Zen Ray ED2 10x43

[JackOfAllTrades]

I'd like to get a pair of the ED2 10x43's and the Vista 10x42's, the Leupy Gold Rings in my hands at the same time to compare.

-Steve

[Pathfinder101]

I'd like to get a pair of the ED2 10x43's and the Vista 10x42's, the Leupy Gold Rings in my hands at the same time to compare.

-Steve

I would like to do the same thing, but it's pretty close to impossible for me.  I looked on the site for the closest location that carries them, and they are too far from where I live.  Newer company, just not that many retail merchandisers carrying them (yet).

Plus, you know the "look" you get when you ask to see two sets of optics side by side.  The "look" that says "You *censored*.  Your'e not gonna buy one of these, you're gonna figure out which one is best, then run to the internet and buy it cheaper, aren't you...?" 
I get it.  If I were a retailer, I'd be giving me the same "look"...

[JackOfAllTrades]

Fishseeker in Ferndale met me at a Dennys one afternoon to compare the Zen Vista's to my Nikons before I bought a pair of the Vista's for my son. His were the 8x42's but I bought the 10x42's. Son hasn't ever used any better glass, but I'd nearly be happy with them. If the ED2's are better rated from the manufacture, I don't know how anyone wouldn't like them within that pricepoint.

-Steve

[Pathfinder101]

 

[whacker1]

Pathfinder - I will offer that the next time your role through Spokane, you can check my ZenRay's out. 

[Pathfinder101]

Thanks Whacker1.  Too late.  Angel's dead.  I just ordered them.  Now I have to get down to the bank and replace $314 before the wife notices...

[whacker1]

Thanks Whacker1.  Too late.  Angel's dead.  I just ordered them.  Now I have to get down to the bank and replace $314 before the wife notices...

Leupold'S or Zen Ray's?

[Pathfinder101]

I got the Zen Rays.  Too good a deal to pass up.  Then I printed the reciept (accidentally) on the printer in my bosses office (50 miles away).  He just called me and thanked me for the Christmas gift...

[whacker1]

As long as we are giving gift's I would be happy to give you the IP address to my printer and the mailing address to my house.....

[Pathfinder101]

 

OK, I am back from the bank.  Money's replaced, and no one is the wiser...

[Pathfinder101]

Just got them in the mail yesterday (HOLY COW, that was QUICK!), and they are awesome!  So far, they seem to have been a great buy!  I will review them on another thread once I have had a chance to get them out in the field and put them through the paces...

[JackOfAllTrades]

Well? C'ome On!

-Steve

[Pathfinder101]

Well, I didn't want to spoil PathfinderJRs story, but he will probably come on tonight (if he doesn't have too much homework after football practice tonight..) and do a thread.
We had a great time.  JR didn't get a bear, but he got to see a buddy of mine shoot one at about 400 yards across a canyon (a little outside JR's comfort range).  We shot a few grouse, and had a great weekend.
I am thrilled with the ED2's.  Hours both Saturday and Sunday glassing clearcuts for deer, bear and moose.  No eye fatigue, crisp images and very good low light performance.  They are by far the best pair of binoculars I have ever owned.  We spotted deer, moose and the one bear.  I usually don't notice stuff like this, but I really found the little thumb-depressions in the tubes comfortable and convienent.  I didn't see anything at great distances that required field judging, so I guess my "field tests" are not really complete yet, but that bear at 400 yards was darting in and out of thick cover, and I had no problem picking him out, even when it was just little parts of him.
Unfortunately, I only had a crappy disposable camera with me (I left my digital sitting on the kitchen counter back in Walla Walla ,) so it will be a day or two before I can get pictures up.
Anyway, so far, I am very impressed with the Zen Ray Glass.

[Bean Counter]

Just for our reference, what was your previous pair of glass?

[Pathfinder101]

Leupold Acadias.  I was planning to upgrade to a pair of Golden Rings, but I feel that these Zen Rays are just as good.  I haven't used GRs in the field though...