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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Steve C" data-source="post: 1421128" data-attributes="member: 56622">I think the acid test for the ZEN ED and the Promaster ELX ED is not that they are the absolute equal of the alpha glass. So, like I try to indicate by referring to them as a 99.33% binocular, their selling point is how CLOSE they come in reference to what is paid.  There are certainly experienced users of Alpha binoculars who will be able to pick out differences that will escape some people.  There is certainly something that has to be in the alphas that justifies those astonishing prices. Certainly there is the silver mirrored vs dielectric mirrored prism, probably technically better glass and broadband coatings, and absolutely top end design. Nowadays, whatever those differences are, they don't jump out and grab your attention as they once did, not so long ago.So, I think if you can afford the alpha class or if you are a person who simply has a need or "really wants" the absolute best, these probably will not hold much interest.  That is also more to do with individual mind set, than actual optical differences. Where they will find their calling is in a different rendition of Stephen Ingram's reference to a "poor man's Swarovski".  Maybe we can call them the "blue collar alpha" class.  That's where their appeal will lie.  When you don't have a lot of money and want a really good, even outstanding binocular there is not a better place to go than one of these.Now, I haven't done a good thorough comparative review as I would like with the ZEN and Promaster as I would like to be able to do.  But I have done enough side by side comparisons now to be pretty confident in my decision to drop consideration of needing an alpha glass.  I could always see a difference in an alpha and the Swift Eaglet and Vortex Viper class binoculars I have.  That difference is not there in the Alpha-ZEN comparison.So, Dennis, who has experience with, and appreciation of the Alpha class is ready to do a comparison which I look forward to seeing</blockquote>

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