Is the NEW Zen-Ray 8x42 ZRS HD Monocular a keeper? (1 Viewer)

[Dennis Mau]

I ordered the NEW Zen-Ray 8x42 ZRS HD Monocular to see if it is a keeper or not. The specifications look good on it according to their website and it is only $125.00 shipped with the discount coupon. It comes with strap, case and lens covers. It is based on the ZRS HD binoculars which have very good optics so the monocular should have good optics too being half a binocular. I have had alot of different monoculars at first trying the cheaper ones and being unsatisfied and ending up with the Zeiss 8x20 monocular. When I receive it I will write a review on it and compare it to my Zeiss. I know alot of you don't care for monoculars but they are actually quite nice to carry in your pocket or around your neck being a little compact telescope that is easy to use and not as noticeable as binoculars when you don't want everybody to know you are using it. Here is the link to it at the Zen-Ray website.

http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/monoculars/monohd8x42.html

 

[vop]

...not as noticeable as binoculars when you don't want everybody to know you are using it...

What, if I may ask, are you watching then?

 

[Dennis Mau]

What, if I may ask, are you watching then?

Neighborhood birds but I don't want the neighbors to think I am spying on them. When I get the big binoculars out I think they think I am looking at them when I am actually looking at birds. Really!

 

[birdazzLED]

I think it may be a little unfair comparing an 8x42 to an 8x20 in the, "a little compact telescope" category.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I think it may be a little unfair comparing an 8x42 to an 8x20 in the, "a little compact telescope" category.

You haven't tried that little Zeiss monocular. The coatings Zeiss uses makes it defy the laws of optics and perform like it has a much bigger aperture. I doubt if the Zen Ray will perform as well but we will see. Stay tuned a report is coming for all you monocular lovers out there.

 

[birdazzLED]

That's not what I meant. I don't see how the 8x42 can fall into your, "little compact telescope" category. However, something like the Nikon 5x15 monocular would be a great test size wise but may be underpowered for your needs.

There is an unfavorable review of the Zeiss here: http://www.eagleoptics.com/monoculars/zeiss/zeiss-designselection-8x20-b-t-p-monocular

It will be interesting though if the Zeiss coatings can overcome a larger aperture size and dielectric coating in darker conditions.

 

[spyglass]

Dennis, what do the neighbors think you're doin' when you're lookin' thru the monoc?

 

[Dennis Mau]

Dennis, what do the neighbors think you're doin' when you're lookin' thru the monoc?

I conceal it in my hand and they don't notice it I think! Hard to do with a big pair of binoculars.

 

[vop]

So they're thinking: -Oh that's him again, standing with his fist to his face, looking up the trees!

 

[Dennis Mau]

So they're thinking: -Oh that's him again, standing with his fist to his face, looking up the trees!

They think I am weird anyway so I don't really care. I also have a telescope and I think they are trying to figure out what I am doing out on the deck late at night with a red flashlight and this thing that looks like a small hot water heater pointed up at the sky.I am sure they think I am up to no good.

 

[ronh]

Dennis,
I am curious about these things. They should slay all other monoculars. Looking forward to your comments.
Ron

 

[vop]

They think I am weird anyway so I don't really care. I also have a telescope and I think they are trying to figure out what I am doing out on the deck late at night with a red flashlight and this thing that looks like a small hot water heater pointed up at the sky.I am sure they think I am up to no good.

Ok, that's common with people that don't have their own hobbies (not including "trying to find out what others are doing" as a hobby)!

Just hope they don't mistakably suspect you of being a terrorist or something, and send for the SWAT team.

Keep up the good work!:t:

 

[Dennis Mau]

Dennis,
I am curious about these things. They should slay all other monoculars. Looking forward to your comments.
Ron

With the specifications on them they should be good. Big aperture, good ER,good FOV, close focus and dielectric phase corrected prisms and usually Zen Rays have excellent optics for the money BUT Zeiss puts some terrific coatings on their optics so should be an interesting comparison. The Zen Ray monocular arrives about wednesday via USPS priority.

 

[etudiant]

It is hard to hold a big monocular unobtrusively.
A 42mm monocular gives roughly the impression of holding a coke bottle to your eye. Given the reduced comfort/stability of a one eyed look, you may be less satisfied with the actual working experience with the glass. Please let us know how it works for you, because the idea of a bigger monocular has appeal.

 

[china guy]

A 42mm monocular gives roughly the impression of holding a coke bottle to your eye.

brilliant solution to the problem - hide that new piece of glass in a coke bottle - and all the neighbors will think is that you have a coordination problem.
They might actually start feeling sorry for you - you could make new friends out of this buy

 

[Dennis Mau]

brilliant solution to the problem - hide that new piece of glass in a coke bottle - and all the neighbors will think is that you have a coordination problem.
They might actually start feeling sorry for you - you could make new friends out of this buy

FUNNY!

 

[Dennis Mau]

It is hard to hold a big monocular unobtrusively.
A 42mm monocular gives roughly the impression of holding a coke bottle to your eye. Given the reduced comfort/stability of a one eyed look, you may be less satisfied with the actual working experience with the glass. Please let us know how it works for you, because the idea of a bigger monocular has appeal.

That's the one thing I am worried about is the bigger size of this monocular versus the Zeiss. It could be the deal killer. We will see.

 

[Kammerdiner]

That's the one thing I am worried about is the bigger size of this monocular versus the Zeiss. It could be the deal killer. We will see.

That's what I'll be curious about. If the choice is between an 8-9oz compact binocular like a Zeiss or Leica on the one hand, and a 10oz monocular on the other, it may just come down to size.

I've never used a monocular but based on my experience with spotting scopes I think I'd prefer the binocular view all else being equal. In any case, I'll bet the view of the Zen "full-sized" monocular will be tempting--big, easy, and sharp.

Mark

 

[ronh]

Well, you got the binocular decanter,
http://www.after5catalog.com/barnoculars-binocular-flask-p-77.html?cPath=1_5

and you got the beer bottle telescope,
http://www.opticsplanet.net/apogee-beer-bottle-telescope.html

The circle is complete.

 

[birdazzLED]

One could decorate a monocular and say it's a kaleidoscope. Nah, that may sound even weirder - especially saying it while making kaleidoscope eyes.