Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials. |
zen ray 8x43 vs Vortex Viper? |
Post Reply |
Author | |
ccoker
Optics Master Joined: February/13/2008 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 2041 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: September/15/2009 at 07:36 |
anyone do a direct comparison?
|
|
Klamath
Optics Master Joined: May/20/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1308 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I have had both 8x and 10x versions of both as well as both the ZEN ED 1 and 2.
The Viper is a good binocular but it is not in the same league as the ZEN. Brightness and color rendition are not much different, but the ZEN offers superior resolution, contrast and color rendition. It also has almost 100' wider fov. If you are sensitive to CA, the ZEN controls that better too. The Viper is the most compact of the two.
|
|
Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron |
|
ccoker
Optics Master Joined: February/13/2008 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 2041 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
thank you very much
|
|
TexasPhotog
Optics Apprentice Joined: July/22/2009 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 133 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Klamath, Thanks for the info. How would the Zen Ray ED2's stack up against the Vortex Razors?
|
|
Klamath
Optics Master Joined: May/20/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1308 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Well, on one hand, I'd not trade my ZEN ED straight across for a Razor. On the other hand, I'd probably not trade a Razor for a ZEN either. If forced to make a call, I'd say the ZEN is a tiny bit better in resolution, and the color bias is more neutral than the Razor, so the image will appear brighter to some. The Razor has a bit of a brown tint and it gives the image a bit different "look" than the ZEN. But what you can see with one, you can see with the other. By the same token, what you can't see with one you won't be able to see with the other either.
The big difference is the different feel they give while glassing, the Razor has a three finger gap between the hinges and the ZEN a two finger gap. The eye cups on the Razor are more infinitely adjustable on the Razor too.
I guess if the price difference was an issue for me, I'd get the ZEN. I think it offers a little better deal.
|
|
Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron |
|
Chris Farris II
TEAM SWFA - Admin MODERATOR Joined: August/13/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3196 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Agreed the Zen's are hard to beat especially when you look at something in its price range. I was very impressed they definately have the wow factor.
|
|
One day your life will flash before your eyes; Make sure it's worth watching.
|
|
brunoleke
Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/22/2009 Location: BRAZIL Status: Offline Points: 46 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The "wow factor" is the most important factor [:D]
|
|
There's no place like a brazilian beach.
Zen-Ray 8x43 ED2 |
|
koshkin
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13181 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I did a direct comparison between Hawke 8x43 (very similar to Zen ED) and Viper 8x42.
ILya
|
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |