leupold vs swarovski


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Re: leupold vs swarovski

I have compared the VX-III, Vari-X III, Leica, Zeiss, and Swarovski side by side. All were the same 3-10x range. There was a big difference between Leupold and Swarovski. The Swarovski was clearer. It also costs 50% more. I don't own any Swarovski scopes. They are too costly for my tastes. I have to agree with Spyderpancake, if I were to spend $1K on a scope, it would be a Nightforce.

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Re: leupold vs swarovski

I am saying they are not the same quality as some other high end scopes. They definately are not indestructable. I have destroyed 2 Leupold handgun scopes and had one Vari-X III that was sent back for repair 3 times. While I do have a couple of them, I buy other scopes that are more cost effective. I am not particularly impressed with them. Their handgun scopes will not be mounted on my guns. I don't like them a bit. Their rifle scopes are ok but way overpriced.

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Re: leupold vs swarovski

Basically you get what you pay for, but the more you spend the less the quality increments are for the dollars you spend. Here's what I mean.

You can spend $50 on a simmons 8pt and have a decent scope that is good in daylight and marginal in dim light and not usable in low light. For another 100 you can get Nikon prostaf that is pretty good in low light up to about 4-6X but not really for 7-9 (that's the scope I use) For another 75 you can get a monararch (I think) that will be a little clearer a little futher. When you get up into the $500+ range the differences in the clarity are very small, you may spend $200 for a 1% difference in clarity.. For your average hunter who is going to take shots under 200 yards those scopes are a waste of money in my opinion.

The nikkon pro-staffs that I use is as clear as I'll ever need. They cost me $150 and are probibly a better scope than I am a shooter.

I don't think there is any reason to spend more than $250 or $300 on a scope unless anything less will hold you back and limit you below your abilities. I can shoot out to 250 yards pretty effectively at the range, but I know I get nervous when I see a deer, so I limit my shots to under 100 yards. The scopes that I use are more than enough for that. A scope capable of being clear out to 400 yards at dusk is a waste of money for me.

Also if your shooting that 30-30 you don't need to spend more than $200 on a scope IMO.

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Guest MissouriHunter

Re: leupold vs swarovski

I have never looked through a swarovski but I have looked through a leupold and they weren't as clear as I was hoping, especially for the money they want for those things. I myself like the nikon scopes. I think they look clearer than any leupold I have looked through. You might want to broaden your choices because both of those scopes are way overpriced.

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Guest J_Owens_66

Re: leupold vs swarovski

AJ, very correct. I will say this about Leupold, everything below their VX-II line is pretty well trash, the VX-I is a low end scope and the Rifleman is below that and its awful. The VX-III is a great scope, but if i was spending around 400 bucks for a VX-III, i would get a Zeiss Conquest, they are better optically than any Leupold out there.

Leupold is NOT the best scope for the money, a VX-II is around 300 bucks, you can buy a Burris Fulfield 2, the same power and objective size for around 125 dollars less, and i guarantee the Burris is tougher. It is a slightly better scope too. So i vote Burris the best bang for the buck and also one of the toughest scopes too. I am by no means trying to start a arguement over this, but Leupold scopes are junk until you get a VX-II or higher and they are WAY overpriced. They do have the BEST customer service though, and are marketing genuses.

There is no comparision between Leupold (any model) and Swarovski (any model), the Swaro makes the Leupy look like a Tasco.

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Guest bexar_county89

Re: leupold vs swarovski

It varies really, depends on wether you can find a good buy. I've owned alot of leupolds and swarovskis and some that were grade b that were just as good, are you looking for something that is priced moderatly or something that is high tech. then once you've made your decision you can find retailers and stores in your area, that will be priced to your level.

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Re: leupold vs swarovski

I agree about what you are saying when it comes to buying scopes. I always opt for a Leupold. They are $$ but worth it. Now Swarovski is another step up (or 3 steps!) in $$$ above the Leupolds. I am certain they are fantastic optics, but the simple fact is........I can not afford them. So I use the best I can buy which is Leupold.

The guys spending $50-$70 or $100 on scopes are most likely buying the best they can aford. And no body wants to be told they are wasting their $$ by not getting better glass. So much of what we are reading here is not really about the sheap scopes being as good as Leupolds or Swarovskis as much as it is about some people not being able to afford them & defending the only option you could afford.

I have read alot here about how clear the cheaper scopes are. How they are better deals than Leupolds or Swarovskis. Well the fact is........making a scope that is clear enough to hunt during 98%of all legal hunting hours is not that big a deal or that expensive . It is the last 2% of light gathering where you see the differerance between cheap,good, great & outstanding optics. Then you have what really counts in a hunting scope, weatherproofness, repeatablity of adjustments, point of aim through power changes, warrenty, customer service.........this is where the more expensive scopes leave the cheap ones behind. Period. You do get what you pay for in optics.

I am lucky enough to be at a point in my life where I can afford to buy the quality that Leupold provides. And yes.........they are worth the extra $$. Just as I am sure Sawarovskis are. I just cant afford them! tongue.gifgrin.gif And I have had enough bad experiences with the bargain scopes in the past that I will never waste my time and money on them again.

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Guest gobblergetter15

Re: leupold vs swarovski

I agree that they are both very overpriced, but I think if your going to pay that kind of cash for a scope Id go with swarovski.

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Guest lilcrackshot

Re: leupold vs swarovski

Leupold. They are guaranteed to work and they are made with quality materials and in the USA. Also the price is less than the Swarovski's even though I think they are better.

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