I know, another optics thread

[jsteplee]

OK.  So after hunting for years with a low-grade pair of binos, I've finally decided to upgrade to a little higher quality.  I don't have a big budget to blow on optics, but I was down to looking at a couple of options.  My front-running choice is the Nikon Monarch glasses just over $300.  I was also looking at a cheaper Leupold version.  I'm looking for something along the lines of 10x42 or 10x50.  Lighter would be better, so I was thinking about the Nikon over the Leupold.

That said, I've seen quite a bit about the Zen-Ray binocs available on the store here.  I was thinking about the ZR Summit model.  I know I've read about the higher-end models, but has anyone directly compared the models I mentioned (Nikon Monarch, Leupold Mesa, and ZenRay ZR (Summit).  I can find the Nikons and Leupolds at local stores so I can handle, but not the Zens.

Anyone got an opinion?

[7mag.]

I have the Leupold Cascades 10x42 and I really like them. I think that they are the best for the money (I have not seen the Zen's). I compared them to the Nikon Monarchs, which are the same price( about $300), and liked the Leaupolds alot better. However, I know a couple of guys that liked the Nikon's better. You should compare them side by side and choose what you like. They are both good bino's for the money.

[jackelope]

i compared the leopold cascades and the nikon monarch 10x42's and went with the nikons. i thought they were crisper and clearer... i bought my monarchs on sale at joes a year or so ago for 225. i have not seen the zenrays either but for what people are saying about them, they must be great for the money. the other thing is to look at the vortex line. elknut1 is a sponsor of the site and a vortex dealer. the diamondback 10x42's will run you under $200 and are good glass too.

[boneaddict]

Haven't field tested the NEW ZenRays, but I just got my own pair in the mail tonight.  Nice looking glass.  I am more impressed with lowlight withthem than their vistas.  The vistas were tough glass in THE worst conditions possible for binos. Sold me i fthat helps.  I don't think you could go wrong with anything with Leupolds name on it either. 

The vistas compared to the Nikons very well for being alot cheaper.  They suffered a bit with lowlight, but pretty sure the summits are right there or maybe even better.

[Hacksaw]

Don't know about the ZenRay's or Nikons, but I have the Leupold Mesa's and the Leupold Pinnacles. My buddy has the Leupold Cascades. After comparing all three under lots of conditions, I think the Cascade's are the best for the money as far as the Leupold line up goes. Needless to say, I don't like my Pinnacles, and, even though I got a really good deal on the Pinnacles, I wish I would have just bought the Cascades. Hope this helps if you decide to go with the Leupolds.

[huntnphool]

I have compared the two in the field during low light conditions and the Nikons were brighter

[ZRS-8x42]

That said, I've seen quite a bit about the Zen-Ray binocs available on the store here.  I was thinking about the ZR Summit model.  I know I've read about the higher-end models, but has anyone directly compared the models I mentioned (Nikon Monarch, Leupold Mesa, and ZenRay ZR (Summit).  I can find the Nikons and Leupolds at local stores so I can handle, but not the Zens.

Anyone got an opinion?

Our solution to your dilemma is 30-day money back guarantee. We want our members to be 100% happy with our products. Just drop me a PM if you need help with product selection.  Thanks

[M_ray]

What Huntnphool said! 

[Steve C]

I have a ZRS 8x42 and the Monarch 8x42.  The Monarch will be up for sale shortly.  The ZRS has a wider fov, flatter field, far better depth of focus, and better resolution.  For $200 the ZRS compares well against the $500 Viper.  I also have Vipers.  The ZRS and the Vortex Diamondback are hard to beat for $200.

For what the ZEN ED costs there is absolutely nothing out there that can even think about beating it.  You will not improve that image much even at $2,000.  I've had mine side by side with just about every high price binocular you can name.  It appears to me to be the real deal.  After buying one, I have no further need, or desire for that matter,  to spend $$$$$ for a big name.  I seriously doubt anybody who buys one will return it in the 30 day time frame for a refund.

[boneaddict]

I know he isn't getting mine back.

[Bowbender]

My Zen-eds rock!!!!

[CHSNGSTLHD]

Love my Zen ED'S too!!

[Firing Pin]

One thing you HAVE to do is compare apples to apples.  When you do the comparison, do it at low light.  I'm talking about when it's to dark to shoot.  My dilemma is that I can see so well with my Nikon binos that I have to remember to check my scope because I can glass a lot earlier and a lot later than legal shooting light.  I guess what I'm trying to say is narrow it down to a couple, then have the sales person walk outside with you after dark and see what the differences are.  I did this at Cabela's, and had the optics guy going in and out of the store until I was satisfied.  I had him start at then low end and work his way through the very high end just to see the difference at different price ranges.   BTW I ended up with a pair of Nikon Premiers and would not trade them for anything.

[huntnphool]

Maybe next time there is a get together everyone could bring theirs and pass them around to everyone to compare as a group, you would have several brands, powers and objectives.

[Firing Pin]

Now that's a great idea!!