Red Rabbit Report post Posted January 21, 2009 The price of Swaros and Leicas may be more than some can afford. I have been reading some good things about some ED binos coming from China, so want to pass along the info. They have 99% of the Euro optics at 1/3 the price. I have the Leica Duovids now, but am being strongly tempted by some of the 8x43 ED Zen Rays for about $350 for the truck and woods where a wide field of view may be needed. Here are some links for reviews of the ProMasters (sold by Doug at CameraLandNY), Zen Rays and Hawkes. http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/u...e/1#Post2736219 http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/u...rue#Post2736232 http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/u...rue#Post2692968 http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/u...rue#Post2631001 http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/u...rue#Post2585793 http://birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=122545 http://birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=122869 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted January 21, 2009 OK, I could not resist for $359. A pair of 8x43 Zen EDs is on the way. These should be great for bowhunting elk and muleys in the forest with the wider FOV, and a little lighter around the neck than the 10+15 Duovids. Doug~RR Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted January 22, 2009 Check out the special that Doug at CameraLandNY just posted. The Promaster ELX ED bino for a great price. Reviews of it are in the links above. CamerLandNY Promaster special Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azhunter23 Report post Posted January 23, 2009 Any one here own a pair of these (Promaster ELX ED 10x42)? Just wondering how they perform in the field? I have been unable to talk the wife into the swaro 10x42 EL So I am looking for a good pair for glassing under $600. I cant find any review of people who use them for glassing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted January 23, 2009 AZhunter, Here are some more reviews of the Promaster ED. Seems the comments by Frank, Steve and Kevin on the other sites are fairly thorough. You could do a search on birdforum.com and come up with more opinions/reviews. http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/u...rue#Post2436743 http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/u...rue#Post2411041 http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/u.../page/0/fpart/1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeepers creepers Report post Posted January 23, 2009 I know that this a little off subject, but I love my Cabelas Euros. I have the bigger ones (12x50), but I think the quality is excellent for the price! Just my .02 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted January 23, 2009 I have never seen the Promaster Binos, but I did a review on the HD spotting scope... I believe they want $800 for the scope... In my findings, it was not worth it. I compared it to a Pentax spotter, as well as my Cabelas spotter. It was a better better than my Cabelas spotter (paid $200 for) and about 10% or so behind the Pentax. FWIW.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azhunter23 Report post Posted January 26, 2009 Thanks to all.. I think i will keep doing some research. I really like those cabelas euros but would like a lifetime warranty on something that almost cost $1000 bucks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted January 28, 2009 The Zen ED 8x43s arrived in the mail. Had a chance to compare them to the Monarch ATB 8x and 10x, and the Vortex Razor 10x at a local store . The Zens noticeably surpassed the Monarchs in terms of brightness, contrast and resolution (used the Swaro resolution chart across the store). The comparison with the Vortex Razor 10x42 is close. I still liked the brightness/contrast of the 8x Zen ED. Resolution was equal. I would have liked to have spent more time comparing and discerning for any little difference in image quality like sharpness towards the edges and field curvature. The Zens did feel comfortable in the hands and well balanced. The eye cups were comfortably rounded on the edges, have 3 positions, but seemed a little loose with freeplay. The hinge front is threaded for a tripod adapter. Doug~RR Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues79 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 Doug, Would you say money well spent? Did you feel any cross-eyes going on? I have to say that is one of my main complaints in regards to lower end bino's and would love to find a pair to go around the neck. Thx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted January 29, 2009 Coues79, I did not notice any collimation problems or double imaging when I had them on the tripod or resting on a counter looking at the resolution chart. Many think the Vortex Razors chase close to the heels of the Swaro/Leica glass at half the cost. These Zen EDs equal the Razors, imo, and at half their cost. These Zens do provide a lot for the money. If you do get some and don't like them, there is a 30 day return policy to return them like new for full refund, less shipping, as noted on their web site. http://www.zen-ray.com/ Take some time and read the reviews on the other sites. This is a real good one about the Promasters which Doug at CameralandnY has on special http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=122545 Doug~RR Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues79 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Thanks Doug, I did read the reviews that you had in your first post of this thread. I am interested in a pair as an alternative to carrying my 15 swaro's around my neck. They get difficult to glass with at close distances. I have looked through the Vortex that you mentioned and they are a good glass. Thank you for your input! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elkhutnaz Report post Posted January 30, 2009 I know that this a little off subject, but I love my Cabelas Euros. I have the bigger ones (12x50), but I think the quality is excellent for the price! Just my .02 Just got my wife the 10x42 and she loves them they are just as good as my 10x42 zeiss very good glass Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
az4life Report post Posted January 31, 2009 I like the Cabela's Euros too. They are amazing for the money. The 12 x 50s are nice but I liked the 10x42s better overall as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted June 24, 2009 Zen ED2 ! Looks like the Zen EDs will be improved with a dielectric prism coating, water repellent lens coating and faster focus rate. Also available in a new 7x36 bino. http://www.zen-ray.com/press.shtml Prices: there is also a "save20" code for another 20% off http://www.zen-ray.com/store/index.php?mai...amp;cPath=65_66 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
