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Zen Ed3 8x vs 10x

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DAVE44 View Drop Down
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    Posted: August/28/2012 at 15:28
Anyone had a chance to compare the 8x to the 10x model of the newer Zen ED 3 model? Is one noticeably better than the other optically or is one more or less less comfortable to look through for a relaxed easy view. Is there that much noticeable difference in focus depth or even much in magnification?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/28/2012 at 20:57
It seems the consensus is the 8x has the overal edge.  I have the 10x ED2 and found it excellent.
 
Depth of field should be noticeably deeper in the 8x.
 
 
-Matt
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Klamath View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/28/2012 at 22:42
There is no discernible quality difference in the ED 3's I had, both 8x and 10x.  This gets into the old question of which is better 8x or 10x.  If you are an 8x guy, go there, if you are a 10x sort, go there.
 
Personally I think there are lots of eyes behind 10x glass that would be better served with 8x.  There are several reasons for this.  Matt hit on the big one...a much greater depth of focus.  There is often a better 3-D effect too.  Put simply, the eye has to work harder to handle more magnification, so there can be more eye strain.  8x is brighter and shows a wider field of view.  Most can usually hold 8x steadier, and a steady 8x whacks a less steady 10x every time.
 
Magnification does not allow for greater detail in and of itself.  I personally can see the 10x image is bigger than the 8x.  Just can't convince myself I can see any more detail.  My eyes feel more comfortable behind 8x than 10x,m and I'll go there almost every time.  I hunt in the wide open high desert Sage-Juniper areas out west where I see lots of guys going and thinking the need 10x.
 
10x is 20% bigger than 8x and some guys like that size difference and can hold steady.  If that is where you are...go there.  This is a personal question that has no right answer.
Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote royta Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/01/2012 at 10:47
I'm in the same boat. I'm not sure whether to get 8x or 10x. These would be used for hunting and wildlife viewing in general. I'm currently using some Bushnell Trophy 8x32 bino's that I bought my grandfather in 1997 before he passed away. I need to replace these badly for a number of reasons. I was originally looking at the Vortex Viper am now wondering if the Zen Ray would be better because of price.

I'm guessing the 10x are much better suited for more open country and the 8x are better for tighter country. I can say I've liked my 8x during the muzzleloader hunt where I'm not scanning far out distances. I just keep thinking the 10x would be more versatile. I'm trying to avoid needing two pair.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/01/2012 at 11:05
Originally posted by Klamath Klamath wrote:

...Put simply, the eye has to work harder to handle more magnification, so there can be more eye strain...
 
 
I've noticed that with scopes too. I can switch back and forth between the naked eye and 3X without any adjustment. Not so @ 10-15X...and I really had problems with a scope that went to 20X.
 
Originally posted by Klamath Klamath wrote:

...Magnification does not allow for greater detail in and of itself.  I personally can see the 10x image is bigger than the 8x.  Just can't convince myself I can see any more detail...
 
While not an issue between these two particular models, given a choice I'll take quality glass and lower magnification over higher mag and lesser glass. I first noticed this when shooting through a 3-15X Premier. The mirage was bad that day and while no optic can overcome it completely I could make out bullet holes @ 300 yards that I couldn't see with my cheapo Bushnell spotter @ 36X.
Reaction time is a factor...
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