Vortex Razors or used Swarovski, Lieca, Ziess??
- Thread starter denzdye
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Foreman4x4
Very Active Member
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- 2,126
LAST EDITED ON Jun-22-14 AT 02:15PM (MST)[p]Easy.....used Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss, with a heavy preference toward Swarovski for warranty coverage.
txhunter58
Long Time Member
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- 8,537
LAST EDITED ON Jun-22-14 AT 04:30PM (MST)[p]I am looking/holding out for some used swarovision swarovskis 8.5 x 42s. Hoping to get lucky and find a pair in the $1200-1300 range, but most are about $500 higher. I am in no hurry though.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
4
440sixpack
Guest
Used Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss anyday. Vortex seems to be making a name for themselves, but a great marketing stategy on chinese products doesn't make them german quality.
Stay thirsty my friends
Stay thirsty my friends
L
LeddSlinger
Guest
>
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>
>
>Used Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss anyday.
> Vortex seems to be
>making a name for themselves,
>but a great marketing stategy
>on chinese products doesn't make
>them german quality.
>
>
>The Razors are made in Japan and they are every bit as good as any older non-HD Swaro or Leica Bino. And nobody can touch the warranty coverage of Vortex. The VIP no-fault full lifetime warranty is THE best warranty out there.
I owned a set of Leica 10x42 Ultravid BR binos and although they had great glass, I had trouble with moisture getting in the lens seals. Leica took care of it thankfully because a used Leica optic only gives you a 10 year "limited" warranty. My cousin has an old set of Swarovski 15x56 SLC binos and he had an eyecup break on him. He sent it to Swarovski and they determined that it was not a manufacturing defect and charged him $80 to repair it. I had trouble with an eyecup on my last set of Vortex Rzor 10x42 HD binos and Vortex gave me a full retail credit of $1200 to grab a brand new pair off the shelf at the local sporting goods store. Since it was a credit, I used it towards the new 10x50 Razor HD binos. The 50mm Razors are much brighter IMO. Compared to Swaro SLC HD binos, they are exactly the same. But anyhow, Vortex will take care of you better than any other company out there.
I always remember having to baby my Leicas as I belly crawled to get into shooting position on antelope, always worried that I might accidentally damage them. Now with my Razors, I can be as hard on them as I want and if something happens, I send them in and get a new set. Doesn't matter who did it, how it happened or what the circumstances were, no questions asked. Don't need a purchase receipt and don't have to register them, just be the possessor of the optic. Sure gives me a lot of piece of mind with my investment when hunting hard in the field on rugged terrain.
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>Stay thirsty my friends
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>Used Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss anyday.
> Vortex seems to be
>making a name for themselves,
>but a great marketing stategy
>on chinese products doesn't make
>them german quality.
>
>
>The Razors are made in Japan and they are every bit as good as any older non-HD Swaro or Leica Bino. And nobody can touch the warranty coverage of Vortex. The VIP no-fault full lifetime warranty is THE best warranty out there.
I owned a set of Leica 10x42 Ultravid BR binos and although they had great glass, I had trouble with moisture getting in the lens seals. Leica took care of it thankfully because a used Leica optic only gives you a 10 year "limited" warranty. My cousin has an old set of Swarovski 15x56 SLC binos and he had an eyecup break on him. He sent it to Swarovski and they determined that it was not a manufacturing defect and charged him $80 to repair it. I had trouble with an eyecup on my last set of Vortex Rzor 10x42 HD binos and Vortex gave me a full retail credit of $1200 to grab a brand new pair off the shelf at the local sporting goods store. Since it was a credit, I used it towards the new 10x50 Razor HD binos. The 50mm Razors are much brighter IMO. Compared to Swaro SLC HD binos, they are exactly the same. But anyhow, Vortex will take care of you better than any other company out there.
I always remember having to baby my Leicas as I belly crawled to get into shooting position on antelope, always worried that I might accidentally damage them. Now with my Razors, I can be as hard on them as I want and if something happens, I send them in and get a new set. Doesn't matter who did it, how it happened or what the circumstances were, no questions asked. Don't need a purchase receipt and don't have to register them, just be the possessor of the optic. Sure gives me a lot of piece of mind with my investment when hunting hard in the field on rugged terrain.
