US Optics Spotting Scope

[gorky]

I was looking at a Swaro/Leica/Zeiss spotter and someone told me not to overlook a USO spotter. Magnification is important, as weight, ruggedness, and clarity. Is the USO in the same league as the aforemented Euro scopes ? I know I am giving up something on the magnification but is it still worth consideration due to optics clarity ?

 

[kombayotch]

Don't forget Kowa...

Ruggedness... well, USO are no doubt rugged. As for optical clarity... in my opinion, it isn't better. The only attraction I had to it when I was shopping for one was that it had a reticle. Vortex now offers that in a scope that is more versatile. So, I went with the Vortex Razor HD.

 

[Capt.Canuck]

I just picked up a Pentax 80ED with 20-60x eyepiece after doing quite a bit of research.

Really impressed with the quality and clarity of the optics, and at just over $1k, about half the cost of the Kowa that I was considering.

They also have an exceptional lifetime warranty (to the original owner) that will replace or repair the unit if it's damaged accidentally.

The only other maker that I know of that does that is Vortex.

 

[HKMark23]

My only experience with USO is with the T-Pal I own. Gin clear optics in a lifetime guaranteed body you can't believe. USO were the only truly "custom" scope you could buy when I got mine, possibly still are. American made.