Opticron - good or POS?

[Rob S]

I have a Nikon spotting scope that must be 10 years or more old which I don't really like, it just doesn't seem to be of Nikon standard so will be going on e-bay soon (unless someone on here would like to make an offer, in good nick).

I am considering replacing it (I might not bother as I don't use it much) and was going to spend £500-£750 ish - are Opticron the best bet if buying brand new (I don't really want second hand)?

Thanks all

Regards

Rob S

[Colin Key]

Hello Rob,

Nothing wrong with Opticron in my experience, but they are not "at the front".

With your budget I would take a serious look at second-hand 'scopes of better quality. The rate at which people trade-in these days there are some real bargains out there (especially if you actually go with the "readies" in your hand).

Best of luck,

Colin :smile:

[Rob S]

Hmm not sure about 2nd hand don't normally do that for optical goods. I can't justify the price on Swarovski purely because I don't use it much but would like something a bit better than the one I have.

At least Opticron aren't totally rubbish (I will just have to hide the name badge!)

Thanks

Rob S

[michael23]

hi rob, if you buy from somewhere like in focus im sure you would be assured of great quality equipment, when i traded in some binoculars quite a while ago now, they were scrutinized and i was asked many questions about them.
Opticron are very good scopes and would recommend looking at them, you wouldnt go far wrong with one of them. :smile:

[BBREE]

Hi there,
I just got a good scope a Vortex which is excellent value!
Also at Warehouse Express you can get good offers of decent scopes
Opticron included!
http://www.warehouseexpress.com
News below of great Chinese imports whicch are high quality and low price!
Opticron are now producing stock in China at low prices and importing into Europe and soon other goodd makes wil follow suit!
A couple of days ago a wrote that I had seen a Chinese scope for sale in Denmark and the DOF import it. I attach their reply below. For the rest I only know what I've been told and have no commercial interest in this.


I presume that we'll see more objective reviews once a few are in circulation.

It is a fantastic spotting scope to the price and the quality is very, very close to that of Leica, Zeiss, Kowa and Swarovski. It is our own import directly from China and that’s why they are so cheap.

It is the first time that the Chinese a capable to make a high end optical instrument. We are waiting for a 30X eyepiece that will make it perfect, the existing 25-75x eyepiece is typical for Asian producers (you know zoom eyepieces is not the best). As soon as we receive the 30X eyepiece we will sell it together in a packet for 6.885,- DKR.

Naturbutikken
Vesterbrogade138
Copenhagen V
DK-1620



Dansk Ornitologisk Forening
Birdlife Denmark



Phone +45 33 28 38 38
Fax +45 33 31 24 35



www.naturbutikken.dk

www.dof.dk


The Dansk Onitologisk Forening is importing optics from a company called China



in particular the



China Teleskop ED 82 m. 25-75 zoom



see:



http://www.naturbutikken.dk/pi/China_Teleskop_ED_82_m_25_75zoom_beskyt_taske_3293 _152.aspx

Has any one tried one of these out?

The price is DKR 5885,- which is only Euro 790.

A huge difference when compared to Leica or Swarovski...
Kind regards,
Bertram. In sunny Jersey.

[MichaelF]

Good for the Danes!

Now we only need to wait for Denmark and Britain to join the Euro so it can be bought without being soaked for bank exchange charges . . .

[Rob Laughton]

News below of great Chinese imports whicch are high quality and low price!
Opticron are now producing stock in China at low prices and importing into Europe and soon other goodd makes wil follow suit!


I think these guys in Denmark will find any Opticron scope at these prices will be made in Japan and will have a 30 year guarantee. Opticron do import Chinese products to Europe but not a these prices. Unfortunately, being realistic '' High quality and Low Prices'' do not go hand in hand in the optics world or any other for that matter, you get what you pay for. Swarovski, Leica and Kowa scopes are £2000+ because they are high quality instruments, built to the highest standards in terms of optics and build quality.

I would quite gladly bet that these new Chinese scopes are nowhere near the quality to any scopes from Swarovski, Leica and Kowa etc... And to say that they are ''very, very close'' is ridiculous. Chinese optics are simply not that advanced.

Best wishes

Rob

[Colin Key]

Chinese optics are simply not that advanced.


I agree with most of what you say Rob, but with a caveat: a good friend of mine has a large business in China manufacturing "optical glass products" (he began years ago making lenses for overhead projectors). He has in the past few years (although the contract has now been terminated) been making and coating lenses for Leica binoculars, including the "Ultravids". The bodies are made in Germany but the finished product was assembled in Lisbon, Portugal.

I did ask him about where the Leica 'scope lenses were made, but he didn't know. These days you just cannot assume that a German product was "Made in Germany" - these large corporations are out-sourcing to get the lowest price, and Asia in general is "the place to go" (my friend said that he had people working in his factories who had never slept in a bed - but at least they had an income of sorts).

If people knew where BMW cars were made, many would not buy them!

Colin