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>Stay thirsty my friends
Willametteriveroutlaw
Active Member
- Messages
- 403
Brightness is about 1/3 of the equation which really doesn't matter that much in the end. Edge to edge clarity and glass quality make all of the difference.
If you look at Vortex Warranty, they have to have a ton of mark up in their product to make it work. Basically you can't give away a free set of binocs every time someone messes them up unless you have an overpriced product to begin with.
If you look at Vortex Warranty, they have to have a ton of mark up in their product to make it work. Basically you can't give away a free set of binocs every time someone messes them up unless you have an overpriced product to begin with.
grizzly
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 5,596
I had a rep from one of the big optics stores (I won't name names since they don't sponsor MM, but you'd recognize them) tell me at a show that Vortex was "6-year glass" and then the coatings will fade, where the Big 3 is "lifetime glass".
After that discussion and some patience, I was able to pick up a pair of SLC 10x50 for $1200 from eBay. The difference is huge!
Be patient and find some used Big 3. You'll never regret it.
Grizzly
After that discussion and some patience, I was able to pick up a pair of SLC 10x50 for $1200 from eBay. The difference is huge!
Be patient and find some used Big 3. You'll never regret it.
Grizzly
L
LeddSlinger
Guest
LAST EDITED ON Jul-28-14 AT 06:49PM (MST)[p]>I had a rep from one
>of the big optics stores
>(I won't name names since
>they don't sponsor MM, but
>you'd recognize them) tell me
>at a show that Vortex
>was "6-year glass" and then
>the coatings will fade, where
>the Big 3 is "lifetime
>glass".
>
>After that discussion and some Palin ence,
>I was able to pick
>up a pair of SLC
>10x50 for $1200 from eBay.
> The difference is huge!
>
>
>Be patient and find some used
>Big 3. You'll never regret
>it.
>
>Grizzly
That's the biggest load of bull I've heard yet. How can your rep even have a clue that Vortex Razor glass is only good for 6 years when the new HD APO glass has only been in existence since 2012?
Even if that were true, when the coatings fade, just send them in and get a new set. That simple. And who cares if they are marked up more than other optics when the glass is in the same league as European alpha glass.
So you guys give advice to pay way more money for glass that is only AS good as Razor HD glass, maybe ever so slightly better in the top end models , but all with an inferior warranty??? I'll take glass for way less money that provides the same viewing quality and the best warranty in existence. That's a no brainer to folks with wise investment sense!
>of the big optics stores
>(I won't name names since
>they don't sponsor MM, but
>you'd recognize them) tell me
>at a show that Vortex
>was "6-year glass" and then
>the coatings will fade, where
>the Big 3 is "lifetime
>glass".
>
>After that discussion and some Palin ence,
>I was able to pick
>up a pair of SLC
>10x50 for $1200 from eBay.
> The difference is huge!
>
>
>Be patient and find some used
>Big 3. You'll never regret
>it.
>
>Grizzly
That's the biggest load of bull I've heard yet. How can your rep even have a clue that Vortex Razor glass is only good for 6 years when the new HD APO glass has only been in existence since 2012?
Even if that were true, when the coatings fade, just send them in and get a new set. That simple. And who cares if they are marked up more than other optics when the glass is in the same league as European alpha glass.
So you guys give advice to pay way more money for glass that is only AS good as Razor HD glass, maybe ever so slightly better in the top end models , but all with an inferior warranty??? I'll take glass for way less money that provides the same viewing quality and the best warranty in existence. That's a no brainer to folks with wise investment sense!
grizzly
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 5,596
Leddslinger, that's fine. Buy inferior glass and send it in every few years to be replaced with inferior glass. It doesn't hurt me one bit.
BTW, it was a rep that sells every major brand of optics and was an exhibitor at the Hunt Expo that told me that (just so you know where the info came from). This guy had no reason to make something up... and being that he recommended a Kowa scope to me over swarovski while the swarovski rep was standing in the both next to him, my belief is he was being honest and not just blowing smoke.
But that's just my opinion, which is what the OP asked for.
Grizzly
BTW, it was a rep that sells every major brand of optics and was an exhibitor at the Hunt Expo that told me that (just so you know where the info came from). This guy had no reason to make something up... and being that he recommended a Kowa scope to me over swarovski while the swarovski rep was standing in the both next to him, my belief is he was being honest and not just blowing smoke.
But that's just my opinion, which is what the OP asked for.
Grizzly
Willametteriveroutlaw
Active Member
- Messages
- 403
>>Grizzly
>
>That's the biggest load of bull
>I've heard yet. How can
>your rep even have a
>clue that Vortex Razor glass
>is only good for 6
>years when the new HD
>APO glass has only been
>in existence since 2012?
>
>Even if that were true, when
>the coatings fade, just send
>them in and get a
>new set. That simple.
>And who cares if they
>are marked up more than
>other optics when the glass
>is in the same league
>as European alpha glass.
>
>So you guys give advice to
>pay way more money for
>glass that is only AS
>good as Razor HD glass,
> maybe ever so slightly
>better in the top end
>models , but all with
>an inferior warranty??? I'll take
>glass for way less money
>that provides the same viewing
>quality and the best warranty
>in existence. That's a no
>brainer to folks with wise
>investment sense!
It's the same cheap glass that's in the Zen Rays, Eagle optics, and several other brands. There are numerous reports from people whom have had the exact same experience with glass from the same family of manufacturers.. If I really wanted to, at the SHOT show I could meet with some Asian glass manufacturers and make "outlaws binoculars" get the same s####y glass that all of those guys use, put a brown cover on it and sell it where ever I want.
I've spent a ton of time looking and evaluating almost all of the glass out there and to say the Razors/Razor HD's match the quality of the alpha glass (high end Zeiss, Leicas, or Swaros) doesn't have a clue how to evaluate glass.
>
>That's the biggest load of bull
>I've heard yet. How can
>your rep even have a
>clue that Vortex Razor glass
>is only good for 6
>years when the new HD
>APO glass has only been
>in existence since 2012?
>
>Even if that were true, when
>the coatings fade, just send
>them in and get a
>new set. That simple.
>And who cares if they
>are marked up more than
>other optics when the glass
>is in the same league
>as European alpha glass.
>
>So you guys give advice to
>pay way more money for
>glass that is only AS
>good as Razor HD glass,
> maybe ever so slightly
>better in the top end
>models , but all with
>an inferior warranty??? I'll take
>glass for way less money
>that provides the same viewing
>quality and the best warranty
>in existence. That's a no
>brainer to folks with wise
>investment sense!
It's the same cheap glass that's in the Zen Rays, Eagle optics, and several other brands. There are numerous reports from people whom have had the exact same experience with glass from the same family of manufacturers.. If I really wanted to, at the SHOT show I could meet with some Asian glass manufacturers and make "outlaws binoculars" get the same s####y glass that all of those guys use, put a brown cover on it and sell it where ever I want.
I've spent a ton of time looking and evaluating almost all of the glass out there and to say the Razors/Razor HD's match the quality of the alpha glass (high end Zeiss, Leicas, or Swaros) doesn't have a clue how to evaluate glass.
muleymaddness
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,102
I've read 1,000's of reviews and finally settled on a set of binoculars. A few things that were in common on most of the reviews:
1.) the only people saying that the Razor HD ranked "up there" with the big 3 were people that owned the Razor, sold them, or endorsed by them; not the only, but probably the majority
2.) very rarely did I read a review from an owner of the big 3 indicating the Razor HD matched in performance
3.) you have to be careful who the reviewer is; if they are endorsed by Vortex or have an affiliation with them, they'll use works like "stack up against the big 3"; that doesn't mean that are as good, but means they're getting up there close
I had both Swaro and Razor HD and I'm not optics expert, but on a tripod, doing several tests - yes, I could see a difference. You give each set to the average user, they throw them up and look through them, their will be little difference noticed. But when I start pointing out differences, you can't help but to not notice them anymore.
I kept the Swaro SLC HD and sold the Razor HD. Is it worth the extra money? - that depends. How much money do you have, how much do you enjoy and appreciate finer optics, etc, etc. I enjoy the quality of Swaro, so I chose to keep them and will not spend money on other things since I got what I wanted on optics.
1.) the only people saying that the Razor HD ranked "up there" with the big 3 were people that owned the Razor, sold them, or endorsed by them; not the only, but probably the majority
2.) very rarely did I read a review from an owner of the big 3 indicating the Razor HD matched in performance
3.) you have to be careful who the reviewer is; if they are endorsed by Vortex or have an affiliation with them, they'll use works like "stack up against the big 3"; that doesn't mean that are as good, but means they're getting up there close
I had both Swaro and Razor HD and I'm not optics expert, but on a tripod, doing several tests - yes, I could see a difference. You give each set to the average user, they throw them up and look through them, their will be little difference noticed. But when I start pointing out differences, you can't help but to not notice them anymore.
I kept the Swaro SLC HD and sold the Razor HD. Is it worth the extra money? - that depends. How much money do you have, how much do you enjoy and appreciate finer optics, etc, etc. I enjoy the quality of Swaro, so I chose to keep them and will not spend money on other things since I got what I wanted on optics.
L
LeddSlinger
Guest
I'm not saying that the Vortex Razor HDs are as good as the most current top end models like the Leica ultravid HD and Swarovski EL Swarovision. The NEW Swarovski ELs are on a level of their own. But when comparing the Razor HDs to the older Leica BRs and Swarovski ELs, there is little to no difference except that Vortex gives you a way better warranty.
I owned Leica Ultravid BRs and have conducted extensive tests with the Vortex Razor 10x50 HD up against older Swarovski ELs and newer Swarovski SLC HDs. Not a rep for Vortex, just know a good value when I see one. When the optics are that close, you might as well go for the warranty. Just my opinion.
I did own the Vortex Razor HD 16-48x65mm spotter too, but found it a little lacking for the high country hunting I enjoy. So after extensive research online and at sporting goods stores, I have decided on upgrading to the Meopta S2 HD 82mm spotting scope. To me, the only spotting scope that challenges it is the new Swarovski Modular ATX with the 95mm objective. Funny thing is that the Meopta is only a $2300 spotter. So is that possible to beat the quality of the $3500 Zeiss and Kowa? You bet, and every review you can find on it will agree. So it is possible to have good glass at a more affordable price folks. People get so hung up on brand names that they can't get their blinders off.
Like I said earlier, the new Leica HD and Swarovski HD stuff is definitely a little bit better, but anyone who thinks the new Razor HDs don't match or better the older big 3 glass is hung up on the brand names.
I owned Leica Ultravid BRs and have conducted extensive tests with the Vortex Razor 10x50 HD up against older Swarovski ELs and newer Swarovski SLC HDs. Not a rep for Vortex, just know a good value when I see one. When the optics are that close, you might as well go for the warranty. Just my opinion.
I did own the Vortex Razor HD 16-48x65mm spotter too, but found it a little lacking for the high country hunting I enjoy. So after extensive research online and at sporting goods stores, I have decided on upgrading to the Meopta S2 HD 82mm spotting scope. To me, the only spotting scope that challenges it is the new Swarovski Modular ATX with the 95mm objective. Funny thing is that the Meopta is only a $2300 spotter. So is that possible to beat the quality of the $3500 Zeiss and Kowa? You bet, and every review you can find on it will agree. So it is possible to have good glass at a more affordable price folks. People get so hung up on brand names that they can't get their blinders off.
Like I said earlier, the new Leica HD and Swarovski HD stuff is definitely a little bit better, but anyone who thinks the new Razor HDs don't match or better the older big 3 glass is hung up on the brand names.
Well, someone finally hit the nail on the head (grin!). If you want alpha quality in a $1000 package, look straight to the Meopta HD. Fantastic glass, extremely well built (military optics background), lifetime transferable warranty.
Same can be said of the S2 spotter...literally world class stuff, exceeded only by the ridiculously priced Swaro modular 95mm version. I own the S2 and had it side by side with my Kowa 884 for a week. S2 held its own in every way, exceeded the 884 slightly in color rendition and resolution, and was far better at 70x (still very sharp and clear) than the Kowa was at 60x.
I've tried and tried to drink the Vortex koolaid....just can't do it for same reasons mentioned a post or two ago.
Same can be said of the S2 spotter...literally world class stuff, exceeded only by the ridiculously priced Swaro modular 95mm version. I own the S2 and had it side by side with my Kowa 884 for a week. S2 held its own in every way, exceeded the 884 slightly in color rendition and resolution, and was far better at 70x (still very sharp and clear) than the Kowa was at 60x.
I've tried and tried to drink the Vortex koolaid....just can't do it for same reasons mentioned a post or two ago.
L
LeddSlinger
Guest
>Well, someone finally hit the nail
>on the head (grin!).
>If you want alpha quality
>in a $1000 package, look
>straight to the Meopta HD.
> Fantastic glass, extremely well
>built (military optics background), lifetime
>transferable warranty.
>
>Same can be said of the
>S2 spotter...literally world class stuff,
>exceeded only by the ridiculously
>priced Swaro modular 95mm version.
> I own the S2
>and had it side by
>side with my Kowa 884
>for a week. S2
>held its own in every
>way, exceeded the 884 slightly
>in color rendition and resolution,
>and was far better at
>70x (still very sharp and
>clear) than the Kowa was
>at 60x.
>
>I've tried and tried to drink
>the Vortex koolaid....just can't do
>it for same reasons mentioned
>a post or two ago.
>
That was my conclusion as well. The S2 spotter is unbelievable, especially for the price. Crazy how it can be so crystal clear all the way on 70X.
I have never looked through their binoculars, but I hear the new Meopta Meostar HD binos are very nice and just as affordable as Vortex Razor HD. If the glass in Meoptas binos is anything like the glass in their S2 spotter, then they are surely top notch alpha glass binos.
>on the head (grin!).
>If you want alpha quality
>in a $1000 package, look
>straight to the Meopta HD.
> Fantastic glass, extremely well
>built (military optics background), lifetime
>transferable warranty.
>
>Same can be said of the
>S2 spotter...literally world class stuff,
>exceeded only by the ridiculously
>priced Swaro modular 95mm version.
> I own the S2
>and had it side by
>side with my Kowa 884
>for a week. S2
>held its own in every
>way, exceeded the 884 slightly
>in color rendition and resolution,
>and was far better at
>70x (still very sharp and
>clear) than the Kowa was
>at 60x.
>
>I've tried and tried to drink
>the Vortex koolaid....just can't do
>it for same reasons mentioned
>a post or two ago.
>
That was my conclusion as well. The S2 spotter is unbelievable, especially for the price. Crazy how it can be so crystal clear all the way on 70X.
I have never looked through their binoculars, but I hear the new Meopta Meostar HD binos are very nice and just as affordable as Vortex Razor HD. If the glass in Meoptas binos is anything like the glass in their S2 spotter, then they are surely top notch alpha glass binos.
LAST EDITED ON Nov-01-14 AT 02:51AM (MST)[p]All I know is I paid $900 for a brand new hold over pair of Zeiss victory 8x42 FL T binos, your Vortex Razor HD are around $1200...no thanks.
Are the Razor HD nice glass of course but so are the Zenray ED3 and they cost $330, probably made at the same place with the same glass..who knows. Like others have said You are paying for the warranty with vortex, not the glass. Lots of companies make that same quality of glass for allot less and have lifetime warranties as well just not as great of an advertizing scheme..
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics2/zenray.pl?page=zenray-zened30843
Are the Razor HD nice glass of course but so are the Zenray ED3 and they cost $330, probably made at the same place with the same glass..who knows. Like others have said You are paying for the warranty with vortex, not the glass. Lots of companies make that same quality of glass for allot less and have lifetime warranties as well just not as great of an advertizing scheme..
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics2/zenray.pl?page=zenray-zened30843
Willametteriveroutlaw
Active Member
- Messages
- 403
>
>I have never looked through their
>binoculars, but I hear the
>new Meopta Meostar HD binos
>are very nice and just
>as affordable as Vortex Razor
>HD. If the glass in
>Meoptas binos is anything like
>the glass in their S2
>spotter, then they are surely
>top notch alpha glass binos.
>
They glass is good, not Swaro good.
The problem is that they have the ergonomics of a boat anchor and IMHO do not do color or detail as well as the Swaro's and Victories..
>I have never looked through their
>binoculars, but I hear the
>new Meopta Meostar HD binos
>are very nice and just
>as affordable as Vortex Razor
>HD. If the glass in
>Meoptas binos is anything like
>the glass in their S2
>spotter, then they are surely
>top notch alpha glass binos.
>
They glass is good, not Swaro good.
The problem is that they have the ergonomics of a boat anchor and IMHO do not do color or detail as well as the Swaro's and Victories..
Cornhusker
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 3,898
A friend of mine has a 4 year old pair of vortex they have been in getting repaired on the warranty 2 of the last 4 years during deer season. He usually uses an old pair of Monarch's I have and complains about how good his Vortex were when he first got them. A warranty is nice but I would like binos I didn't have to send in to use the warranty quite so often.
4
440sixpack
Guest
The big 3 get the money they do for one reason, they're worth it.
Stay thirsty my friends
Stay thirsty my friends
Why would you ask to compare Vortex optics at one price point to any other optic at a very different price point?
There is no question that there is a very big difference, otherwise, vortex would be able to charge as much as the others for their product.
The "vortex fanboys" love to try and bring the brand up to a level where it does not belong.
I also think the the "Swarovski fanboys" love to try to hold the brand above the rest.
Bottom line for me?? I have unfortunately had them side by side and compared them in the field.
I hate myself for doing it. Its stupid. There is no question which is better.
What I should have spent my time doing is comparing vortex to other brands in its price point.
Once I finally did, I found that not only does vortex not stand up against the high end stuff, but its not even the best in its own price point.
Reputation is a very funny thing. So is peer pressure and jealousy.
You can take a brand that has a decent product, and use a "fan base" to bolster the image.
I believe that Swarovski and vortex both have this going for them.
But no, I don't believe that vortex should be mentioned in the same category as the top of the line optics.
Its got a category, thats where it should stay. Regardless of the fanboys who want to argue its supposed merit.
You go buy what you want and be happy with it.
But just be happy with it.
I have my opinion, and if I had to buy binoculars tomorrow, they would not be any of the brands you mentioned.
There is no question that there is a very big difference, otherwise, vortex would be able to charge as much as the others for their product.
The "vortex fanboys" love to try and bring the brand up to a level where it does not belong.
I also think the the "Swarovski fanboys" love to try to hold the brand above the rest.
Bottom line for me?? I have unfortunately had them side by side and compared them in the field.
I hate myself for doing it. Its stupid. There is no question which is better.
What I should have spent my time doing is comparing vortex to other brands in its price point.
Once I finally did, I found that not only does vortex not stand up against the high end stuff, but its not even the best in its own price point.
Reputation is a very funny thing. So is peer pressure and jealousy.
You can take a brand that has a decent product, and use a "fan base" to bolster the image.
I believe that Swarovski and vortex both have this going for them.
But no, I don't believe that vortex should be mentioned in the same category as the top of the line optics.
Its got a category, thats where it should stay. Regardless of the fanboys who want to argue its supposed merit.
You go buy what you want and be happy with it.
But just be happy with it.
I have my opinion, and if I had to buy binoculars tomorrow, they would not be any of the brands you mentioned.
LAST EDITED ON Nov-27-14 AT 06:56PM (MST)[p]
No lens element coatings will deteriorate more on cheaper binos that high priced ones. Prism coatings can get a little less reflective but usually if the purging is compromised and you would see internal fogging problems if that was the case. The Chinese and Japanese are using the same types of metal elements to coat lenses as the Germans are so those elements can all tarnish the same amount.
The only reason the Chinese lack in the last couple percent of light transmission is the Chinese have an unstable power grid hooked up to the coating ovens and the inexperience of the person running the machines. Many Japanese, American, and GERMAN optics manufactures are using Chinese sourced glass in SOME of the models they offer so don't be fool because in the end the biggest factor in the price of the product is how it is marketed. I find it funny how so called "optics reviewers" will rave one model and trash another when the FACT is they were the same binocular with a different rubber trim on it.
As you know, I market the Theron line of optics and I can tell you I know more about the secrets of optics marketing than most here. I have seen a more than one manufacture market a binocular for over $1000.00 that I would put a $350 price tag on because I don't spend much on advertising. These are things brand marketers would not want me to tell you but so what, I just did. I have a model on sale for $115 that is the EXACT same model as another brand has for just shy of $300.00 as an example.
Buy what makes you feel good, feels good in your hands, and makes you happy. If you are the type of guy who declines extended warranties on products then why would you spend it on the same cost built into the price of a product? You might be able purchase a replacement multiple times and still have paid less. I am not saying any product and warranty is bad, I am just saying do a little research and don't let manufactures and guys with buyers remorse blow smoke up your azz.
High end optics are great, mid grade optics with high end prices are not OK, mid grade optics with low prices even better. JMO
And as far as riflescopes go, some of the better Chinese made scopes have erector parts made in Japan of all places. Yes a well managed Chinese rifle scope plant knows where they fall short and will purchase parts needed elsewhere. And yes, many of the so called Made in America rifle scopes have glass made in China. FACT
No lens element coatings will deteriorate more on cheaper binos that high priced ones. Prism coatings can get a little less reflective but usually if the purging is compromised and you would see internal fogging problems if that was the case. The Chinese and Japanese are using the same types of metal elements to coat lenses as the Germans are so those elements can all tarnish the same amount.
The only reason the Chinese lack in the last couple percent of light transmission is the Chinese have an unstable power grid hooked up to the coating ovens and the inexperience of the person running the machines. Many Japanese, American, and GERMAN optics manufactures are using Chinese sourced glass in SOME of the models they offer so don't be fool because in the end the biggest factor in the price of the product is how it is marketed. I find it funny how so called "optics reviewers" will rave one model and trash another when the FACT is they were the same binocular with a different rubber trim on it.
As you know, I market the Theron line of optics and I can tell you I know more about the secrets of optics marketing than most here. I have seen a more than one manufacture market a binocular for over $1000.00 that I would put a $350 price tag on because I don't spend much on advertising. These are things brand marketers would not want me to tell you but so what, I just did. I have a model on sale for $115 that is the EXACT same model as another brand has for just shy of $300.00 as an example.
Buy what makes you feel good, feels good in your hands, and makes you happy. If you are the type of guy who declines extended warranties on products then why would you spend it on the same cost built into the price of a product? You might be able purchase a replacement multiple times and still have paid less. I am not saying any product and warranty is bad, I am just saying do a little research and don't let manufactures and guys with buyers remorse blow smoke up your azz.
High end optics are great, mid grade optics with high end prices are not OK, mid grade optics with low prices even better. JMO
And as far as riflescopes go, some of the better Chinese made scopes have erector parts made in Japan of all places. Yes a well managed Chinese rifle scope plant knows where they fall short and will purchase parts needed elsewhere. And yes, many of the so called Made in America rifle scopes have glass made in China. FACT
LAST EDITED ON Nov-30-14 AT 11:01AM (MST)[p]I have Swarovski binos and a lower end Vortex spotting scope. No remorse for either. Determine your priorities. Both companies are excellent to deal with. The higher end glass retains a higher resale value, if you are the type to trade, sell, and try other glass from time to time. I went with the Swaros after looking into reviews on glass and service, and after comparing with other brands side to side. Intended to buy some 10x50 Zeiss and ended up with 8.5x40 Swarovskis. In the end you need to get them in your hand, get a feel for ergonomics and look through them. How do they feel in your hand? On spotting scopes, are the zoom (if it is a zoom eyepiece) and focus placed where you like and smooth to use? The coatings on lower end glass do tend to fizzle in a year or so, and some of the newer brands haven't been around long enough to develop a long term track record.
Durability and long term clarity is often what you are paying for in better glass.
Durability and long term clarity is often what you are paying for in better glass.
OLDHORNHUNTER
Very Active Member
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every time I see these forums on whats the best or who has the best of this it makes me laugh !! here it is Bottom line how much money do you have to spend on binos ?? I don't care who says what about which is the best glass it all boils down to WHAT you like & what you can afford !! I my self just bought a new pair of 15 x 50 Viper HDs from Vortex got them for around $400 bucks Brand New 100% full warranty Yes less than 1/2 of what they list for !! I could have bought a brand new pair of Swaro or Zeiss But after looking thru many different ones I could NOT find $2000 more in value or performance in any of the so called Big 3 !! the Human eye can only transfer so much light & Every ones eyes see different !! so again go to a couple of sporting goods stores take your $$ & ask the guy behind the counter to show you the glass in your allowable price range !! if you Don't have to have them right now & really feel that you need to spend another $1000 to $1500 than save your $$ & buy them next year !!!
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