Binocular Opinons Please

[Okiehunter]

I am considering getting new binoculars this year. I use them for an annual archery elk hunt and for regular deer, coyote, pig and turkey hunting the rest of the year. I have a 8 or 9 year old pair of Nikon Monarch’s in 10x42 that are pretty beat up and not a clear as they once were. Thinking of staying with a 10x42 and can’t spend more than $200 to $300 (thanks to unfavorable tax’s due).

I have narrowed down my search to Zen Ray ZRS HD and Vortex Diamondback and wanted you guys input. I am open to another consideration.

Zen Ray ZRS HD and Vortex Diamondback both get good reviews and are in the $220 to $230 price range. The Zen Ray’s are a tad smaller and lighter (1.7 oz.) but offer a smaller FOV (315 vs. 345). Eye relieve too is a bit smaller on the Zen Rays (15.2 vs. 16).

Living in Oklahoma City limits your ability to even look through either pair. I was in Baltimore last week and found the Diamondbacks at BassPro and compared them to a couple of Nikons and Leupold’s and was impressed by how clear they were using in the store. I have not seen the Zen Ray’s so I am relying on input from folks like you that have.

What say you guys????

[tookeymonster]

Vortex hands down! Plus I don't think anyone can beat their warranty, If you drop and break/scratch the lens they replace it. It is also fully 100% transferable warranty.

(I know these are out of your price range, just wanted to give you my experience)
I was going to spend $2,200 on Swarav's until someone talked me into trying the Vortex Razor HD's said I could return them in 30 day no questions asked for a 100% refund. I went out and did some glassing in the mountains with a buddy that had the Swarav's and we both could not believe how awesome the Vortex were and were $1,000 cheeper, frind is considering selling his Swarav's and getting the Vortex.

[thebomb6_99]

another vote for vortex contact arrowsmith cant beat his price

[scotty]

Send the Nikons back to be worked over. I did that to my son's and it only cost me $25.

[tookeymonster]

Send the Nikons back to be worked over. I did that to my son's and it only cost me $25.

this might be your best bet and you can save your money to get the Vortex Razor HD's. It will be well worth the wait for High End Glass.

[WyoHunter]

Send the Nikons back to be worked over. I did that to my son's and it only cost me $25.

Good idea!

[splitbeam145]

Contact Arrowsmith on here. He's a Vortex dealer and could maybe get you a better price on the Diamondback.

[huntinpool]

Eagle Optics, clarity with the best of them for fractions of the cost. They also have a no questions asked warranty. You pay shipping to get them to them. Lifetime tranferable warranty.
I will and have put them up against binos that cost 3-6 times more and they cant be beat. I shoot 3d and need to see the lines, these let me do just that.
Very popular in the bird watching community where clarity is very important.
Just google -eagle optics , they have a couple in your range. You can't go wrong with these optics.

[SabineRR]

I have a pair of nikon trophy XLT 10 x 42. Great binoculars and have never had a problem. Cheap in price also.