Real World Difference Between a $500 and a $1000 Scope?

[bearkilr]

Honestly, I think that Leupold and Vortex give the best bang for the buck. There are definitely better quality scopes, but for the cost of them the benefits are not as great. The quality and features of a 600$ Vortex and Leupold scope are competitive with other scopes in the 1000$+ range I think. Also the warranty with them are fantastic. What's nice is you can get a used Vortex/Leupold and save even more money and still feel comfortable knowing the warranty is there no matter what. No argument that the 2000$ scopes are better, but for the money I cant justify it.

Some would disagree with you, myself included, but we're each entitled to our opinions. For instance, a $1300 Leica scope is well worth the extra money over a $700 Leupold to me. I also don't buy scopes for warranty coverage. I try to buy the ones that generally don't require it.

 

[stubblejumper]

A Swarovski Z3 3-9x36mm is less than $800 (our price is $775), a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x50mm scope runs about $700 most places ($720 at Cabela's). I agree with you that the glass is better in the Z3, it is also much lighter. But the price differential is very minor.

I am a big fan of Swarovski optics, I own a couple myself, as well as six Conquest/HD5 scopes, but I certainly wouldn't be comparing a 3-9x36, to a 3-9x50.

Some would disagree with you, myself included, but we're each entitled to our opinions. For instance, a $1300 Leica scope is well worth the extra money over a $700 Leupold to me. I also don't buy scopes for warranty coverage. I try to buy the ones that generally don't require it.

+1

 

[cdn shooter]

Some would disagree with you, myself included, but we're each entitled to our opinions. For instance, a $1300 Leica scope is well worth the extra money over a $700 Leupold to me. I also don't buy scopes for warranty coverage. I try to buy the ones that generally don't require it.

Leica's warranty and customer service is second to none. I returned a rangefinder that they paid the shipping on, they sent me a brand new unit in less than two weeks. And I wasn't the original owner! If they start expanding their line look out!

 

[bearkilr]

Leica's warranty and customer service is second to none. I returned a rangefinder that they paid the shipping on, they sent me a brand new unit in less than two weeks. And I wasn't the original owner! If they start expanding their line look out!

Yes, they have great service too, but all I meant to say is that it seems many buy Leupold and Vortex solely for their warranty. It seems to be this aspect that generally swings them toward their choice, rather than durability and optical quality.

I'm not bashing Leupold or Vortex, but their entry level products are nothing spectacular. I've had a Leupold Rifleman and found it to be very poor in optical quality yet it's still a $300+ scope. Same with some Vortex scopes. You're paying for the warranty.

Once you get into the high end Razor and VX6 lines, the savings aren't there anymore, which is a big reason why Leupold's top tier scopes have never done well in sales.

Their bread and butter is probably the VX3 line, and the Redfield Revolution as of late, which is a great scope(before the recent price increase anyhow). I think they shot themselves in the foot with the introduction of the Redfield Revenge. They should have left the Revolution at the price point it was.

Anyhow, enough rambling, just my thoughts.

 

[cdog]

My weaver tactical easily has as good or better glass than my buddies 6500...we both agreed on that.

I'd love to own a march...its better no doubt....but 2 grand better?

That's like asking is a Ferrari better than a corvette....is it....or are we just programmed to believe so...the lap times don't lie.

I'd love to see some rich bored guy purchase testing equipment to give us true..unbiased light transmission numbers...I'm betting the results would be enlightening.

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

Leupold has been masterfully marketed.

People will pay more for it and think they are getting a superior product.

With the new lines and the new lines with quality IMO you can get the competitors product at the same price and better quality.

10-20 years ago there was only 2 companies with the big optics adds in magazines.Leupold and Bushell. They were on the inside of every cover of every outdoor magazine.

I am not saying they have a poor product but the competition is stiff and they aren't getting the new clientele that is starting into the shooting sports.

Buying a scope for warranty?? What good is that warranty 300 miles from the nearest post office knee deep in snow and muck??

 

[AP]

[QUOTEwhat is the real world performance difference between a $500 scope and a $1000 scope ][/QUOTE] Based on past experience ... it may only be the number of "middlemen" the scope has gone through before it hits the retail store...

 

[Ar180shooter]

Leupold has been masterfully marketed.

People will pay more for it and think they are getting a superior product.

With the new lines and the new lines with quality IMO you can get the competitors product at the same price and better quality.

10-20 years ago there was only 2 companies with the big optics adds in magazines.Leupold and Bushell. They were on the inside of every cover of every outdoor magazine.

I am not saying they have a poor product but the competition is stiff and they aren't getting the new clientele that is starting into the shooting sports.

Buying a scope for warranty?? What good is that warranty 300 miles from the nearest post office knee deep in snow and muck??

IMO it depends on which line of Leupold you're talking about. I've only owned Mark 4's (4 of them total over the years), mainly for the reason of having a hard time finding something reputable and comparable in the same price range (Yes, I know there are others, but Leupold was one of the few who offered all the features I wanted and none that I didn't want, plus I really like their TMR reticule). For the Leupolds I've bought, the warranty hasn't played in to my decision.