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Message: <blockquote data-quote="bcl05" data-source="post: 1825253" data-attributes="member: 67995">I got an unexpected  chance to compare 8x43 ZRS and 7x36 ED2s side-by-side yesterday.  I bought the 8x43ED last year and really loved it.  Unfortunately, one of the strap anchors broke and I sent it back for repairs.  Rather than wait for the welding to be done, the folks at Zen-ray offered to send a replacement.  I accepted, and decided to switch to the 7x36.  There was a mix-up in shipping and I got a 8x43 ZRS (and a Vista) last week instead of the 7x36.  I used the ZRS all weekend.  I got the 7x36 yesterday and used it last night and this AM.  The ZRS and Vista are heading back to Zen-Ray. My impressions are that the ED/ED2 are a significant step up from the ZRS.  The ZRS is a very nice binocular for the price, but I find the view through the 7x36 to be noticably better.With the ZRS, I found myself fiddling with the focus frequently, looking for that moment of "pop" where the details really jump out at you.  Its second-nature with the 7x36 (as it was with the 8x43), but I struggled to find it with the ZRS.  The image in the ZRS is very good (wonderfully bright), but just a tad soft compared to the 7x36.  For me, its a really visceral difference - the ZRS feels like a good binocular while the ED2 really feels like a different level entirely.   I feel like I'm seeing a significant amount more with the 7x36 ED2 than with the ZRS.  I think this is a combination of a huge FOV and huge depth of focus.  I also strongly prefer the ergonomics of the open-bridge design of the ED/ED2 compared to the ZRS.  Its a steadier, more natural hand position for me.  I know this is just a personal thing, but its important to me.  I suppose my suggestion (based just on my opinion) would be to go for the ED2 if its financially do-able.  If not, the ZRS will serve you well.</blockquote>

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