Zen-Ray Ridgefield 15-45x65 Spotting Scope and test drive opportunity

[coop2424]

Any update or review of this spotting scope?  Really interested in checking it out.

[tony04]

 

[JackOfAllTrades]

Any update or review of this spotting scope?  Really interested in checking it out.

This weather has been so crappy ... That ... No... I don't have a grand report to give you yet.  A recent visit to Oak Creek did not warrent use of a spotting scope.

I did get opportunity to use it on a cloudy day at 200meters looking at .222 holes in white pie plates on the shaded part of the gun range. The scope position is also coverd by a building roof. Clarity was just as good as the older Kowa that a friend had at the range. What really stands out is the size of the 'diopter' (?) and the clarity of the objective lens (the big end), at the edges is the same as in the center. It is a bright scope for the value.

The nylon tumble case is very well thought out. The objective end has a zipped opening, the bottom allows for mounting on tripod without removing the cover. The dioptor end has a zipper and the cover folds two wings that attatch to stay open with hook and loop fasteners. There's a hook and loop fastened flap on top that allows access to the fine focus.

I really want to get this scope out in the field to see what she's got to offer. So far, I think the price point is much lower than the feature set and quality this scope has to offer.

I have an indoor pistol shoot to attend this coming Saturday.. No help there as I certainly don't need this scope at 50'. Hopefully Sunday will allow a good field test. I have a SW facing unobstructed view where I have opportunity from the house to look toward the sun, at a measured (gps) 900yds and 425yds where I can put a couple of 3pt shed antlers to see if I can count points at given times of the day/light allowed. That is my next task before heading to the hills. I don't really expect to be able to count points at 900yds. Would be sweet if I can tough. I have looked that direction so far, and the twig branches and the CA TV cables are visible. I believe that is not only due to maginification (45x), but certainly due to the amount of light drawn in. I really want to see what the lens coatings due for angled glare from the sun when viewing toward the sun.

-Steve

[JackOfAllTrades]

OK... A few things about the scope.

*The markings on the zoom band are confusing.  Instead of explaining, I'll try to photo and post later.

*The zoom band is very stiff. This needs to be fluid, yet hold position once stopped. It is a two hand operation to zoom. (hold scope, rotate band) If this can be lubricated.. I'm all ears.

*The twist up eye cup is stiff. Again, a two hand operation. My son has a pair of 10x Vista's that the eye cups twist up very smoothly, even with gloves.

*The fine focus knob is long, but I think a larger diameter would be more beneficial. It is stiff but also fluid if using a two finger hold, but a person with larger fingers might have difficulty. Using one finger on the longer knob may place a side wear on the shaft and make it sloppy over time. Making it longer, I suppose lends to a little more asthetics of the whole unit. If the longer knob was a little larger in diameter and supported at both ends, it would be perfect.

*The slip-ring to spin the scope in the tripod mount is slick. Full movement is not possible with the nylon cover in place. (I don't expect that at all) The small knob is a locking cam, that seems to be 'just tight enough'. I don't know if this will wear in the long run and become loose. I don't see how the tension of the lock cam can be adjusted by the user. This is a sweet feature on an angled scope that you don't normally get at this pricepoint.

*The slip out objective lens shade is slick.

The only side by side comparison has been the older Kowa on a gloomy day and a  Winchester scope of the same power a few years old.  The Winchester does not compare for focus or brightness. But the Winchester is half the pricepoint also. The Kowa was nearly as bright and not quite as fine focus to my aged eyes, but the Kowa was much smoother in focus and zoom operation. (I don't know the specific model of the Kowa) I will have more opportunities at the rifle range to put this scope side by side with many models as the weather warms and the rifle shooters come back.

-Steve

[Steve C]

Steve,

Sounds like a good scope at the price point.  However I have one question.  What model number and size is the "older" Kowa?  Kowa has been at, or a step from, the very apex of spotter optics since they showed up with their first spotter.  So, anyway your comment aroused my curiosity.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Steve,

 What model number and size is the "older" Kowa?

If I run into the guy again, I'll get the model number. I was trying not to bother his shooting session much. It was an OLD Kowa. The housing had paint rubs and such. The thing had been around the block a time or two. I'm betting it had never seen the hills, but was rather only a scope for his rifle competition.

SteveC, Nice report on the Zen ED2..

-Steve