Zen ED2 7X36 available on ZEN Ray for pre order (1 Viewer)

[Alexis Powell]

I don't think they are removable in any straightforward way, like your Zeisses are. But, IMO, they're pretty good as they are.

If that is true, I find that surprising. I haven't used a full/mid-sized bino since the Leica Trinovid/Ultra that didn't have easily removable eyecups (or eyecup assemblies). Most modern eyecup assemblies unscrew, but a few pop out once twisted to a certain position (e.g. Leica Ultravid). The Leica Ultravid design is very simple/elegant one. I'd be surpised if it weren't copied by others in the future.

--AP

 

[Kevin Purcell]

If it's not patented

If it is it might be copied when the patent expires!

But unless it's obvious I'm not going to try it on my ZR bins.

 

[FrankD]

Well they do have that wonderful repair/return policy....

 

[Steve C]

I did examine, however briefly, the possibility that the ZEN and Promaster eye cup assembly might be removable. I would venture to say they are not. The removable eye cup of the Leupold switch power screw off with the application of a force that does not require any sort of excessive effort. Not so the ZEN or the Promaster. The Swarovski and Brunton eyepieces, which are quite easily removable to allow for installation of their respective magnification extenders come off reasonably easily as well. Applying far more force than required by the removable ones to the Z/P will not move anything. Using any more force that I did is going to break something.

So, my caution is "Don't try this at home unless you are willing to break it".

I would like to see an easily removable, screw off eye cup assembly on the ZEN type binoculars with the addition of the optional accessory of an angled eye cup.

 

[Alexis Powell]

I did examine, however briefly, the possibility that the ZEN and Promaster eye cup assembly might be removable.

You've ruled out the possibility that they unscrew, but how about the possibility that they pull out like the Leica Ultravid assemblies after being turned to a particular position. Maybe one of you folks who is already in regular contact with Zen Ray could inquire, though it seems odd that it wouldn't be described in the instruction manual if it were possible.

--AP

 

[Steve C]

You've ruled out the possibility that they unscrew, but how about the possibility that they pull out like the Leica Ultravid assemblies after being turned to a particular position. Maybe one of you folks who is already in regular contact with Zen Ray could inquire, though it seems odd that it wouldn't be described in the instruction manual if it were possible.

--AP

AP,

Good point. I just checked. They don't seem to pull of either. At least not likely in a form where they could be reasonably reattached.

FWIW, we are all in regular contact with ZR. This is one forum they pay particularly close attention to.

I know Charles has the thread below in particular bookmarked, so comments about desired features would do well to be put there. When you get your new ED II binocular, I imagine you will be able to find some if not most of the changes you find on it to have been on that thread.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=132413

I bumped that thread up, so it is on the front page now.

 

[FrankD]

I would like to see an easily removable, screw off eye cup assembly on the ZEN type binoculars with the addition of the optional accessory of an angled eye cup.

Why not throw a doubler into the mix as well. If you can unscrew the eyecup it might as well be for good reason.

 

[Bob A (SD)]

Oh my! I just pulled the trigger to confirm a pre-order of a 7x36 for $369.60.

If these, weighing but 22 oz, prove as good as the Zen ED 8x43, my optically loved but heavy at 33.5 oz Swaro 7x42s will go to the "for sale" market.

I also need to thin the herd with the Orion 9x63, Carson 8.5x42, Leupold 8x30, and one of the vintage 7x35s going on the block.

Frank D...... I waited for them (remember our PMs?) And now my fingers are crossed about what their performance will be like.

 

[Kevin Purcell]

Why not throw a doubler into the mix as well. If you can unscrew the eyecup it might as well be for good reason.

I suspect that the Vortex doublers will fit on the ZR ED (I beleive I check this a while ago ... the rounded 43mm eyecups are very similar)

 

[FrankD]

Frank D...... I waited for them (remember our PMs?) And now my fingers are crossed about what their performance will be like.

I have a strong feeling that you will not be disappointed. I am looking forward to them as well.

Kevin,

If you did not already check this then could you? I think this would be an interesting option.

