Post by: Tony 270 on August 30, 2010, 11:39:08 AM
Today they arrived!
Let me start off with this. These are $420 binoculars. They are not a $2400 Swarovski. Would you compare a $400 factory rifle to a $2400 custom? No. Or a $15,000 car to a $90,000 car? No. So why does everyone keep comparing the ED2s to ELs?
I've looked through Swaros ELs, the new Swarovisions, quite a few times and wow... they are perfect! They are the only glass I've been able to look through, pull away, and not have my eyes readjust. No matter what my eyes are always comfortable and don't need to change in order to look through them. Leica, Leupold HD, Vortex (surprisingly good for the $$$ - better than Lup HDs by far), anyone... just didn't compare to the ELs.
So I made the mistake of thinking ELs (from people constantly comparing ED2s to them) as I was bringing them up to my eyes. ELs they are not. Could tell that immediately and was disappointed with them. Then I got to thinking, hey *censored*, these aren't $2400 binoculars so why are you comparing them to $2400 binoculars? I could take my sub 3/4MOA 700 SPS, VX3 CDS, ED2s, Badlands pack, rangefinder... every single thing I hunt with combined, and have it still not add up to the cost of ELs! If you can afford them, great. I can't.
After putting my idiotic thinking in check I started looking through them again. And they're pretty damn good! My eyes do have to readjust after taking them away, but looking through them I have no strain, feel great, no problem. Looked at my dog sitting five yards away, crystal clear. Was studying the blackberries 20 yards away with great detail. Scouted the hillside about 800 yards behind me with great clarity. Wish I had spent more time looking through Vortex Razors cause I'd like to compare the two. These are certainly better, IMHO, than anything out there under a grand. Better than Leupold GR HDs.
What I do love about them, absolutely love!!!... is the rain coating! Get them wet, you can still see through them. The best glass in the world won't do you any good if they're all wet or fogged on the outside from your body heat from hiking, cause you can't see through them. I've had hunts where try your best to keep your glass dry, it just doesn't happen. Or hike and get hot, bring them up, the outside gets fogged and you can't see. No you're just carrying around a neck weight that is completely useless and don't have any working binos. With that said, I put them to the test. Flicked a bunch of water on the lenses, drops beaded up, didn't spread out, and I intentionally left them there without trying to clear it. Went outside and looked... sweet. Could see just fine with very little impairment of any kind. Shook them a little and most of the water rolled off. Looked again, even better. It works.
There are those that will bash the ED2s because they're not up to Swarovision quality, but once again you're comparing products that have a 6x price difference. Swaros are $2000 more than these and you can buy a lot of gear with 2grand.
If you're looking for something that isn't insanely expensive, you won't be sorry with these.
Post by: denali on August 30, 2010, 06:44:16 PM
Post by: Tony 270 on September 02, 2010, 09:27:59 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on September 05, 2010, 01:59:40 PM
.... Then I got to thinking, hey *censored*, these aren't $2400 binoculars so why are you comparing them to $2400 binoculars?...
Good write up. Sounds like the same voices in my head!
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 08, 2010, 05:13:05 PM
Post by: Steve C on September 18, 2010, 06:21:06 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 20, 2010, 11:11:56 AM
How do they compare with Leupy Gold Rings? I know I can find a used pair of GRs for $400-$500 if I shop long enough (Ebay, etc...).
Post by: Steve C on September 22, 2010, 09:34:30 AM
The chief difference is the heavier weight of the Leupold. They give the outward appearance of being built like a tank. The feel of each is very different, just different, not one being better or worse. ZEN Ray is doing a fine job with establishing stellar customer service while Leupold had a long track record of outstanding service.
Initially the ZEN ED represented the outstanding value point for what you got for what you paid, and basically still does. However, with some of the recent price reductions and coupon rebates available from Leupold, they are a considerably decent buy.
Post by: ZRS-8x42 on September 22, 2010, 10:11:51 AM
http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/demo/zened-8x43-demo.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/demo/zened-8x43-demo.html)
Thanks
Charles
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 22, 2010, 05:25:23 PM
Thanks for the discussion of our ZEN ED2 products. We still have a few pairs of ZEN ED 8x43 demo binoculars for sale at $305. Again, they are backed by 30-day return policy and lifetime warranty. Please PM me if there is anything I can help with.
http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/demo/zened-8x43-demo.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/demo/zened-8x43-demo.html)
Thanks
Charles
That was a well placed post ZRS. If I had my insurance settlement from the garage, you would probably have an order pending...
Post by: Redstar on September 23, 2010, 12:36:00 PM
So far the ED2's have been awesome to hunt and scout with. The clarity is excellent, at least on par with the leupolds I was origionally considering. They are balanced well, I don't find my vision to be as shakey as with the som of the other binoculars I've used. They don't really seem to fog up, I haven't had to do any serious cleaning of them. Water also seems to shed off the lenses better than the old bushnell's I had. And they weren't so expensive I'd have to take out a second mortgage if I ever lost or broke them.
On top of that customer service was awesome, shipping was super fast and the product has done everything I've asked it to with no problems whatsoever - I'm a happy customer! The $305 is also a killer deal, go for it if you're thinking about them!
Post by: whacker1 on September 23, 2010, 12:42:16 PM
I looked at the GoldRing, but liked the ZenRay design better.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 01:01:07 PM
:chuckle:
Post by: whacker1 on September 23, 2010, 01:19:12 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 02:48:36 PM
Interesting relationship that your Devil & Angel have..... :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: How often is the Angel a pushover and agrees with whatever the Devil says?
Usually only when it comes to hunting gear. The Angel did talk me into calling my adjuster first and asking where we were at regarding reimbursal. The angel says to wait until 10 minutes before the bank closes for him to return the call...
:devil: :boxin: :angel:
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on September 23, 2010, 02:57:30 PM
-Steve
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 03:02:55 PM
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"... >:(
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on September 23, 2010, 03:15:07 PM
-Steve
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 03:16:41 PM
Post by: whacker1 on September 23, 2010, 03:24:47 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 03:27:24 PM
Post by: whacker1 on September 23, 2010, 03:28:31 PM
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... :chuckle:
Leupold'S or Zen Ray's?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 03:51:35 PM
Post by: whacker1 on September 23, 2010, 03:56:15 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 03:57:36 PM
OK, I am back from the bank. Money's replaced, and no one is the wiser... 8)
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 28, 2010, 07:11:37 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 04, 2010, 01:19:54 PM
-Steve
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 04, 2010, 01:32:21 PM
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 :bash:,) 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.
Post by: Bean Counter on October 04, 2010, 09:39:54 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 05, 2010, 07:28:47 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 06, 2010, 06:45:28 AM
Post by: wamuledeer on October 06, 2010, 09:54:40 AM
Post by: Steve C on October 06, 2010, 03:36:31 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 07, 2010, 12:26:21 PM
Quote
You still have some glare but not nearly what it was.". It's kind of interesting that this issue was never mentioned (to the best of my knowledge) by anyone that reviewed them here previously.
Excellent point! Are we dumber than those guys that frequent the MonsterMuleys site? Do we know how to evaluate optics as well? Or have the second run of better class glass made it to the hands of us and only us?
I've personally never looked through the ED2's. My son's Vista's are great 'within price point'. I can immagine that the ED2's are better, and should be able to hold their own within price point. No, they aren't Swaro's. But they don't cost near as much either.
-Steve