up the grass and then the downed log - back and forth looking at the grass and then the log.  This really allowed me to focus on one then the other - not capable of doing this with my steiners.

one of the things that surprised me - Magnification.  I am comparing a 9x to 10x.  As most know with scopes - you can notice some difference between a 9 and 10, but it isn't usually earth shattering.  When I look through the 10 power ED's after looking through 9 power steiners - I feel like I went from a 9 to a 12 power or more.  The ED's seemed to be stronger than what I expected out of 10x magnification. 

The high points for the quick reviews: 

Pros - clarity is phenomenal, magnification is strong, field of view is great, ergonomically very comfortable, ability to manage focus is fantastic, performance at low light was very strong, travel case is awesome, pricing is fantastic

Cons - like others said - lens covers are cheesy

Against my wife's will - I bought the demo's Charles sent me. 

I used to swear that the Steiner - base model - Bighorn edition (back in the day) and now the Predator were the best binocular for under $500 ( I think I paid $329 for mine 6 years ago).  I still think they are a great binocular, however I will now be using the ED's as my primary binocular - Far better glass for the same general price range.  I will just be keeping the steiners in the pickup all year and not care any more if they get beat up. 

Thank You Charles for letting me demo the binos-and better yet letting me purchase the demos.  Nice not to have to see them go when shipping them back to you.

[ZRS-8x42]

whacker1, thanks a lot for the great comparative review. I am glad it serves up to your expectation.

[ZRS-8x42]

I want to apologize to a few members here who wish to have an immediate access to the ZEN ED 8x43. Because of its popularity, we were not able to keep up with the demand. Now the 8x43 ZEN ED is currently out of stock. But 10x43 is still available with limited supply. Now, we are taking pre-order for 8x43 for second half of June delivery. We have been working very hard to get them back in stock and meet the demand. Thank you very much for support and patience.

[Jekemi]

Charles: when are you guys going to come out with a rifle scope? I know you guys will provide value; great price and great optics. We are all waiting. The money is burning a hole in my pocket!  Any plans?

[whacker1]

I feel the same way as Dave does about a Spotting Scope in the ED line.  Charles let us know when you have an update on your ED spotting scope project

[ZRS-8x42]

We are constantly looking for opportunity to expand our product offerings. I will sure let you know when or if there is anything on the horizon. Thank you for your patience.

[yelloweyenw]

Can anyone attest to the durability of the Zen-Rays?  How long have you had them and have they held up ok?  Just to be clear, I don't consider 1 or 2 years a good test of durability.  Thanks guys!

[whacker1]

can't attest to durability - only had them for a few months.  But they feel more solid than my steiners that I have had for 7 years or so.

[ZRS-8x42]

Can anyone attest to the durability of the Zen-Rays?  How long have you had them and have they held up ok?  Just to be clear, I don't consider 1 or 2 years a good test of durability.  Thanks guys!

Our VISTA, ZRS and ZEN ED are fully backed by our lifetime warranty. The binoculars is designed and manufactured with the highest industry standard. They should last for a long time. But, if it ever fails due to manufacturing defects, just simple return it back to us. We will take care of it. Thanks

[Steve C]

Can anyone attest to the durability of the Zen-Rays?  How long have you had them and have they held up ok?  Just to be clear, I don't consider 1 or 2 years a good test of durability.  Thanks guys!

Well since they have not been out that long I guess that makes that a rhetorical question.    I look at it this way.  For the image you get for what they cost, I have no expectation of indestructibility from the binocular.  Having said that, everything I see about them says they are as well built and durable as any other binocular.  So I intend to enjoy mine for the next year or two.  The thing about these is that now there is an alternative to spending a lot of money on a top image glass.  The other option is to spend a lot of money.  What somebody decides to do is entirely up to them. 

[bearslayer]

I would like to know if these are sold in Canada? If so, where?

[ZRS-8x42]

I would like to know if these are sold in Canada? If so, where?

We ship our products to Canada. We actually have quite a lot of Canadian customers. Please feel free to PM me if you have question. Thanks