Meopta production moving to China

[deye243]

If you would like an MEOPTA scope get in there a few sales going on they are moving production from Europe to China

[Wapiti]

Ya canna be serious Captain

[GQshayne]

My guess is that is only for the cheaper stuff such as the Meopro or Optika. Reckon the expensive ones will be made as they are now. As far as I know, they are still a manufacturer of high end components for other Euro scopes.

Time will tell!

[on_one_wheel]

Here's to you communist China and your slave labour, child labour and the general abuse of human rights... scum
Fancy supporting that crap by moving production there.

[Wapiti]

They were very nice scopes to look through, not that great though. Compare them on a very dull overcast day against a comparable Austrian scope, or even a 30mm tube VX3i of the same or similar price point.

We bought 2 Meoptas, they were 2-10x50's. One was fitted to my wife's 300 SAUM Rem Titanium, the other to a 300 RUM sporter of mine. We had friends out on this very hot Australia Day long weekend, and were out for a walk after pigs coming in to oat paddocks. It was late afternoon and the temperature was in the mid 40's.

She fired one shot, as did I, and both of our new Meoptas were ruined. The hot day melted some lubricant inside the power change mechanism, and it splattered against an internal lens on both from the shot recoil, and they were unusable. Just like that.

Thank f**k I bought them from Cleavers. Because the distributor/importer here just refused to consider warranty, and screwed us around for 6 months. Eventually Jade just said, I'll wear it until this is sorted, another importer NIOA has offered you two comparable price point Leupolds after a discussion.
So I got two new 3-1/2-10x50 30mm tube VX3's, complete with Lumina flip up lens caps as replacements.
Which to my eyes, in low light, were immediately obviously better and don't melt internal lubricants in Australian conditions.

So I replaced the only Meoptas I'll ever have, because
1. The scopes aren't that great. European doesn't mean great. At least with Meopta.
2. The importer treated us like it was our fault because we expected the scopes to be used in conditions we felt were part of expected Australian conditions.
3. There are way better options for the price point if you can see past the marketing hype.

I reckon putting that up here will annoy or offend some Meopta users, oh well. "I use my Meopota in extreme conditions and it's never failed". Sure you do. My advice is to stay away from them if you are after gear that can handle any Aussie conditions. Moving to China isn't a great loss.

[Bugman]

Certainly don't agree with your assessment of Meopta. I have been in the lens game for many years and the Meopta glass is excellent.'
Certainly up there with Zeiss, Schott etc. Hunting in 40+ heat, in my books is just stupid so what did you expect, that it wouldn't affect some of your kit? By the way I have dealt with the importer here and had no problems. Maybe it was just your attitude, don't know as I wasn't there.

[Fester]

My Meopro 6-18 has been fine for about 10 years now and it's as clear or clearer than any other $600 scope.

Can get a deal on the old ones now for the same price if HPGS still has them on sale.

[Billo]

If you would like an MEOPTA scope get in there a few sales going on they are moving production from Europe to China

I'm interested to hear where you got this information from ? I cant find anything and the recent expansion of the Czech production facilities would indicate they are predominately CZ made. I have owned probably 9 or 10 Meopta's and have 4 on working hunting guns atm, never had a failure or warranty apart from needing a new rubber for the ocular which I ordered from my local gunshop


https://www.meopta.com/en/news/

[bigrich]

They were very nice scopes to look through, not that great though. Compare them on a very dull overcast day against a comparable Austrian scope, or even a 30mm tube VX3i of the same or similar price point.

We bought 2 Meoptas, they were 2-10x50's. One was fitted to my wife's 300 SAUM Rem Titanium, the other to a 300 RUM sporter of mine. We had friends out on this very hot Australia Day long weekend, and were out for a walk after pigs coming in to oat paddocks. It was late afternoon and the temperature was in the mid 40's.

She fired one shot, as did I, and both of our new Meoptas were ruined. The hot day melted some lubricant inside the power change mechanism, and it splattered against an internal lens on both from the shot recoil, and they were unusable. Just like that.

Thank f**k I bought them from Cleavers. Because the distributor/importer here just refused to consider warranty, and screwed us around for 6 months. Eventually Jade just said, I'll wear it until this is sorted, another importer NIOA has offered you two comparable price point Leupolds after a discussion.
So I got two new 3-1/2-10x50 30mm tube VX3's, complete with Lumina flip up lens caps as replacements.
Which to my eyes, in low light, were immediately obviously better and don't melt internal lubricants in Australian conditions.