...and, while you are at it, see if you notice any optical imperfections not apparent without the doubler. Probably not enough of an increase to show anything but.....

 

[wal.s]

After reading birdforum and your commentary, I've been compelled to order a set too. I hope they'll save me lots of $$$$ , cause I was thinking of a 7x42 U/Vid. Can't wait.

 

[Kevin Purcell]

I suspect that the Vortex doublers will fit on the ZR ED (I beleive I check this a while ago ... the rounded 43mm eyecups are very similar)

If you did not already check this then could you? I think this would be an interesting option.

...and, while you are at it, see if you notice any optical imperfections not apparent without the doubler. Probably not enough of an increase to show anything but.....

Unfortunately I don't own one ... yet.

But some visual and dimension checking on my old Vortex Diamondback and the ZR ED (and a beleif that there are only a few eyecup makers in China) lead me to think this will work as the eyecups appear identical. And Vortex say it would work with any of their full-size binoculars.

Anyone out there with a Vortex Doubler and a ZR ED who can verify this?

The other "big if" is that they use the same eyecups on on the 7x36. The current pictures show that but I think the pictures are 8x43.

 

[rivergazer]

The other "big if" is that they use the same eyecups on on the 7x36. The current pictures show that but I think the pictures are 8x43.

Charles at Zen told me that the IPD on the 7X is 54-55mm, slightly less than the 8 & 10X. I presume this is made possible by virtue of the smaller objectives on the 7X. He said "7x36 has slightly narrower IPD than its 43mm counterparts, but not much since its eyepieces use large ocular lenses for better optical performance. It should be around 54 to 55mm." It sounds to me as though the eyecups are all the same.

marty

 

[FrankD]

Thanks Kevin. I should have taken a shot at it when I had the Meopta doubler in my possesion. It probably would not have been a custom fit like the Vortex but it would have been interesting regardless.

wal.s.,

I don't think you will be disappionted. I would not be surprised if it isn't competitive with the FL in a variety of areas.

 

[wal.s]

Thank you FrankD. I have been wanting a 7x bino for some time, slowly saving hard earned $ to compliment my 10x42 u/vid, as I've decided that I am a 10x and a 7x bino user.

The reviews, opinions and state of exaltation of all who own Zen Ray products gives me some comfort in that I won't be wasting my money with this 7x36. If at the end of the day, they fail to meet my 'leica type expectations' but they still prove worthy keepers, they can serve as a second high quality pair, whilst I keep saving for the 7x u/vid. Either way i feel happy with the purchase, and you never know, they may even prove to be better that a 7x u/vid in some regards, ending my quest for a high quality, long lasting, joy to hold and use, light weight easy to carry, well colour corrected, negligible CA, well constructed 7x binocular.

After all, I also have other enjoyable pursuits to spend good money on such as travelling to places to use the binos purchased and spotting those elusive colorful birds.

wal.

 

[FrankD]

That last comment is an excellent point. What good are fine optics if you rarely take them outside and "use them" the way they were originally intended?

Wal.,

I would be willing to bet that the 7x36 ED IIs will satisfy all but the very most discriminating user...assuming they are similar to the 8x43 model. The 8x43's image always struck me as similar to the Swaro EL but with better CA control. The only optical "issue" really missing was the use of dielectric coatings on the prisms to increase the brightness and contrast levels. Since the new models/configurations set to debut in a few weeks incorporate this the image quality should proved to be very, very interesting.

I would love to get my hands on a pair of either configuration.

 

[kristoffer]

I am having some trouble to decide between 43 or 36. What exactly do they mean with "Locking Diopter adjustment to fine tuning focus" that the 36 mm version got but not 43? Sorry if Im slow but I am not sure what it means. And is there any other difference between the two versions, except the size?

 

[Steve C]

It simply means the diopter ring on the x36 can be locked in place and the x43 can't. It works just like the Viper.

 

[kristoffer]

Thanks Steve.

Posted in other thread but might as well put it here too. The first generation II are to be shipped on 8/8, got info today.

 

[Kevin Purcell]

And kristofer: yes it seems to be just on the 36mm and not on the updated 43mm