Schmidt and Bender German or Hungarian

[Zephyrjim]

Out of interest, are there any significant differences between the German and Hungarian Schmidt and Bender scopes? I've seen a number of 'klassik' Hungarian ones about but not many German ones.
Is it just a case of the factory location over time or are they different beasts altogether? Do they use the same glass etc.? Are their values similar?
Interested to know your thoughts from experience.
I have a German 8x56 which I really like optically but the 56mm objective is larger than I need

 

[Puds]

I’ve got a 30mm Hungarian 8x56 on my .308, and wouldn’t swap it for anything, it’s superb.
From what I’ve read & discussed with others, it’s exactly the same glass & components, just assembled somewhere with lower wages than Germany, thus the price reduction.
From what I’ve been told too, they QC them in Hungary then again upon arrival in Germany, so twice the chance to pick up any issues.

 

[Dari]

Where Are Schmidt & Bender Riflescopes Made? - Optics Trade Blog

S&B is one of the few remaining European companies that produce all their products in-house in Germany and Hungary.

www.optics-trade.eu

A lot of information about the company and production facilities. Including list of scopes made in Germany and Hungary.

 

[doric_prince]

I have 3 s&bs; 2 Hungarian klassics (6x42 & 8x56), and a German polar 4-16x56. Hard to tell / compare tbh from a level functional perspective as they are quiet different tools. What I would say is my 8x56 has a small spec of dust on the cross hair, the other 2 don’t. Build and bodies look finished to same standards across the range. I think the glass and functions are the main differences, but that’s to be expected between the high and low range examples I own.

I think the zenith might be the closest example of German made to compare to the Hungarian models, they hold similar versions across these ranges. but my understanding was /is that the main difference is the klassics are cheaper (although not by a great margin theses day!) than the German built equivalent due to the simple cost of production ( I assume labour mainly).

you say 56mm is more than you need. I would say for me stalking it buys vital extra time. The 6x42 i use as a short range scope on a rimfire for 30-70m shots where the parrellex on higher power can be an issue. It’s compact but loose minutes at sunset. of course the polar does have adjustable parrallex but it’s an over kill scope (IMO) for a shot range rimfire with its bdc and it’s large frame scope on a compact rifle. Horses for courses.

 

[Zephyrjim]

That's all useful information thank you.

 

[Kjm041]

No difference in quality or glass. I’ve directly compared my Hungarian 8x56 at last light with my much newer PMII ultra short and 3-21x50 exos. All great glass. I believe the Klassik line is all built in Hungary now. German made does command a premium in new and 2nd prices for the perceived comfort of “made in Germany”

 

[Kjm041]

Also own a 2.5-10x50 polar which is the nicest scope I’ve looked through in my opinion. Again glass and build quality isn’t better but the eye box (how easily the sight picture is to attain when looking through the scope) is. It is just so immediate. Highly recommend that as a stalking scope. There have been some good deals recently on those. I do wonder why anyone buys Zeiss or Swaro when the cost difference can run into the 100s

 

[doric_prince]

The polar t96 range is meant to have the highest light transmission on the Market, but hard as an individual to confirm that (at least for me it is, it may have a bit more clarity than my 8x56). Mine worked well at dusk in forestry when stalking. Illuminated reticals are another option that increases costs. I think most zeniths have this but the klassics don’t unless you specify it at extra cost.