So I replaced the only Meoptas I'll ever have, because
1. The scopes aren't that great. European doesn't mean great. At least with Meopta.
2. The importer treated us like it was our fault because we expected the scopes to be used in conditions we felt were part of expected Australian conditions.
3. There are way better options for the price point if you can see past the marketing hype.

I reckon putting that up here will annoy or offend some Meopta users, oh well. "I use my Meopota in extreme conditions and it's never failed". Sure you do. My advice is to stay away from them if you are after gear that can handle any Aussie conditions. Moving to China isn't a great loss.

all i own these days are leupold great scopes, except for that CDS cr@p . first rate warranty and after sales service . they warranty the scope for it's life regardless of who owns it

[Wapiti]

Just putting out there what happened to us.
Maybe it's what we do, where we do it and what we expect our gear to perform like.
As far as I am concerned, in extreme conditions here is Australia, Meoptas products failed. Their importers here treated us like fools when shown failures on two identical scopes in identical defects impossible to fake, in heat that four hunters managed to take in their stride. But the scopes didn't.
Then, someone else with better customer service arranged to make good, organising a completely different company with a brand that in the VX3 class is tougher, clearer and has NEVER failed our expectations. And has resulted in more than 25 other Leupold scopes coming into our possession since.

Why wouldn't we be disappointed in that experience, or ever trust that under-engineered and under-supported European brand ever again?

[GQshayne]

I have two Meoptas, and they have EXCELLENT optics. No way to separate them from my Swaro.

However, they are not the cheaper models such as Meopro or Optika. Both of mine are Meostars.

[Oldbloke]

Bigrich, what was wrong with "except for that CDS cr@p"?

I just bought one.

[Billo]

Funny how some laud the quality of Leupold, well I've got a reasonably expensive Vx5HD that has got flecks coming off the inner tube I can only guess and attaching to the reticle and moving around under recoil, f***ing junk, I have never owned a more expensive scope and its crapped itself. Yes thank ph u c k I can get it repaired locally.

[Wapiti]

We've got a few of the VX3HD with the CDS dial, and have never felt the need to use them, because they are set up on rifles used in the field.
These scopes are nice, svelte streamlined optics perfect for that use.
Nobody has time to stuff about with drop, pretty much because shooting across paddocks is done at ranges where you can hold to take the shot and it's always within the point hit of any adequate cartridge used.
The specific long range guns we have for fun have MK4 or Nightforce scopes with full external adjustment, so those scopes are more convenient for that.

Nothing is wrong with the CDS idea, and it's certainly not crap. It's driven by some particular US craze to shoot at animals too far away, using a hunting scope. That's my take on it, anyway.

What I find hilarious, and really brings out an individuals character, is when you post up a real experience you have with a product that is actually wanting and is a true warning, and people get all narky and refuse to accept it. Because to their narcissistic personality, it's a personal attack on their gear and their choices. So they post up some garbage to counter your choice, from their armchair.

[Oldbloke]

Yeh, I don't need the CDS function at all. It will be just used as a basic hunting scope. Certainly not long range. My only concern is bumping the dial but given how I hunt I think it will be ok.

[Billo]

We've got a few of the VX3HD with the CDS dial, and have never felt the need to use them, because they are set up on rifles used in the field.
These scopes are nice, svelte streamlined optics perfect for that use.
Nobody has time to stuff about with drop, pretty much because shooting across paddocks is done at ranges where you can hold to take the shot and it's always within the point hit of any adequate cartridge used.
The specific long range guns we have for fun have MK4 or Nightforce scopes with full external adjustment, so those scopes are more convenient for that.

Nothing is wrong with the CDS idea, and it's certainly not crap. It's driven by some particular US craze to shoot at animals too far away, using a hunting scope. That's my take on it, anyway.

What I find hilarious, and really brings out an individuals character, is when you post up a real experience you have with a product that is actually wanting and is a true warning, and people get all narky and refuse to accept it. Because to their narcissistic personality, it's a personal attack on their gear and their choices. So they post up some garbage to counter your choice, from their armchair.

