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

[ZRS-8x42]

We just launched the new 15-45x65 Ridgefield Spotting Scope. I have been discussing with Ray to offer a test drive opportunity for our members.  You need to have minimum of 500 posts to participate.  Please PM me if you are interested.

Link to the product page: http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/spottingscopes/ridgefield-angled.html



Zen-Ray Ridgefield™ spotting scope is appreciated by birders, hunters and archers alike for its light weight compact design and best-in-class clarity and brightness thanks to its state of the art fully multi-coated optics. Enhanced with Bak-4 prism, waterproof/fogproof enclosure, durable composite chassis, Ridgefield spotting scope offers upper mid-range performance at budget level price.

Optical Features

• Fully Broadband Multi-Coated Lenses: 99.7% transmission at every lens/air interface
• Oversized BAK4 prism: high density optics with ample optical illumination for maximum brightness

Mechanical Features

• Snugfit view-through protective cover
• Composite polymer chassis for maxmum durability
• Waterproof/Argon charged for fogproof
• Twist-up/down eyecup with generous eye relief to accomodate glass wearers
• Extendable Sunshade to reduces glare and protect lens from adverse weather condition
• Rotating Tripod ring to allow flexibility in positioning the spotting scope

[coop2424]

Looks like another good product from you guys.  PM sent

[Pathfinder101]

Big fan of your ED2 Binos.
PM Sent

[BushMonster]

Looks nice and will be in the market for a new spotter.  What do these retail for?

[ZRS-8x42]

Looks nice and will be in the market for a new spotter.  What do these retail for?

Currently on sale for $279. For Hunt-WA members, write me a PM so I can help with free shipping.  Thanks

[PacificNWhunter]

PM sent

[JackOfAllTrades]

PM sent..

Looks like that mounting ring spins on the body? Allows the user to set the rotation/angle of the viewfinder to a preference. That's inovative!

-Steve

[Jason]

Do you offer the Spotting scope in a straight eye piece?

[ZRS-8x42]

Do you offer the Spotting scope in a straight eye piece?

Yes, they are coming in the first week of Feb. We will be offering pre-order for straight version very soon.

Charles

[couesbitten]

Looks good, PM sent.

[Ray]

I just got one yesterday afternoon. It definitely does have a mounting unit which permits rotation around the body\lens of the scope.  I'm going to try it out this weekend.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Fast shipping to me too. I like that spin clamp. I've only put it on a tri-pod so far but will be looking through the gloomy weather here at something off in the distance soon.  I have a Winchester 15-45x60 to compare it too. Not quite the same price point in its day, but something to put it side by side. I can already tell the Ridgfield is a better unit.

I asked Charles if he wanted a public critque or a compilation later.

-Steve

[ZRS-8x42]

Fast shipping to me too. I like that spin clamp. I've only put it on a tri-pod so far but will be looking through the gloomy weather here at something off in the distance soon.  I have a Winchester 15-45x60 to compare it too. Not quite the same price point in its day, but something to put it side by side. I can already tell the Ridgfield is a better unit.

I asked Charles if he wanted a public critque or a compilation later.

-Steve

Yeah, as I told Steve, it will be uncensored public critique.  Now, with Ridgefield and ZEN ED2 spotting scopes, we have a wide range of products that will sure meet your most critical requirements.

On another note, we no longer take new test drivers as we have a long waiting list after Ray and Steve.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Sitting here watching the Seahawks, typing one of the documents that came with the scope, this is something that really bothers me. The grammar I’m seeing come out of the Asian sources has room for improvement. I have documentation from a 'Winchester' spotting scope that was obviously written by someone that has at least completed high school English requirements 'state side'.

I'll admit that when I type on-line, I'm not always grammatically correct, but I expect proper grammar and punctuation within the documentation of anything I've spent money on. This is definitely something that can be compiled and proofread at the parent company.

Congratulations on the purchase of your spotting scope, a versatile high-performance spotting scope offering a wide range of terrestrial viewing.
SPECIALTY OF BINOCULAR
1.   nitrogen filled, waterproof/fog proof
2.   all glass are fully multi coated to get the best light transmission
3.   Eyepiece are changeable to get different magnification
4.   light-liller is attached on objective lens
5.   lager eyepiece system
6.   twist-up eyecup is suitable for eyeglass wearers
MOUNTING
Note: Some special use spotting scopes do not include tripods. However, these instructions should apply to most tripods.
Remove the spotting scope from the packaging. Attach the tripod with the provided screw to the tripod mount hole located on the base of the spotting scope. Spread the tripod legs and set on a solid surface.
MAGNIFICATION
Note: Some specialized spotting scopes have a fixed magnification with no zoom.  For zoom magnification scopes,  grasp and rotate the magnification ring to change the power. The magnification ring is typically found near the eyepiece.  When rotating this ring, the image appears to zoom in and out. It may be necessary to re-focus when the magnification is changed.
FOCUSING
Most focus rings are found in front of the eyepiece on the spotting scope body. By turning this adjustment, the image will sharpen until in focus. On some spotting scopes, the focus ring is on or near the eyepiece.
USING THING SPOTTING SCOPE
1.   Take off the protection cover on the spotting scope body
2.   Take off both two side of eyepiece cover on spotting scope eyepiece.
3.   Using the eyepiece aim at the spotting scope body joint, press down the eyepiece at the same time turn the eyepiece right to the end.
4.   Lock the eyepiece by turn right the locking ring.
5.   Takeoff the objective lens cover.

USING THE TRIPOD
(Included with most spotting scopes, except special use spotting scopes)
To pan side to side or up and down, unloosen the tripod control handle by rotating it counterclockwise. To lock into a desired position, rotate the tripod control handle clockwise.
CARE
The lenses of your spotting scope are coated for highest light transmission. As with any coated optics, special care must be taken in cleaning the lenses. Moisten the surface of the lens slightly and wipe dry using a circular motion starting at the center of the lens. Wipe or brush off any dirt or dust on the outside of the spotting scope.
CAUTION
Never disassemble your spotting scope. Special tools and equipment are required for service and irreparable damage can result from untrained attempted service. Unauthorized service may also void the warranty.
CAUTION:
DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN THROUGH THIS SPOTTING SCOPE AS SEVERE DAMAGE TO YOUR EYES MAY RESULT!

[ZRS-8x42]

Steve, I was scratching my head about where the instruction comes from.  Then I realized that there was a generic manual that was provided by the factory.  They should have never been there. Thanks.

[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