Zen Ray 7x36 ED, Zeiss 7x42 FL and Nikon 7x35 E compared.... (1 Viewer)

[FrankD]

Arthur,

True. There is so much more I could have put into the review on a variety of different aspects. As I know that the folks at ZR are always looking for fresh input how would you like the focusing mechanism to operate?

Ron,

Thank you. I agree on both counts.



Surveyor, Spyglass,

I am glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.

 

[falcondude]

It is a fantastic review. thank you. From my experience on 8x43 ED1, the focus is slow from 6 ft to 10ft. Beyond 10ft, it is quite normal. wondering how much turn from 8-9ft to infinity on 7x36. Thanks.

 

[FrankD]

fd,

I can check that for you and get back to you on it. I don't have them handy on the moment.

 

[Pinewood]

Arthur,

True. There is so much more I could have put into the review on a variety of different aspects. As I know that the folks at ZR are always looking for fresh input how would you like the focusing mechanism to operate?

Hello Frank,

First of all, I was writing of my experience with the 7x36, which seemed rather stiff to me, meaning it took effort to focus. Because of this resistance, "cranking" it from infinity to closest focus seemed to be an effort. On the other hand, I did not experience any looseness. Some question whether the feel will change with use. I would be pleased if it were easy to move the focussing knob without introducing slippage or backlash.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur

 

[falcondude]

fd,

I can check that for you and get back to you on it. I don't have them handy on the moment.

TIA

 

[FrankD]

falcondude,

The nearest I can tell it takes about 2/3rds to 3/4s of a turn to get from 9 feet to infinity. It is difficult to judge because of the way in which the focusing knob is designed (no reference mark). I feel confident that it is in the range mentioned above.

Arthur,

I share your sentiment. Both the 7x36 and 8x43 are just a little stiffer than I would prefer. I can use them but they are not "ideal". With the original 8x43s they broke in over time. I am expecting the same thing to happen here.

 

[Kevin Purcell]

First of all, I was writing of my experience with the 7x36, which seemed rather stiff to me, meaning it took effort to focus. Because of this resistance, "cranking" it from infinity to closest focus seemed to be an effort. On the other hand, I did not experience any looseness. Some question whether the feel will change with use. I would be pleased if it were easy to move the focussing knob without introducing slippage or backlash.

I found my 7x36 ED2 broke in over a wek of use and went from rather "too stiff" to "not bad" over that period without any obvious backlash.

I have a preference for "low tension" focusers so for me the lower the better.

 

[BinoBoy]

Well, my 7x35E's came this week. They are the older, non-multicoated version. So, the guy at B&H either looked at the wrong binoculars or doesn't understand what "slanted letters" means. I was disappointed at first, but the view turned out to be gorgeous non the less. They are in like new condition, they're small, light and a joy to use. I'd actually be completely happy with them if I didn't know that the multicoated version I thought I was buying would be even better. I'm keeping them, though. My Porro Passion is getting out of hand!

 

[Swedpat]

Thanks FrankD for the very interesting and careful comparison between these three binoculars!

Personally I have tried the Zeiss and Nikon, but not any Zen yet.

About 2 years ago I ordered a Nikon 7x35E from a dealer in Sweden, when they were offered at a very low price. (maybe extremely low price; 1500 SEK is around 115£) Great optics but unfortunately the eye relief isn't adequate for my eyeglasses use. I gave the 7x35E as a gift to my best friend who doesn't wear eyeglasses. Not a surprise they are his best optics...

I also compared Nikon 7x35E to my Swarovski SLCNew7x42B and Leupold 6x30 Yosemite.
Leupold Yosemite 6x30 surely is the best available binoculars today in it's price range. The on-axis sharpness rivals the Swarovski SLC 7x42, IF not a tad sharper. Nikon 7x35E was the clear winner in the comparison if we talk about strictly on-axis sharpness and contrast. Swarovski SLC 7x42 was the winner when it comes to brightness, sweet spot and eye relief, however.

I have mentioned it earlier in some other threads that I suspect that it's optically easy to achieve a high on-axis sharpness if sacrifice the edge performance. There are several binoculars, even cheaper ones, with better on-axis sharpness than Swarovski SLC 7x42. But the large sweet spot of the Swarovski is hardly beaten I think.

Regards, Patric

 

[FrankD]

Patric,

I would agree. The only other 7x that I believe gives the SLC a run for the money is the Meopta when it comes to sweetspot size.