So glad you acknowledge your own rant wapiti I gotta ask but what were you hunting in 45 C weather ? btw I still have that VX5HD, happy to post up pics

[bigrich]

i've had all sorts of leupolds and they've all been brilliant ,vx1's to vx5's . i think the freedom range has cheapened them a bit , but i'd still own one . got rid of the vx5's for more compact vx2's and 3's . i don't need or want CDS . i like to keep things simple . work up a load , sight in for 2" high at 100, and range test for drop at 200 and 300 to know my trajectory , simples . guessing distance is the only trick after that .

[Oldbloke]

i've had all sorts of leupolds and they've all been brilliant ,vx1's to vx5's . i think the freedom range has cheapened them a bit , but i'd still own one . got rid of the vx5's for more compact vx2's and 3's . i don't need or want CDS . i like to keep things simple . work up a load , sight in for 2" high at 100, and range test for drop at 200 and 300 to know my trajectory , simples . guessing distance is the only trick after that .

OK, that's what I'm doing. I now have it set abt 1" high at 100y. And the dial is now set on "0". So, I can immediately see if it's changed.

Rarely shoot over 150yards, so I don't even bother with checking the trajectory.

[Fester]

I have never owned a top line Euro scope and never will with scope prices now.

Lots of blokes used to describe Leupolds as over-rated and now they cost near double the price, I tend to agree.
They are nothing special, just a good reliable scope and decent clarity.
They are a good choice for a lightweight scope that is still strong and reliable.

Haters are gunna hate, but if you don't need the CDS dial, just zero it and leave it there.
If you dial with one, it would be best to zero at 100 so it works at 2 and 300.
I have shot a couple of deer at 2-220 and one was with buck fever when I left the scope on 4x and didn't use the range finder.
Sort of lucky I sight in at a good 1 and a half high at 100 as I just went up the leg and shot mid animal high.

My 6-18 Meopro is on my .223 and used like a rabbit or fox varminter so it is zeroed at 100 and I know the BDC reticle marks for 2 and 300yds. I have only shot critters at LR once and walked a couple of shots in, then hit it's mate with one shot, both dead so OK, but I then set up a longer range rifle and taught my-self to shoot at longer ranges.
The scope was just a $1,200 Bushy but it is still going well and been on for about a decade now.

The rifle is just a Howa varmint bedded into a Boyds stock as you don't need to spend the big bucks to shoot well.

[bigrich]

I have never owned a top line Euro scope and never will with scope prices now.

Lots of blokes used to describe Leupolds as over-rated and now they cost near double the price, I tend to agree.
They are nothing special, just a good reliable scope and decent clarity.
They are a good choice for a lightweight scope that is still strong and reliable.

Haters are gunna hate, but if you don't need the CDS dial, just zero it and leave it there.
If you dial with one, it would be best to zero at 100 so it works at 2 and 300.
I have shot a couple of deer at 2-220 and one was with buck fever when I left the scope on 4x and didn't use the range finder.
Sort of lucky I sight in at a good 1 and a half high at 100 as I just went up the leg and shot mid animal high.

My 6-18 Meopro is on my .223 and used like a rabbit or fox varminter so it is zeroed at 100 and I know the BDC reticle marks for 2 and 300yds. I have only shot critters at LR once and walked a couple of shots in, then hit it's mate with one shot, both dead so OK, but I then set up a longer range rifle and taught my-self to shoot at longer ranges.
The scope was just a $1,200 Bushy but it is still going well and been on for about a decade now.

The rifle is just a Howa varmint bedded into a Boyds stock as you don't need to spend the big bucks to shoot well.

i've bought leupolds new in the past , but these days i buy second hand leupolds, say vx1's and 2's for $350-$500, vx3's for a bit more, and send them off for a service . brilliant

[Fester]

Blokes say, just buy used, but I found with gun-sales sites, they all just want a profit by using the latest prices as a guide.

I only ever bought 2 rifles from Abused Guns and never from Qld as I heard about all the excellent condition rusty old farm guns.
The whole site is designed for the seller, or more like their own commission.
Sight unseen, no contact with seller, who wants a price that I could beat buying a new gun.

I just buy new as the scopes seem much the same.

I recently searched out my big Bushy receipt just in case.
Seems the shop was using that disappearing ink scam and I didn't make a copy.

