Comparing top of the line European vs American made?

[Dutch/AL]

I would be curious to know your opinions on the differences between top of the line European vs. American made scopes.

For instance, comparing Leupolds top of the line scopes to say Swarovski. I realize that importing a scope from outside the country is going to impact it's cost, as well as the amount of advertising a company does.

But if we take two top of the line scopes and compare them side by side, what differences can be seen and experienced? What benefit in your opinion would a shooter realize that spent $1200-$1500 on a Swarovski compared to $500-$800 on a Leupold?

Also, are the lifetime guarantees from the European companies as good as Leupolds? Thanks for any advice or thoughts on the subject.

[jackD]

I was thinking that there would be a noticable difference in top of the line European and my "average" B&L, BUshnell and Nikon, so I bought a Kahles 3x12x56 and am not impressed at all. For what I spent I would have been better off with 3 of my old stand by's. I am looking at a new scope and the debate is between an elite4200, monarch, and if I can find a reason monarch gold. I learned an expensive lesson and will never buy another European scope. I also had a Zeiss Conquest, not really supposed to be top of the line, but not at all worth the money. I took it on one hunting trip and couln't get it off fast enough.

[jamie]

The kahles while reguarded by some as a very good scope is not a "top of the line" European scope.  And yes the is a noticeable difference between the $1800 Swarovski and the $500-$800 Leupold.  The only question is "Is the difference worth an extra $1000?"  Uh, no.

Buy the Elites and the Monarch's.

Oh, don't be mistaken, here in Germany, Swarovski's, Smidth&Bender, and Zeiss still cost a bunch.

[woodseye]

IMHO......first of all there are some American Assembled scope brands but all todays scopes are combinations of various countries products amassed and assembled in a particular country. Burris is the only maker that still claims American made lenses and even they admit they are going to more overseas parts all the time. That said I believe that in all product lines as you approach the very top level in performance you start to pay progressively more for a smaller and smaller increase in actual performance.

Scopes and Binos are a prime example of this fact. The "mid-priced" scopes are the best buys for a blend of good features and optics vs price and performance. The Leupold Vari X lll - Nikon Monarch - Zeiss Conquest - Bushnell 4200 Elite all combine close to the best optics with superb warranties and features.

Do you get two to three times the optics quality with the two to three times more expensive scopes? Heck no........ its a very small % increase for a large $ increase. I say the best buys for 99% of potential scope buyers is the $350-$450 price range middle ground scopes with such cutting edge features as rainguard - constant eye relief - excellant tracking - and great warranties that even honor subsequent owners without documentation.

In the last ten years Japenese optics have pulled up to the Euro ones and now its simply a matter of choosing the scope that has the most features you like and want coupled with the optics that seem the best to your eyes.

    Happy Scope Choosing!

          woods