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just saw where u can pre order these on zen ray site. comes in 8x32 or 10x32 i believe. around 205 bucks. might be a steal
I have the previous model ZRS and have glassed side by side with friends Swaros and Leicas, I must say for 1/10th the price they hold their own quite well.
Several things come to mind:

1. Zen Ray is pretty good with getting a lot of quality at any price level

2. They are a $200 binocular and will likely be exceptional for the price.

3. Since they are a $200 glass they will have some flaws. For one thing they will not have very much eye relief.

4. Since they are a $200 glass don't expect them to compare really closely to more expensive stuff. They are not intended to do that, but as said in the above post they will not be embarrassed.

5. I think they will be a very good, fairly inexpensive, quite lightweight compact that will perform quite well overall.
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.
Originally Posted by nitis
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.
i may hafta try a pair if the 8x32 ive never owned a pair if zen ray but everyone speaks highly of their binos
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