Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics ZenRay Binoculars

Any reviews? Thoughts? Good,bad,the ugly.

Thanks

I've never seen them, but dennisinaz told me that for the money they're probably one of the best that you can get in a moderate price range.

I've got a pair of 8x42's ED2's I bought from cameraland's demo list. For the money they're great. They're my truck binos. I have some 10 year old 10x42 swarovski slc's and the zen rays compare in brightness. They're not quiet as sharp at the edges as the swaros and they don't feel quite as solid but what do you expect for $240. For a chinese made knockoff they're really good.

I have the 10x ED3's..My brother has the Swaro's...Would I rather have the Swaro's, you bet..Do I feel undergunned..No way..

Believe me, I have spent a lot of time comparing..About every time we go hunting I have to take another look...LOL

I am happy..

I've owned the Zen Ray 8X43 EDs for several years. They have served me well and for me the view compares favorably with other binoculars I've owned with good reputations such as Zeiss 7X42 and Nikon 8X32 SE.

I prefer the greater sense of 3-D with porro prism binoculars but other than that the Zen Rays work well; especially considering the cost. I carry them when hunting in bad weather or poor lighting conditions.

I was really interested in the 7x36 but try not to buy Chinese if I can. Not knocking any one or any brand. The Leupold Mojave \Cabelas Guide Series, Kowas up to Mavens or Kites keep me interested. For a great deal on chinese binoculars- at least according to reviews I was hard pressed to better the Carson's.

I have not pulled the trigger on way of these yet so...wait till I put my money where my mouth is.


CKW - I have two porros and like you just can't part with them. Bang for buck goodness. I keep wondering if good dielectric coatings might sway me to another roof some day- hence all the choices I listed above.

When I was looking for some in the range of 7X35 I purchased som ZenRay. Then I purchased some Nikon 7X35 for about 1/3 the price. In side by side on my eye charts the Nikon beat the ZenRay.

Great glass for the money.

I know- makes it hard to scratch the itch this forum gives ya doesn't it?

I owned the Zen ED2 for a couple of years. Optics were outstanding, build quality just average IMO. I still consider it a good value tough.

They are pretty typical of mid range binoculars. I tend to agree with JGR. Their optics are outstanding. If you can't see it with one of them, you'll miss it with something better. Missing it with a ZR is in indicator of poor technique rather than poor glass. Build could maybe be stouter, but they are about like anything else out there below $500. The ZEN Prime HD however is a very good, quite stout glass.

Im enjoying my Zen Ray prime HDs. Very good glass. maybe the best $600 binos on the market. The lense covers where junk though. Im sure the Alphas are better all the way around but for a third or less the ZR primes are hard to beat.

I'm not really one for writing negative reviews, but at the same time I like to read them when I'm on sites like midway and the like. I feel it's fair for me to share this.

I bought a used pair of ED3 8x43's off of the classifieds a couple of years ago. They worked great for me. I loved them. One day while walking through the woods the neck-strap anchor gave way. I thought it would be no big deal since they carry a lifetime warranty. I sent them off and they returned them (after cleaning them up nicely)saying that the anchor was an integrated part of the binocular body, which could not be repaired. That would've been no big deal except for the fact that their warranty states that they will repair or replace. They did neither. Again, they did clean them up for me nicely.

This is copied and pasted from their website:
"At Zen-Ray Optics, we stay behind every product we deliver to you. Through our rigorous Q/A process, we hope you never have to use our warranty service. But when you do, we want you to know that we are here, ready to help. If your PRIME HD, ZEN ED3, 2015 ZRS HD Binoculars or ZEN ED2 spotting scope requires service or repair, Zen-Ray will repair or replace it (even if it was your fault) for just $10, plus return shipping and handling."

Disclaimer:
I bought them used.
They fell from my neck.
The neck-strap was Leica. It was not a Zen-Ray. (The Leica strap was given to me. I've never owned a top-tier ANYTHING so I can't compare side by side.)

Anyway, I'm over it now. I zip tied a couple of loops so I could attach my strap. Again, I love the binoculars and use them when I hunt, but I won't purchase another product made by them.

I'm not saying whether you should or shouldn't buy from them. I'm simply giving you my experience.

Bradley

I don't own any ZR's, but I do have Leica's & my eyes can't really see any difference as compared on a semi-overcast day.........can't say how they would be in lower light.

I'd have to say that for the money, you'd be hard pressed to do better.

MM

If you are looking at a sale priced version, the
Atlas Optics Intrepid ED 10x42, is being closeout
priced right now, for $149.00 at Eagle Optics.

These are a clone to the Zen-Ray ED2 models, and are
made in China. Eagle Optics and Atlas, will back
you up on Warranty.

I have one ordered, and it will be here on Monday.

I will post my thoughts.

Back again, and it did not take me long to decide how
I like the Atlas Optics 10x42 Intrepid ED. These are a
very nice binocular with quality fit and finish, and a
very sharp and bright view. These have the open frame type,
and they fit me well, and the eye relief is perfect for me,
I don't wear glasses.
Eagle Optics is a very dependable seller, with an excellent
warranty, they are connected to Vortex.
For only $149.00 close out, these are a bargain, they originally sold for over $400.00.

Jerry

hmmm...

I'd like to know your thoughts on these after some use

Back again, after I have had more time to spend with the
Atlas. I am now back tracking on my initial evaluation of
this one. Things seemed good to go with collimation, but
I just could not get rid of some eye strain, etc. So this one
is going back.

I have learned now, to spend more time before giving advice like
I have on this thread.

Hopefully if some have tried this one, they have better luck,
they may work for you.

Jerry