New Binos, please help!

[CHSNGSTLHD]

Ok, so I have narrowed it down a bit. Still on my list are:
Vortex Viper or Razor in 10 x 42
Zen Ray ED in 10 x 43
Minox HG 10 x 43
Cabelas Euros 10 x 42
or the Cabelas Steiner version 10 x 42

I have about $600 to spend but I dont necessarily need to spend $600.  Any thoughts? I know some you have really been impressed by the Zen Rays. Thanks! Eric

[popeshawnpaul]

You have listed a few good ones.  My choice would be the Vortex Viper 10x42.  The Razors are nice but a tad larger it seems and marginally better for the money.  The Vipers are the best bang for the buck around.  Lifetime warranty unconditional.  If you drive over them they replace them.  I love mine and have compared them to a lot of other binoculars.  Good stuff for about $400 from Cameraland.

Rem300, this might be the first time you and I have ever agreed on something...  Scary!   

[JBar]

From your list Vortex though I don't think you'll be able to get Razor's for 600. But I would spend the extra if you can and get the Razor's. Warranty   How can you beat unconditional ( except loss ) and transferable!

[remington300mag]

 I was just thinking the same thing!!! Little freaky......Oh well, Obama's mom was FAT! LOL (could I get more 2nd grade than that)

[CHSNGSTLHD]

I have heard from a few people that the Zen Ray is a "bit" brighter then the viper. Anybody look through the Zens?

[remington300mag]

I looked though Zens a while back.....I couldn't tell any difference in the brightness.... but I will say that Vortex is more clear!

[Steve C]

Well, I reviewed both the Zen Ray Zen ED and ZRS HD, 8x and 10x versions of both.  I also either own or have owned 8x42 and 10x42 Vortex Vipers.  The ZEN ED is a better glass than the Viper. For getting the best value for the money, the ZEN ED is the way to go.  Vortex is a fine outfit and has a top warranty, but the simple fact of he matter is they do not have anything to match the optics of the ZEN ED, which is in the Fury price range.  The Razor is very close, but still costs twice what you pay for the ZEN.

Anybody looking through the Zens "a while back", wasn't looking through the current stuff, which has only been available for a month.  The Vistas are just OK and can't play the same game as the ZEN and the current ZRS.

However, there is not a bad choice on your list.  I've had them all to my eye, and could happily use any one.  It has to suit you, not somebody else.

[bobcat]

The only bad thing about Vortex is they're made in China, if that matters to you. But they are a great value and the warranty is good. Vortex is an American company but all their optics are made overseas. 

[KillBilly]

Ok, so I have narrowed it down a bit. Still on my list are:
Vortex Viper or Razor in 10 x 42
Zen Ray ED in 10 x 43
Minox HG 10 x 43
Cabelas Euros 10 x 42
or the Cabelas Steiner version 10 x 42

I have about $600 to spend but I dont necessarily need to spend $600.  Any thoughts? I know some you have really been impressed by the Zen Rays. Thanks! Eric

The Zen ED are the Bee's Knee's
I am so impressed by them that I can't decide how to write a revies on them.

[bowhuntin]

The only bad thing about Vortex is they're made in China, if that matters to you. But they are a great value and the warranty is good. Vortex is an American company but all their optics are made overseas. 

I was under the impression that they were made here in the USA, but I guess that would make sense of why they sell them for so cheap.

[CHSNGSTLHD]

Steve, thank you for your in depth reviews both here and on other sites! I really appreciate your insight. I think I am leaning towards the Zen Ray ED's in 10x. One more question for you, does the zen have the locking diopter like the vipers? Thanks again!

[Steve C]

The ZRS HD has the locking diopter like the Viper.  The Zen ED does not.  However the diopter on mine has not shown the slightest tendency to move.

To clear up another point, the Viper and Razor are Japanese manufacture. 

[Jerbear]

I bought a pair of Zen Ray Vista 10x42 last month.  I have never had a pair of glasses with the clarity that these have.  You can spend more money if you want, I just don't know why you would.

[bobcat]

To clear up another point, the Viper and Razor are Japanese manufacture. 

OK, I wasn't sure about that. I know that Vortex Diamondbacks are made in China.

I bought a pair of Zen Ray Vista 10x42 last month.  I have never had a pair of glasses with the clarity that these have.  You can spend more money if you want, I just don't know why you would.

Where are the Zen Rays made?

[Steve C]

In the Vortex stuff, the Fury class downward are Chinese.  The Zen Ray stuff is Chinese.  Truth be told there is a reason for that;  the Chinese optics manufacturers will work with the optics companies they deal with to actually give the customer what the customer wants.  Want to change a little detail in the design, well it's far easier to do that with a Chinese company.  I've heard that from several optics companies.