Optics evolution is tremendous

[Hales Smut]

When I started shooting/stalking around 1988, the difference in optics was huge. You had the big 3 names and you had Bushnell and Tasco. Leupold was hardly known over here.
The difference between the big names and the lesser brands, in low light, was huge.
Recently I bought a Vector Continental purely for indoor 100m range. I compared it in low light with my Diavari 3-12x56 and the surprise was huge. Hardly, if any, difference in low light performance.
Meopta is well known for making excellent rifle scopes. But it seems that the others are making up the ground with huge steps.
Do others have that same idea? Probably the same for binoculars.

 

[Tuck]

Yes the good jap glass is as nearly as good as European now. Although there will always be those that can’t admit it.

 

[sauer]

Been that way for good 4 or 5 years maybe
Japanese glass come long way and often £1000 plus difference in price but not in performance / low light

Paul

 

[tjm160]

Vector Continental are their flagship range though and whilst Chinese, the Continental's use German Schott ED glass and so seem optically on par with many premium brands, yet at an absolute fraction of the price.

Vector are so good, even their entry level options, I run several on different rifles for different purposes.

 

[Hales Smut]

Vector Continental are their flagship range though and whilst Chinese, the Continental's use German Schott ED glass and so seem optically on par with many premium brands, yet at an absolute fraction of the price.

Vector are so good, even their entry level options, I run several on different rifles for different purposes.

Indeed I was amazed by the low light performance.

 

[Hales Smut]

Scopes like March, wich seem to be top end, are produced in Japan. Vortex Razor LHT have life long warranty and seem to be very good.
Meopta is and stays top class at 1/2 price of the bigger names. Delta Optics, DD optics, have excellent write ups and seem to be made in Japan.
GPO and Noblex , German pedigree , made in ?????
Vector and Hawke are made in China.

 

[palo]

I bought my young son a pair of cheap binoculars from china a few years ago.
I was amazed at the optical quality for the price .
Not as good as my leicas obviously but good enough to go hunting with.
Back in the 1980s when I started stalking there was a huge difference in cheap binos compared to the top brands.