[Oldbloke]

i've bought leupolds new in the past , but these days i buy second hand leupolds, say vx1's and 2's for $350-$500, vx3's for a bit more, and send them off for a service . brilliant

I just bought my second Leupold from a used gun site.
Saved about $180 and only 2 years old. In virtually new condition.

The other about 13years old but cheap and works fine.

But I'm very careful and expect to see plenty of quality pics, esp the serial number.
Probably been lucky too. But if they don't work right just send them in for a 100,000k service as BR said.

I wouldn't buy any other scope second hand tho.

[Bugman]

Just had coffe with one my old industry contacts, According to him, the rumor is not true (at present). Some components have been made in China but, as far as he is aware, the main finished optics are still made in the Czech republic.

[deye243]

Just had coffe with one my old industry contacts, According to him, the rumor is not true (at present). Some components have been made in China but, as far as he is aware, the main finished optics are still made in the Czech republic.

So it looks like the barn in Queensland are full of s*** because they were the ones who sent me the email

[Bugman]

Can't answer for them. As I said, my contact said, according to him and his sources, it is not true (at present) Maybe the QLD mob
knows more or maybe a ploy to move current stock out quickly. I have not dealt with them at any time, myself.

[allan]

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/what%E2%80%99s-going-on-with-meopta.7250731/

Doug from Camera Land usually has a pretty good handle on the latest news when it comes to optics.

[jpsauer88]

Certainly don't agree with your assessment of Meopta. I have been in the lens game for many years and the Meopta glass is excellent.'
Certainly up there with Zeiss, Schott etc. Hunting in 40+ heat, in my books is just stupid so what did you expect, that it wouldn't affect some of your kit? By the way I have dealt with the importer here and had no problems. Maybe it was just your attitude, don't know as I wasn't there.

Really hear a lot of people say this and I need to "correct" or provide my opinion.

Looking through them, no they are nothing like a GERMAN MADE zeiss in terms of glass (v6, v8, Diavari). Contrast, clarity, chromatic aberration, in no way does this look remotely as good as a Zeiss that is made in germany. The Conquest HD series, no idea havn't looked through it.

The Meopta OPTIKA range is average, something everyone is familiar with - glass quality is below a Vortex Viper PST. I am not a vortex fan, my bushnells (japanese made elite) are far nicer to my eyes.

The Meopta OPTIKA:
1. NOT On par with any european made optic in the top tier (Zeiss, S&B, Steiner, Swarovski, Kahles, Leica etc) in terms of glass - no where near.
2. NOT made in CZ
3. NOT the best quality scope for the money in terms of durability
4. NOT made with Schott Glass
5. NOT a lifetime warranty

The Meopta OPTIKA
1. IS a decent scope for the money in terms of features
2. IS easy to resell
3. IS punching at its price tag

Meopta Meostar is a real Meopta. Meopta Optika is not, what they done different is they kept the location of where their OPTIKA series scopes is made very hush hush so that they tell you its not made in CZ but dont tell you where it is made. Multiple scope reviewers and myself have contacted Meopta requesting this information nothing apart from "some components made in Asia". Which components, surely if it was still using Meopta Euro glass they would have stated this as it is to their advantage. This is how it costs half as much as a Meostar which is proudly announced as Made in Czech republic. This has worked in their benefit as most have taken the misleading statement of having cz on their scope thinking it is made there with European glass.

Now for those who want to dispute clarity - theres a youtuber who raves on about them (also has affiliated links so no guess as to why he does) CDOES he shows a side by side comparison, the whole time i thought the Viper was the Meopta as he was talking it up alot. Turns out, the Meopta was the one of the right. If I could upload a image I would, heres the link. No need to take any word or opinion I mention, see for yourself at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKUkfWlUDPM look at 15:20 and feel free to browse. You can easily see (ensure you have your settings on max quality) the viper is head and shoulders above the Meopta.

Just really good advertising is all. Pick one up at a store, then pick up a swaro, V6 Zeiss etc and tell me they look the same. Look at a object atleast 100m away, look at high contrast objects, pay attention to the image contrast, blades of grass etc.

Warranty - is very limited on Meopta.

