High End Optics


AJ

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How many here use high end optics? I don't consider Leupold to be high end. They are medium at best. Anyhow, I am talking about Steiner, Schmidt & Bender, Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica, Nightforce, Kahles, Unertl, US Optics, level of quality.

I have stepped up a notch or two lately and have purchased Zeiss, Swarovski, and Kahles rifle scopes, A new set of Leica Geovids, and a Zeiss spot scope.

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Re: High End Optics

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I was under the impression Leupold was high end, what happened theer AJ??confused.gif

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Nope, I have never considered Leupold high end optics. They are middle of the road at best. I currently have 3 Leupold scopes and I have compared them to more expensive and less expensive scopes. They are by no means high end. They do have a great warranty but there are stronger scopes and there are clearer scopes to be had. I feel there are much better scpopes on the market for the same money than Leupold. Some guys swear by them, thats fine. I have destroyed 2 of them. Yes they replaced them but the scopes that replaced them are still going. I will not buy another.

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Re: High End Optics

First off, price "IS" the deciding factor on most everything we buy. Leupold has come out with a lower priced scope line, I believe it's called their "Rifleman" series, but there VariX III series is still considered the tops in my book, although I buy the variX II line of scopes that now come with the multicoat 4 lenses. Sure the European brands are nice too, but who wants to spend that kind of money?

I'll take a Leupold variX III scope before buying one of the European brands hands down.

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Re: High End Optics

AJ, I'm not tooting my own horn here & I'm in a very unique position. I'm not married(at least not yet), I have no kids, both my car & truck is paid for so I have a little money to throw around on stuff. I have Khales & Zeiss scopes & binos.

Like alot of people I thought Leupold was "it", but like someone said above, Zeiss & Khales put Leupold's glass to shame. Not just Leupold but several other scopes.

I will only buy Zeiss or Khales glass from now on. Even if it means buying a rifle & waiting several months to save up to get a Zeiss or Khales.

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Re: High End Optics

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First off, price "IS" the deciding factor on most everything we buy. Leupold has come out with a lower priced scope line, I believe it's called their "Rifleman" series, but there VariX III series is still considered the tops in my book, although I buy the variX II line of scopes that now come with the multicoat 4 lenses. Sure the European brands are nice too, but who wants to spend that kind of money?

I'll take a Leupold variX III scope before buying one of the European brands hands down.

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The Zeiss conquest line is in the same price range as the Vari X III. I have a Vari X III & compared to a Zeiss its a complete rip off when hunting in low light conditions considering they are roughly the same price.

I would encourage anyone if you are going to spend 400$ on a Leupold 3x9, 500-600$ on a Leupold 3.5-10x50, or 600-700 on a 4.5x14 Leupold you will get ALOT more for your money if you purchase a Zeiss conquest line for the same money. The glass & coatings in the 2 scopes are totally different.

I can't explain it to anyone because I had to be convinced myself. If you ever hunt with a Zeiss scope you will never want to own a Leupold again.

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Re: High End Optics

I use Steiner binos. Planning to add either a Zeiss or Swarovski scope before next season. I'm convinced that for a small amount more than the cost of a Leupold/Burris/Nikon, etc. you can get a quality European scope that will have far superior image characteristics. From now on all of my hunting optics purchases will be high end.

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Re: High End Optics

I think a "high-end scope or optics" is the most you are willing to pay. I moved from Simmons and Tasco to Nikon, so that was a big improvement for me.

We can only afford so much. I am thinking about a decent spotting scope right now for range shooting. My high end scope would be around $250-$300 for me. I want something I can see holes clearly at 100 yards, nothing much more. I should be able to get something good at that price, if it was for out west scouting, it probably wouldn't be very good. crazy.gif

too_

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Re: High End Optics

I am not going to say that the mentioned optics are not really high quality but many a game animal has fallen through tasco bushnell weaver and other lower priced optics I can't afford the higher priced items but have put alot of deer in the freezer all with well placed shots.Ron

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Re: High End Optics

High end optics do help. Over the years I have upgraded to a pair of Leica 10x42 range finding Binos. I also have a pair of Swarovski EL series. Both cost between 1800-2100 bucks. Well worth the money spent. Rifle scopes are less important. I think leupold, nikon or bushnell elite series will suffice (top models). Remember, If you can't find em; you can't shoot em!

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