I feel your pain - went through the exact same thing last year. Misplaced my Zeiss 10x40 Classics and had to find a replacement. I called Cameraland inquiring about the same Zen Rays as you. They had a special going on Minox and felt they were the best I could do under $500 at that time. I ordered both Minox and Zen Ray to compare - I ended up keeping the Minox, though the Zen Ray were every bit as good to my eyes. I understand that model Minox is no longer available, so if choosing today, I wouldn't hesitate on the Zen Ray.
I found my Zeiss right after hunting season burried on a back shelf in the safe 
