But for others it's a big issue and calling it "edge to edge sharp" seem to be setting some people up for a fall.
After reading all of your impressions of the ZRS I am not surprised. Everybody sees things a little differently and no matter how we try to do an objective review it's almost impossible given the differences. One thing I am seeing in all of the reviews so far is that the ZRS seem to be a pretty good binocular, especially given the price.
I've yet to do any extended viewing through my pair but what I've seen so far seems to indicate that they are better than the Diamondbacks, at least to my eyes. I should get some extended use over the coming weekend and will post my thoughts after that.
The Vipers used are at Vortex for a check up. They should be back in a few days. I'll reexamine the relationship of the ZEN ED, Viper, and ZRS 1042's when I get them back.
Redeye,
I got the Vipers back, and they are going back again. The focus now requires about 90% of the wheel travel to go from close focus to 100 feet.
By the time you get out past 100 yards or so, there is barely 30* (of 540* total) of wheel tavel left. It will barely focus on the ridgeline five miles away, forget stars.
Bummer. Did you get the same bins back or a replacement pair?
Hmm, this sounds similar to something I noticed with my second pair of Vortex Diamondbacks. I had no problem, in general, with the focus but did notice that the binocular's focusing knob did not really move but a fraction past infinity. I always thought I was going to run out of room before the image came into focus but never did. Now I wonder if this is something unique to certain units, quality control?, or if it was unique to certain designs.