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Message: <blockquote data-quote="stereotruckdriver" data-source="post: 1715665" data-attributes="member: 62798">Zen-Ray 7x36 ED 2I have been working on a personal review and thought I would post some info on it. First and fore most I don't work for any optics companies! I have a passion for all things outdoors. I'm not in to all the numbers so to speak. What I like from my optics are a clear window of what I see outdoors. Yes I do have resolution charts and other pics and signs that I use. The bins were all tripod mounted for resolution and collimation testing. Then a combo of hand holding and tripod use. The bins in use and forgive me I'm trying to upload the pictures? Nikon 8x32 SE, Leupold GR HD 8x32, Pentax DCF SP 8x32, Pentax DCF XP 8x33, Pentax DCF ED 10x43 just sold, borrowed Swarovski 10x42 SLC, Leupold Cascades 8x42 porro prism, Celestron Ultima DX 8x32, Meade Montana 7x42, Leupold Pinnacles 8x42 and a handful of others! Primarily did comparing with the 32mm format which I feel these fit more into that category though I wouldn't hesitate to compare them with most 42mm glass. Alot has already been posted about these so I will keep it short. First I think Zen has done well the 2 samples of 7x36 I have tested will compare with any of the above and are hard on the heels of the Top makers in the world. From an optics perspective these have incredible center field resolution very sharp! Extremely bright and will hold there own with 42mm upper middle class glass. Actually comparing to 32mm glass only the SE was brighter and that was a difficult call because if I did it again the Zen might come out on top the Leupold HD was next. Fov favors the Zen. Although one sample's sweet spot wasn't as large? I like wide fov though I will give up some so distortions aren't distracting when viewing. One sample that I'm keeping gives a nice relaxing view. Huge fov that doesn't fall to rapidly!!! Edge sharpness is not it's strong point the SE and GR HD are better in this regard. Color's are vivid and true one of the best I've looked through. I would say the Pentax ED's are just a touch more contrasty not that in field use it would matter anyways to close to call. The SE's are the best to me in respect to what I see in color! Although ED glass does make certain colors just pop! So optically they can easily compete with glass much more expensive! Build quality on the two I have are on par with the upper middle class. There have already been things posted about that bridge tension, eyecups etc. I would have no hesitation in recommending these 7x36 Zens and could easily use them as an only glass! But I'm an optics nut and that will never happen!!! Customer service, this is where it get's really good! Second to none period... Charles at Zen-Ray is doing an excellent job, they want you to be satisfied and from the communications I have had with them along with the many post's I've read I think they are tops in the industry! Leupold and Swarovski come to mind but, I bet you don't get the personal service that Zen is doing for there customers right now?!!! This is me and my opinion only! Bryce...  P.S. If any body can give a hint on how to upload? It keeps giving me error can't download photo? I'll try on my Desktop later I guess I can't do it with my laptop!!!</blockquote>

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