Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: bobcat on June 28, 2014, 06:39:31 PM

Title: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: bobcat on June 28, 2014, 06:39:31 PM: Is this a good binocular for $340? I'm hoping they're not made in China. Is there anything better in this price range? Minox? Vortex? I'm in need of better optics for my bighorn sheep hunt.
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 28, 2014, 06:42:46 PM: I love my Zen Rays. I was all set to buy a Leupold Gold Ring. Looked through both side by side and couldn't tell the difference, so I bought the Zen Rays. That was 5 years ago, still haven't felt the need to upgrade, but when I do it will probably just be to a newer pair of Zens. :twocents:
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: bobcat on June 28, 2014, 06:54:14 PM: Thanks. I was hoping to hear from people who actually had Zen Rays. I've never even seen them except online.

Is yours the ED3?
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: Bean Counter on June 28, 2014, 06:54:36 PM: I tried the either the ED2 or the ED3 for several days. For the money, whatever it was, it's great. A bit on the heavy side but great quality image.
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 28, 2014, 07:01:12 PM: Quote from: bobcat on June 28, 2014, 06:54:14 PM
Thanks. I was hoping to hear from people who actually had Zen Rays. I've never even seen them except online.

Is yours the ED3?

Mine are the ED2s. I have heard lots of good things about the 3s though. $370 is a smokin' deal, I'd go for it. About a year after I bought them, I was shooting a 3D course with my pastor (a serious elk hunter) and he looked through mine. THe next time I saw him, he had bought a pair. That was 4 years ago, and he hasn't upgraded yet either.
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: HntnFsh on June 28, 2014, 07:30:42 PM: I think mine are ed2. Pretty good glass for the money.
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: GameHunter1959 on June 29, 2014, 10:58:04 AM: Bought a good set of Vortex last season for $299. They were 2013 model, so they were on sale. Ended up buying a Vortex spotting scope to match a week later, because I liked them so well.
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: bobcat on June 29, 2014, 11:27:46 AM: Which vortex binos, and are they made in Japan or China?
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: hughjorgan on June 29, 2014, 11:32:53 AM: Zen-ray are made in China but I believe some of vortex are as well except for their top tier are made in Japan. I like my zen ray prime hd. Glass is clear and does well in low light.
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: Mxracer532 on June 29, 2014, 05:32:38 PM: For the $ Vortex's are really hard to beat. Warranty is also 2nd to NONE!
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: Bean Counter on June 29, 2014, 05:53:17 PM: I looked through a mid grade Vortex spotter at the rifle range once and :puke: is all I could say.
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: winshooter88 on June 29, 2014, 06:21:21 PM: bean counter,

From past threads everyone knows that you only like the high end, high priced optics. Not everyone can afford the price.
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: bobcat on June 29, 2014, 10:20:43 PM: I'm still researching. I will be checking out Vortex. I already have a Vortex Diamondback. Actually two, an 8x and a 10x. I might be putting both of those up for sale so I can afford to upgrade.
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: columbiaman on July 11, 2014, 10:09:54 AM: I love my ZEN ED3 binoculars. Have them for more than 2 years. It is solidly built. The glass is very clear and bright
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: brianmtsinc on July 11, 2014, 10:23:34 AM: Hey Bobcat,
I bought the Zen Ray ed2 last year and am very impressed. I compared them side by side with a $1000 pair of glasses and the difference in my opinion was minimal.

I am curious if the Ed3 or the Primes are that much better and worth the upgrade ?? :dunno: :dunno: I love mine but am also considering upgrading for my White River hunt this year.
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: bobcat on July 11, 2014, 10:29:16 AM: I think I've decided to go with the Vortex 10x42 Viper HD. I can get it for about the same price as the ED3 and I think the Vortex warranty is better. Plus they're made in Japan. I try to avoid Chinese made products as much as possible.
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on July 11, 2014, 11:17:40 AM: What's the difference between the Vortex and ZenRay warranty?

I recently sent in a four year old pair of ZenRay's (My son's) for repair. $25 for the shipping and handling. Very smooth transaction. I emailed them. They gave me an RMA number. I put a note with the RMA, our return shipping address and a check for $25 in the box. A few weeks later a new/refurbished, (I can't tell) pair showed up at the house. That's pretty good customer service in my book.

Yes, they are a tad heavy.

-Steve
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: X-Force on July 11, 2014, 11:35:20 AM: Quote from: bobcat on July 11, 2014, 10:29:16 AM
I think I've decided to go with the Vortex 10x42 Viper HD. I can get it for about the same price as the ED3 and I think the Vortex warranty is better. Plus they're made in Japan. I try to avoid Chinese made products as much as possible.

I believe the vipers are made in the Philippines. not that it matters...
Title: Re: ZEN-RAY - Zen ED3 10x43 with Dielectric Prism Coating
Post by: bobcat on July 11, 2014, 02:20:14 PM: Thanks I didn't realize that. Oh well, it's still not China.