Mechanical Characteristics
Focusing Tension/Speed
As I mentioned previously both the Zeiss and the Nikon have what is considered a “fast focus” in the speed with which they go from close focus to infinity. The Zen Ray is noticeably slower in that it takes approximately 1.75 turns to go from close focus to infinity with just a little bit of play within that to compensate for some individuals with specific visual impairments. I do not really have a preference for one over the other provided they are coordinated with the next issue, that of focusing tension.
Focusing tension is how “stiff” or how “loose” the focusing mechanism is to the pressure provided by your fingers. It is the resistance or “friction” if you like. I believe that you really cannot have a preference for a specific focusing tension but you can have a preference for a combination of focusing tension and speed. Getting both right can be a very tricky experience and I do not envy the job that many binocular designers must face in getting this combination “just right”.
The Zeiss does a very good job of combining the two characteristics. The tension is fluid with very good control. It is exceptionally precise if you will. Not quite as “perfect” as one or two other models on the market but still very good compared to many other models. The Nikon is noticeably stiffer but no less precise than the Zeiss. The Zen Ray offers the stiffest focusing tension of the three. I am not sure whether or not to attribute this to the “newness” of the unit or whether it is something that will continue throughout the life of the binocular. Only time will tell. The ED2’s predecessor loosened up with use so I hope that is the case with the 7x36 as well.
Central Hinge Tension:
One point often overlooked when folks do any type of binocular review is the tension of the central hinge of the binocular. Too much tension and it becomes difficult to get the correct interpupiliary setting. Too little tension and the IPD can get knocked out of position relatively easily. Central hinge tension on all three units is satisfactory enough not warrant any special comment for each particular model. It is worth noting that both the Zen Ray and the Zeiss are a bit looser than the Nikon. I have found this to vary greatly from unit to unit, at every price range, rather than from model to model or price point to price point. Chalk it up to quality control if you like.
Eyecup design/function:
Both the Zeiss and the Zen Ray offer the more modern twist and lock eyecup design. The Zeiss has three specific settings: fully collapsed, partially extended and fully extended. There is enough resistance to utilize intermediate settings even if there aren’t any specific “click stops” for them. The Zen Ray is similar in design in that it has the same three click stop settings but the tension is a bit looser. It is also worth noting that the two roof prism designs differ in terms of how the design is executed. The Zeiss’s design features one piece…the part visible when fully collapsed and the rest which is hidden until you twist the eyepiece out. The Zen Ray’s design features two pieces. The rotating eyecup itself and the extension of the binocular body that it rotates up on top of. I don’t really see one design being “better” than the other but I would not mind seeing the Zeiss design on the Zen Ray. Though I have no basis for this next statement I “feel” as if the design is more rugged and tighter in tolerances. I have found that some times it is the impression a binocular leaves as much as its measurable function which determines our perception of it.
The Nikon utilizes the older rubber eyecup design. I need to have the eyecups folded back upon themselves in order to get the appropriate amount of eye relief. I have had them in this position for the better part of two years and have not seen any signs of cracking stretch marks.
Diopter Adjustments:
The diopter adjustment on the Zeiss is located under the central focusing knob. The central focusing knob needs to be “popped out” in order to access it. Though I have never had a problem with it I have seen comments earlier in its introduction where it did pop out accidentally during use.
The Nikon’s adjustment is in the more traditional location under the right eyepiece. My particular unit’s diopter adjustment has been loosened over time. I require a small black, rubber o-ring to keep it in place during regular use.
The Zen Ray’s diopter is located in the same location as the Nikon’s. In addition it also utilizes a locking function to maintain the desired setting.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of each model are very unique, especially to one another. They share some useful similarities such as the open hinge “grip” found on both the Zen Rays and the Nikon. It gives one the sense of a bit more control in the grip and makes “one-handing’ these models a bit easier. The Zeiss is not any worse and, in fact, I do not really seem to have a preference for one unit over the other in this regard. I do, however, get the occasional impression that I need a certain length of binocular in order to get the steadiest image. A binocular with a length of over 5 inches is usually required to satisfy this need. The Zeiss and the Zen Ray easily meet this requirement and, curiously, are the exact same height. The Nikon is a good two to three inches shorter but it forces my hand into almost a fist-like grip to get truly comfortable. Again, I can seem to get an equally satisfactory grip with each binocular.
Conclusion:
So, what we have here are three noticeably different binocular designs optically and ergonomically. Each has its own “flavor” if you will. The Zeiss’s brightness and exceptionally low level of CA are what strikes me most about it. The Nikon’s light overall weight and compact nature make it memorable for me. The Zen Ray gives me a wonderful grip and exceptional optical performance for the price. I could easily see myself using any of these binoculars as my full-time glass.
Next on the drawing board? A three way shootout between the Meopta Meostar, Zen Ray ED 2 and one other binocular yet to be determined...all in 8x42