[FrankD]

http://www.holgermerlitz.de/zen7x36.html

It would seem he only found fault with the eyecup adjustment and the stray light issue in twilight conditions.

[RJM]

And being just as big as an 8x42 would NOT serve as benefit either IMO. Wonder if he is aware of the new and improved full aperture test being discussed on CN?

cheers,
Rick

[kristoffer]

Somewhat poor testing, no mention of the way it handles chromatic aberration, the zen ed2 handles it better then any other bin I have tried. Also interesting that he liked the focus knob, it is probably the thing I like the least about the ed2.

[FrankD]

Originally Posted by RJM

And being just as big as an 8x42 would NOT serve as benefit either IMO.

cheers,
Rick

True to a point. Some 8x40-something bins I have handled are noticeably larger then the 7x36 ED 2's.

If I had to hazard a guess I would think the reason for the longer length/greater overall size has more to do with making the most effective use of the ED objective design. I seem to remember reading that a shorter version of this particular ED design would not function as effectively at controlling CA.

Just a thought.

[fugl]

Originally Posted by FrankD

http://www.holgermerlitz.de/zen7x36.html

It would seem he only found fault with the eyecup adjustment and the stray light issue in twilight conditions.

Excessive glare has been mentioned before on BF (about a month or so ago, but I can’t find the thread) in connection with the Zen 7 x 36 & appears to be a real problem. I wonder how much inter-sample variation there’s likely to be with respect to a fault of this kind?

[FrankD]

From discussions around the subject both online and via email I have gotten the impression that the issue is not so much of a problem with product variation so much as it is with personal usage/facial dimensions. Some folks seem to experience it much more so than others and especially under certain conditions.

If you don't see it then you are blessed. If you do see it then all one can do is hope Zen Ray finds a way to address the issue.

[Steve C]

I have to agree with Frank. Out of all of the posts about the various ZEN ED binoculars, yes there have been a few that illustrated the glare issue. So is there a single binocular design that pleases everybody? If there is I am not aware of it. Instead of taking the stance that this glare IS a problem, it seems the reasonable stance is that it MIGHT be a problem for some users. If the glare was a significant problem, I sort of doubt the ZEN ED could have generated the buzz it has.

One of the best binoculars out there, in the guise of the Nikon SE 8x32, has a kidney bean blackout issue, a deal breaker for some. That is a total non issue for others.

I know ZR has dissected a few binoculars and I think will come up with some modifications to the binocular based on posts about the glare problem. I have a sneaking suspicion that the problem is in the redesigned eyepieces in the 7x36, since that is where the problem seems to live (for the most part) and the eyepiece design is about the only real difference in the 7x36 and the 8x and 10x43

I am quickly becoming convinced that my ZEN ED 7x36 would be the absolute last binocular that I would ever part with. I got to the point where I could finally force myself to see the issue to a slight degree. I have not used it much the last couple of weeks, and found that when I picked it up the other day, the glare thing was again a non issue. I will not re-create the efforts that I made to enable me to see the glare in the first place.

[kristoffer]

Yes, I agree with you. I can not see any glare and I am a very happy owner of my 7x36. The optics is spectacular and I saved a ton of cash when I bought these instead of some Zeiss or Leicas.

Btw, two things I really dislike about bins are blackouts and non-waterproofing. So the SEs really does not suit me at all. But lots of other people regard them as their primary and best of all time bin´s. Just like you say, the taste is personal.

Originally Posted by Steve C

Instead of taking the stance that this glare IS a problem, it seems the reasonable stance is that it MIGHT be a problem for some users. If the glare was a significant problem, I sort of doubt the ZEN ED could have generated the buzz it has.

One of the best binoculars out there, in the guise of the Nikon SE 8x32, has a kidney bean blackout issue, a deal breaker for some. That is a total non issue for others.

[NWBirder]

Originally Posted by RJM

And being just as big as an 8x42 would NOT serve as benefit either IMO. Wonder if he is aware of the new and improved full aperture test being discussed on CN?

cheers,
Rick

If you compare a mid-size binoculars with oversized prism to deliver vibrant colors to some compact 42mm binoculars, it is not surprising there is not much size difference.

I have not checked any of the mid size uber binoculars myself. But spec-wise, they all have long body length. Someone mentioned it has something to do with color control. I don't if that's true or not. But at least, we should trust Nikon or Zeisss know what they are doing.

Nikon EDG 8x32 (32mm !) : 5.6 in, 23.6oz
ZEN ED2 7x36 : 5.9 in, 23oz
Zeiss FL 8x32: 6.5 in long, 27 oz

[NWBirder]

Originally Posted by kristoffer

Somewhat poor testing, no mention of the way it handles chromatic aberration, the zen ed2 handles it better then any other bin I have tried. Also interesting that he liked the focus knob, it is probably the thing I like the least about the ed2.

If we all agree with him, so what's so special for being Holger Merlitz?

After a cursory reading of his review, I found it was well balanced with a lot of positive feedback on that binoculars. It is amazing to see some people to jump in immediately to zoom in on any negativity he can find. For example, he mentioned the ED2 is as big as 8x42 Docter, which is picked up immediately. But nobody cares to mention that Holger Merlitz also said ED2 is 100 g lighter than the same sized docter. After all, we all live in this highly polarized world.

[ceasar]

Originally Posted by kristoffer

Somewhat poor testing, no mention of the way it handles chromatic aberration, the zen ed2 handles it better then any other bin I have tried. Also interesting that he liked the focus knob, it is probably the thing I like the least about the ed2.

http://www.holgermerlitz.de/index.html

See more reviews here and other pertinent matter.

