eitanaltman
Well-known member
One little follow-up: an obvious comparison is to the Sightron SII 8x32, since it is similarly priced (~$200) and also extremely light for an 8x32 (around 17oz).
Unfortunately, I don't have the Sightron 8x32 anymore, but from memory I would suspect the Sightron is slightly better optically overall. The ZRS is probably a tiny bit brighter, but the Sightron is fairly exceptional for the price in terms of contrast and sharpness on axis. With its silver coatings, the Sightron doesn't have that "vivid" feel of dielectric coated models, and a slightly warm/red color balance, but it is still very bright. They probably have a similarly sized sweet spot, but the Sightron's off-axis aberrations are less distracting (more gradual fall-off, less pincushion).
In the ZRS's favor are a slightly smaller and lighter package (most noticeably in terms of length), much nicer accessories (the Sightron's strap, rainguard and ocular covers are embarrassingly bad), and IMO better build and ergonomics. The eyecups are *much* more comfortable than the little hard-edged deals on the Sightron (this is one of the main reasons I tended not to use them and ended up selling them) and the focus knob on the ZRS (at least my sample) is much smoother and lighter than that of the Sightron. You also don't get that hard plastic body with its "klingon ridges".
But overall (again based on memory) I would think it's a very close call between the two, and largely depends on personal preference (open bridge vs. closed, overall ergonomics, priority of maximum size/weight savings vs. optics and cost, etc.). I would be very interested in someone who owns the Sightron 8x32 SII giving the ZRS a shot for comparison.
Speaking of which, I would love to see a comparison of the Swaro 8x30CL vs. the ZRS 8x32, preferably by someone who doesn't have a sense of the relative brand cachet and doesn't know how much each one costs. I'm sure the CL is better optically (brighter, very neutral and vivid Swaro color balance, larger sweet spot) but I bet it's not a big difference. I also (personal opinion) hated the feel of the Swaros, I thought the eye relief was too long for the eyecup extension and I had a lot of trouble getting a clean view with them. As a light-weight travel/backup/hiking bin, I know I'd definitely rather have the ZRS and ~$700 extra in my pocket.
Unfortunately, I don't have the Sightron 8x32 anymore, but from memory I would suspect the Sightron is slightly better optically overall. The ZRS is probably a tiny bit brighter, but the Sightron is fairly exceptional for the price in terms of contrast and sharpness on axis. With its silver coatings, the Sightron doesn't have that "vivid" feel of dielectric coated models, and a slightly warm/red color balance, but it is still very bright. They probably have a similarly sized sweet spot, but the Sightron's off-axis aberrations are less distracting (more gradual fall-off, less pincushion).
In the ZRS's favor are a slightly smaller and lighter package (most noticeably in terms of length), much nicer accessories (the Sightron's strap, rainguard and ocular covers are embarrassingly bad), and IMO better build and ergonomics. The eyecups are *much* more comfortable than the little hard-edged deals on the Sightron (this is one of the main reasons I tended not to use them and ended up selling them) and the focus knob on the ZRS (at least my sample) is much smoother and lighter than that of the Sightron. You also don't get that hard plastic body with its "klingon ridges".
But overall (again based on memory) I would think it's a very close call between the two, and largely depends on personal preference (open bridge vs. closed, overall ergonomics, priority of maximum size/weight savings vs. optics and cost, etc.). I would be very interested in someone who owns the Sightron 8x32 SII giving the ZRS a shot for comparison.
Speaking of which, I would love to see a comparison of the Swaro 8x30CL vs. the ZRS 8x32, preferably by someone who doesn't have a sense of the relative brand cachet and doesn't know how much each one costs. I'm sure the CL is better optically (brighter, very neutral and vivid Swaro color balance, larger sweet spot) but I bet it's not a big difference. I also (personal opinion) hated the feel of the Swaros, I thought the eye relief was too long for the eyecup extension and I had a lot of trouble getting a clean view with them. As a light-weight travel/backup/hiking bin, I know I'd definitely rather have the ZRS and ~$700 extra in my pocket.