Okay I am an idiot when it comes to optics
What is the $200 difference between these and the ed3s?
I am in the market for some 10 power binos for high desert mule deer hunting.
The difference in price is mainly in the use of much more expensive high density ED glass, and a triplet objective in the ED 3. The design also is a little more complex and therefore uses more glass elements and is a little harder to manufacture.
There is some difference of opinion as to the value of ED glass in magnifications of 10 or less. The real world advantage will lie with people who are sensitive to seeing color fringing or chromatic aberration. If you have to ask WTF is that, you most likely aren't affected. If you are you will know all about the bluish-purplish-greenish edges seen at the fringes of objects in the view. The triplet objective and ED glass are what is needed to effectively correct fringing. The ED 3 will have a little better image, and a little better contrast, also effects of the ED glass.
The ZRS is a very compact size for a 42 mm glass and the 32 mm, at least from the specifications, will carry that trend forward. The view through the 42 mm ZRS is very good. I have more than once used the 42 mm size hunting, also in High Desert Mule Deer hunting, and never felt like I really needed anything better. The ED 3 is a bigger glass and is not as convenient to carry, but is a little, although not much better.
