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10x Binos SIII or Zen Ray ED3's ?

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@WitsEnd View Drop Down
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    Posted: November/07/2012 at 14:34
I am looking for a pair of 10x binoculars.
 
This is preparing for my javalina bow hunt in a few months. On this particular hunt, I will be doing alot of daytime glassing. The other uses for them will be for deer and elk hunts(low light). I'm really temped by the sightron S3 10x binoculars that are on sale right now.  I know alot of people around here love the ED 3's by ZenRay.  I haven't seen either one up close and am probably purchasing them sight unseen.  Given the sale price of the S3's, would you guys choose them over the ED3's?
 
Thanks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 338LAPUASLAP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2012 at 15:13
I would be interested in the answer to this as well.

Birdwatcher has helped me in the past maybe he knows the answer to this.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2012 at 15:18
There's a pair of ED 2's on the Sample List right now. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stud Duck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2012 at 15:42
I don't have any experience with the S3's but I had two sets of binos several months ago; a set of older Swaro SLC 10x42 and the Zen ED3's 10x42.
 
 
After doing alot of informal tests and low light glassing, I still have the Zen's.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DCAMM94 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2012 at 16:36
I don't know about the ED3s or the SIII's, but I have the ED2 in 7x36 and they are MUCH clearer than my leupold katmais at 10x32.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris II Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2012 at 16:56
ED3's are better IMO. I hate how the SIII eyecups are push/pull instead of twist in and out. At the same time though that is a crazy deal on the SIII and as of right now they are the better value for sure. I guess it all depends on whether you are looking for the best value or the best option. That is what I would let make my decision.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2012 at 17:52
Originally posted by Chris Farris II Chris Farris II wrote:

ED3's are better IMO. I hate how the SIII eyecups are push/pull instead of twist in and out.
Your ad for the SIII states that the eyecups are twist-up/down.  Question


Kyle,

The FOV on the SIII is narrow compared to the ED3's.


However, at that price you could give it a test drive and return it if you don't like it. Looker

Nothing ventured nothing gained. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote @WitsEnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/08/2012 at 18:39
Yeah, I have been eyeing those ED2's on the samplelist. I guess I will have to call SWFA to find out about the eyecups.  
 
Optically speaking, would the S3's compare to which one of ZenRays, the ED3's or ED2's?
 
 
hmmm, decisions, decisions, decisions.
 
Thanks
 
Kyle.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/09/2012 at 10:09
Originally posted by Bird Watcher Bird Watcher wrote:

Originally posted by Chris Farris II Chris Farris II wrote:

ED3's are better IMO. I hate how the SIII eyecups are push/pull instead of twist in and out.
Your ad for the SIII states that the eyecups are twist-up/down.  Question




Just confirmed by pulling the SIII's I just got in and the eyecups are push pull. not twist
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote @WitsEnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/09/2012 at 13:58
Thank you SVT for clarifying about the eyecups
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/09/2012 at 14:18
Originally posted by @WitsEnd @WitsEnd wrote:

Optically speaking, would the S3's compare to which one of Zen Ray's, the ED3's or ED2's?

Where is FrankD, I'm sure that he would have some good input about the different models. 

I am a Porro prism binoculars owner/collector, so I don't have any experience with the Zen Ray's, etc.

However, looking at the specifications, I'd be inclined to go with the Zen Ray's, probably the ED 3.

As far as the push pull eyecups go,
there is an easy way to adjust them so that they stay in place where ever you want them. Wink

Stan  




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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/09/2012 at 16:22
Originally posted by Bird Watcher Bird Watcher wrote:

Originally posted by @WitsEnd @WitsEnd wrote:

Optically speaking, would the S3's compare to which one of Zen Ray's, the ED3's or ED2's?

Where is FrankD, I'm sure that he would have some good input about the different models. 

I am a Porro prism binoculars owner/collector, so I don't have any experience with the Zen Ray's, etc.

However, looking at the specifications, I'd be inclined to go with the Zen Ray's, probably the ED 3.

As far as the push pull eyecups go,
there is an easy way to adjust them so that they stay in place where ever you want them. Wink

Stan  

That would be?  Glue?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote spf2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/09/2012 at 16:25
Looks like those close out SIII does not have Mg alloy body like the new one that has.  That is going to make a huge difference for duability and image quality.  For that price range, have you checked the Zen-Ray Vista?
http://swfa.com/Zen-Ray-Vista-Binoculars-C2700.aspx
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote @WitsEnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/09/2012 at 18:07

Glue? Ha very funny!   Excellent

Ya, where is FrankD?    (hopefully have fun)
 
I will just have to wait for him to respond.   Smile 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/09/2012 at 18:29
Originally posted by SVT_Tactical SVT_Tactical wrote:

That would be?  Glue?

Kyle/Graham,

Some individuals stack over-sized rubber O rings under the push/pull eye cups.

Myself, I prefer the black, s t r e t c h y, elastic, ladies hair bands. (easier to get on & off)


For over sized push/pull eye cups, such as those found on the older Pentax PCF WP binoculars, I use larger, thicker hair bands.


Stan 




Edited by Bird Watcher - November/09/2012 at 18:41
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/09/2012 at 19:10
Guys,

I have the Sightron SII 8x42 and 8x32s. They are great glass. I prefer the 8x32s but the 8x42s punch way above their price point too. As good as they are though the ZR ED series, any of them, are better optically in several key areas. CA control, apparent brightness, field of view...take your pick. I have no experience with the S IIIs but the 8x43s have a 55 foot narrower field of view than the S IIs. I am not really sure, on paper, what the advantages of the S III are to tell you the truth.

If I had to pick a ZR bin that is comparable, optically, to the Sightons that I own then I would probably go with the ZRS. Same overall impressions optically but with some subtle differences.

Hope this helps somewhat.
Frank
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote @WitsEnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/15/2012 at 22:42
Thanks for the input guys!
 
As of right now, I'm still undecided on which 10x bino to get.  I know time is running out on the sightron deals and  I need to decide soon.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote spf2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/17/2012 at 17:26
Maybe you can also consider the Zen-Ray ZRS HD Binoculars. A great binoculars for the money
 
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