Arthur,
I always enjoy reading your comments...even if everyone and their brother has chewed it over a few times.
Hello FrankD,
Here are few more impressions of this binocular:
Hello,
My interest in the Zen Ray ED2 revolved around several perceived needs. First, a seven power glass would probably suit my advancing years with stability greater than an eight power. I wanted a wide view and I wanted the enhanced colour quality which I associate with ED, FL or HD glass. Since its physical attribute have been described, already, I will just write down a few thoughts, which have been limited by severe weather which has kept me from much field work.
Upon examining the binocular, I noticed that the dents on the underside were not too deep. I generally do not care for thumb indents but these are scarcely noticed. The pimples along the sides were not sharp or annoying. I do not believe that they serve any real purpose as every armoured binocular, even with relatively smooth armour provides sufficient grip. Perhaps fishermen might actually need some assisted traction because of slime and scales. I also noted that the objectives are well set back in the tubes, but perhaps not far enough.
The first target was Arcturus, the only star visible through my window. The left barrel was easier for me to focus than the right. After focussing I checked the dioptre setting, which was negative. My eyes are closely matched, so every Alpha binocular I own, shows very slightly positive on the right diopter. I am going to take this as not properly set in production. Incidentally, I like the focussing lock, as I have had good binoculars whose diopter settings were not secure and this compensates for the unusual dioptre setting.
I have uncommonly poor eyesight, -7.5, in the left eye, and a bit different in the right, but both left and right eyeglass lenses are -7.5, so I see more field of view with glasses on and cups down, than without glasses and with cups up. Typical of modern binoculars, I cannot focus the Zen at infinity, with my glasses off. Without a clear night sky, I cannot determine what my FOV is, but this binocular is is clearly wider than another binocular rated at >8.5º.
[In the middle of writing, a bird landed, outside my window. At minimum focussing distance, I seem to have had a very nice view of a female American redstart, my second warbler for the month and another first for viewing from my apartment. Good bird! ] Getting to minimum focussing distance, from infinity seemed to take a fair amount of effort, but that is not a usual occurrence. The feel was rather more like a Porro than a modern roof binocular, a lot of resistance.
Tuesday, in the field, I did see glare, but this was no worse than a Zeiss 8x40 Victory but probably worse than a Leica 8x32 BN. With both the Zen and the old Zeiss binoculars, I have to induce glare by putting the sun just outside the field of view. I can see that would be more of a problem for me in the winter, with low sun. I would like an opportunity to see if there any reflections from the eyepiece when there is a low sun behind me. Those recessed objectives need more recession or better internal darkening or baffling.
ED glass usually brings out blue gorgeously but I saw neither bluejays nor indigo buntings. However I did look at a decorative plant with deep red or purple leaves. This binocular made those leaves rather brighter! Looking at night heron at a distance of one hundred meters was not exceptional. I wish the heron were closer because Zeiss FL binoculars bring out the blue in the black crown and I could have noted the differences. I did get a chance to look at one of Central Park’s peculiar inhabitants, a black squirrel. At a distance of two meters, detail was terrific. The view is certainly soft at the edge, no worse than the Nikon 8x30 EII, in my opinion, but certainly worse than a Zeiss 7x42 Dialyt.
However, there is no question that this glass provides a wide relaxed view. If I had more time and better weather, I would have liked to compare it to my 7x42 Zeiss Dialyt and my Zeiss 8x32 FL
I am still examining this binocular, but my general feeling is that it is a good binocular but not a great one, as its internal construction and mechanics are well below the level of the top brands. However, if any bird watcher wants a seven power glass, this one is more than just good for the price. As always, try before you buy or buy with a liberal return policy.
Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood :scribe:
