The thing about buying Leica, Zeiss, or Swarovski that's real obvious, but a lot of people overlook, is that you only have to buy them once. Sure it might sting a bit, but I can't even begin to tell you how much money I wasted on cheap optics until I finally figured it out, and I know I'm not alone in saying that.
Another thing that has always amazed is the number of guys who don't bat an eye at spending $700.00 on a new rifle and another $600.00 for a scope, yet they'll use whatever binos are on sale at the local Wal-Mart. Honestly think about, what gets used more, your riflescope or your binos? I literally spend hours behind my binos and spotter, and spend maybe thirty seconds at the most looking through my riflescope during a hunt. Sure a good scope is important, but it's my opinion that you can get by with a lot less riflescope than you can binos or a spotter.
The prices of Leica, Zeiss, and Swarovski's continue to go up, which sucks if you're on the buying end, but guys who bought them before the last couple of big price increases could probably get every dime back out them if they had to. If you want an eye opener, take a look at recent Ebay auctions for Zeiss 10x40 ClassiC's. They've been bringing anywhere from $750.00 to $1,100.00 USED! I know it's not the end all, but trying reselling a Vortex binocular or spotter and see what you get....
I guess maybe the best solution is, if you've never looked through one of the top brands, don't, because that's what happened to me a few years ago on a mule deer hunt when I looked through a buddies Swarovski's. The first thing I did when I got home was to call Cabela's and order a Zeiss 10x40 ClassiC. It's too bad Cabela's quit selling them for $699.99, because I'll tell you what, they were a steal at that price!