[Fireform]

Originally Posted by NWBirder

If you compare a mid-size binoculars with oversized prism to deliver vibrant colors to some compact 42mm binoculars, it is not surprising there is not much size difference.

I have not checked any of the mid size uber binoculars myself. But spec-wise, they all have long body length. Someone mentioned it has something to do with color control. I don't if that's true or not. But at least, we should trust Nikon or Zeisss know what they are doing.

Nikon EDG 8x32 (32mm !) : 5.6 in, 23.6oz
ZEN ED2 7x36 : 5.9 in, 23oz
Zeiss FL 8x32: 6.5 in long, 27 oz

Your specs on the 8x32 Zeiss FL are completely wrong. The pair I have in my hands is 4.6 inches long and weighs less than 20oz. They are much smaller than the 7x36 Zen.

The shortcomings of the Zen ED 7x36 that Holger Merlitz notes have nothing to do with sample to sample variation. I've tried two different pairs of them now and apart from slightly less coma in the left barrel of one pair you could not tell them apart. I also would not list the Zen focuser as one of its highlights.

I'm heartened to read that the MFG is going to try to address the glare issue, because it was the deal-breaker for me. Holger gives Zen rather too much credit for resolving the objective cover problem, though. I don't know of anyone who has received replacement covers.

When I bought my demo Zeiss FLs, they arrived without objective covers. When I contacted Zeiss about how to get a pair, they asked for my mailing address and sent them the same day, no charge.

[Swissboy]

Originally Posted by Fireform

Your specs on the 8x32 Zeiss FL are completely wrong. The pair I have in my hands is 4.6 inches long and weighs less than 20oz. They are much smaller than the 7x36 Zen.

......

I think the specs are for 8x42. I made a quick check on my 8x42 FLs but did not remove strap and covers. And the result is in the order of the specs given for 8x32s. Those are definitely much smaller. Thus, I'm sure the comparison was for 8x42s.

[mooreorless]

Yes the 8x32 FL is smaller.

[falcondude]

Originally Posted by Swissboy

I think the specs are for 8x42. I made a quick check on my 8x42 FLs but did not remove strap and covers. And the result is in the order of the specs given for 8x32s. Those are definitely much smaller. Thus, I'm sure the comparison was for 8x42s.

that spec has to be wrong. I borrowed my neighbor's 8x32 FL for a week. It is quite compact. You can almost wrap your palm around it. I think if it is 6x32, it will be perfect for me to hold with the light weight.

[FrankD]

I just noticed that Holger once again updated his review of the 7x36 ED 2.

[Pileatus]

Originally Posted by FrankD

I just noticed that Holger once again updated his review of the 7x36 ED 2.

http://www.holgermerlitz.de/zen7x36.html

ZR's response time to this problem is unprecedented. The modification also confirms multiple end-user observations, many of which were mercilessly attacked.

Hopefully, ZR can maintain the momentum.

John

[Fireform]

I have ordered a pair of the new ed2s. The glare problem was very real to me and I'm interested to see to what extent it's been remediated--I returned my original pair hoping for just such a scenario. A reduction in glare of 70% should should bring them into the fold. My Zeiss 8x42 FLs show that much stray light, and though it is a nuisance they're still useable (just barely).

[Alexis Powell]

Very cool that Zen-Ray has addressed the glare problem in the 7x36 ED2. I'll be interested to know if they've also done anything about the significant stiffening of the focus that I found occurs in even just moderately cool temperatures. I know many folks like to make excuses for binos that stiffen in the cold, but for me, given that I now live most of the year in a place that is, for much of the year, colder outside than the inside of my refrigerator (where the ED2 got quite stiff), and that I already have a number of binos that don't stiffen significantly in the cold, this focusing design flaw is not something I can forgive.

--AP

[kristoffer]

I can forgive the stiff focus, since I get a premium glass for a very low cost. That said, it is the flaw of the ed2 for me. I dont see any glare and w/o stiff focus it would be spectacular bin.

[spacepilot]

I see. I was thinking of the 7x or 8x Zen ED2 as a backup if and when my SE becomes too stiff to focus. But if the Zen focus stiffens in the cold, too, there's no point getting them now.

Ning

[falcondude]

I haven't seen the glare with the pair of 7x36 I have. But this fix seem to address that issue for people who have seen them. I don't find the focus wheel stiff at all. The resistance is about right for me. It might be a nickpicking, there ought to be mark on the binocular to show how the locking diopter works. It took me a while to realize there is one there.

[Ardy]

Originally Posted by FrankD

I just noticed that Holger once again updated his review of the 7x36 ED 2.

Nice!Just ordered one after reading it.

[Alexis Powell]

Originally Posted by falcondude

I don't find the focus wheel stiff at all. The resistance is about right for me.

Just to clarify, for the sake of my understanding and reducing ambiguity in the information content of this thread, are you saying that you haven't found the focus to be stiff in the cold, or is that you haven't ever used them in the cold and your statement is describing your experience with them in warm conditions and thus should not be interpreted as being contrary to my experience?

--AP

[falcondude]

Originally Posted by Alexis Powell

thus should not be interpreted as being contrary to my experience?

--AP

AP, agree with you on everything you just said. My observation was just the focus tension seems to be consistent with other binoculars I have. On the other hand, from my brief trial of their VISTA, I don't like vista's focus tension, too easy turning that I often guessed wrong how much I needed to dial.