Zen Ray Prime HD

[lazydrifter]

Whose got them and what do you think? 

Brant

[pianoman9701]

I looked at them and got Vortex. Although there's nothing wrong with the Vortex, I should've gotten the ZR Primes. They're a site sponsor and they helped a little buddy of mine out with a starter pair - very community minded organization. I think the glass is as good as you'll get for the price. Send a PM to ZRS-8X42. His name is Charles and he'll get you all the info you need. Good solid company.

[cwuwildcat]

I've got a pair, that are on the way back for replacement.  The rubber coating was seperated at one end.  Looks like the adhesive didn't get applied all the way.  They're heavier than another pair of Leupolds that I have in the same strength.  They look good, are clear, but I'm still trying to decide if they're any better than the Leupolds that are a couple hundred $ less.  I've not had them long enough, and they came with the problem so I haven't taken them out for a full use, just off my deck.

[lazydrifter]

No, I've already gotten a pair.  On my second pair as a matter of fact. The 1st pair I sent back due to a piece of hair or something internally in the right lense.  I'm a smaller guy and my eyes must be set fairly close.  I find that to look thru these I've got to have them folded all the way in.  But When I have them folded all the way in they are sitting on the bridge of my nose.   The clarity and definition are incredible.  Just not comfortable.  I compared them to my older bino's and I think what the difference is, is the eye pieces are quite a bit larger than my old bino's so they aren't fitting my face due to that.  I'm going to try them for a short period of time and see if I can get used to them.  Just wondering if anyone else was having the same thing happen.  Thanks

Brant

[cwuwildcat]

Drifter,

I'm 5'10" and have a big head, and I've got the same problem with the eye pieces needing to be close.

[ZRS-8x42]

No, I've already gotten a pair.  On my second pair as a matter of fact. The 1st pair I sent back due to a piece of hair or something internally in the right lense.  I'm a smaller guy and my eyes must be set fairly close.  I find that to look thru these I've got to have them folded all the way in.  But When I have them folded all the way in they are sitting on the bridge of my nose.   The clarity and definition are incredible.  Just not comfortable.  I compared them to my older bino's and I think what the difference is, is the eye pieces are quite a bit larger than my old bino's so they aren't fitting my face due to that.  I'm going to try them for a short period of time and see if I can get used to them.  Just wondering if anyone else was having the same thing happen.  Thanks

Brant

Brant,

It is good to see you posting here.  I have checked your replacement pair before it was sent to you.  Yes, the PRIME HD has slightly bigger eyepiece. To achieve the edge to edge sharpness, we use larger ocular lenses.  In addition, we have total of 6 glasses in each eyepiece, which by itself is more than what many other binos have in their objective and ocular combined.

To get a better appreciation of PRIME HD's optical performance, we suggest that customers not just compare the resolution at the center FOV. Instead, one should compare the complete FOV, especially edge.

One quick and easy way to do this is to tape a page of unfolded newspaper on the wall.  Look through binoculars from 15-20 ft away until the newpaper content fills the complete FOV of your binoculars. Now, focusing your binoculars to the best resolution at the center field.  Then, try to read the letters away from the center all the way to the extreme edge.  Compare PRIME to other binoculars so you can see the quality of image throughout the complete FOV.  Some of binoculars have sweet spot 50-70%. PRIME HD will be noticeably wider.  Another test is to compare the size of FOV.

Please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can help you with.

[Huntbear]

So for those of us out in Central Washington.. where can we find a pair to handle and look through...  I need a new pair of binos so badly, and want to try the 10x42 Zen Rays.. but I will never drop money on optics I have never tried or looked through....

[lazydrifter]

Thanks for the info Charles.  I played with these a little more yesterday and today and I think they are going to be fine.  The  resolution and sharpness are incredible.  They are by far better than anything I've used in the past.

Brant

[ZRS-8x42]

Brant,

It is great to hear that.  I hope you enjoy them for many years to come.

We just ran out 8x42 PRIME HD. We should have more coming in in the mid of next month. We only have a few pairs of 10x42 left. 

Charles