Meopta Meostar is a different story - they are brilliant- and if you ever pick one up compare it next to the optika, its quite noticeable in glass and build that these are not in the same realm of quality standards. There are coatings that the Meostar receives that the Optika does not (Meolux ion)

As someone mentioned earlier - the level of glass of the Diavari isnt really necessary, but then again for some a little luxury sometimes is necessary - this si why we have choice if your $200 scope is enough for you, be happy with it and enjoy it. As long as your having a good time personally, thats what matters truly. There are cheap scopes that do an excellent job. I was just correcting this idea that the current Optika series has same glass quality as scopes 5x the price for the glass connoisseurs

[Bugman]

Certainly don't agree with your assessment of Meopta. I have been in the lens game for many years and the Meopta glass is excellent.'
Certainly up there with Zeiss, Schott etc. Hunting in 40+ heat, in my books is just stupid so what did you expect, that it wouldn't affect some of your kit? By the way I have dealt with the importer here and had no problems. Maybe it was just your attitude, don't know as I wasn't there.

Really hear a lot of people say this and I need to "correct" or provide my opinion.

Looking through them, no they are nothing like a GERMAN MADE zeiss in terms of glass (v6, v8, Diavari). Contrast, clarity, chromatic aberration, in no way does this look remotely as good as a Zeiss that is made in germany. The Conquest HD series, no idea havn't looked through it.

The Meopta OPTIKA range is average, something everyone is familiar with - glass quality is below a Vortex Viper PST. I am not a vortex fan, my bushnells (japanese made elite) are far nicer to my eyes.

The Meopta OPTIKA:
1. NOT On par with any european made optic in the top tier (Zeiss, S&B, Steiner, Swarovski, Kahles, Leica etc) in terms of glass - no where near.
2. NOT made in CZ
3. NOT the best quality scope for the money in terms of durability
4. NOT made with Schott Glass
5. NOT a lifetime warranty

The Meopta OPTIKA
1. IS a decent scope for the money in terms of features
2. IS easy to resell
3. IS punching at its price tag

Meopta Meostar is a real Meopta. Meopta Optika is not, what they done different is they kept the location of where their OPTIKA series scopes is made very hush hush so that they tell you its not made in CZ but dont tell you where it is made. Multiple scope reviewers and myself have contacted Meopta requesting this information nothing apart from "some components made in Asia". Which components, surely if it was still using Meopta Euro glass they would have stated this as it is to their advantage. This is how it costs half as much as a Meostar which is proudly announced as Made in Czech republic. This has worked in their benefit as most have taken the misleading statement of having cz on their scope thinking it is made there with European glass.

Now for those who want to dispute clarity - theres a youtuber who raves on about them (also has affiliated links so no guess as to why he does) CDOES he shows a side by side comparison, the whole time i thought the Viper was the Meopta as he was talking it up alot. Turns out, the Meopta was the one of the right. If I could upload a image I would, heres the link. No need to take any word or opinion I mention, see for yourself at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKUkfWlUDPM look at 15:20 and feel free to browse. You can easily see (ensure you have your settings on max quality) the viper is head and shoulders above the Meopta.

Just really good advertising is all. Pick one up at a store, then pick up a swaro, V6 Zeiss etc and tell me they look the same. Look at a object atleast 100m away, look at high contrast objects, pay attention to the image contrast, blades of grass etc.

Warranty - is very limited on Meopta.

Meopta Meostar is a different story - they are brilliant- and if you ever pick one up compare it next to the optika, its quite noticeable in glass and build that these are not in the same realm of quality standards. There are coatings that the Meostar receives that the Optika does not (Meolux ion)

As someone mentioned earlier - the level of glass of the Diavari isnt really necessary, but then again for some a little luxury sometimes is necessary - this si why we have choice if your $200 scope is enough for you, be happy with it and enjoy it. As long as your having a good time personally, thats what matters truly. There are cheap scopes that do an excellent job. I was just correcting this idea that the current Optika series has same glass quality as scopes 5x the price for the glass connoisseurs

As I said in my original reply, in the industry I was in I found meopta glass excellent. I did not mention scopes but curiosity has gotten the better of me. While your opinion is welcome, how did come to the assessment of meopta scopes. Was it by some youtube post? As for scopes, I have had the pleasure and been fortunate enough to have used, Schmidt and Bender, Leica
the odd Leupold. I had used a Meopta scope and found it very good for the shooting it was intended for. That's my opinion.

[jpsauer88]

My opinion comes from looking through these scopes, I am very fussy - low light, high contrast areas etc. The "what its intended for" is a little vague. They are intended to see a target, hold zero and track. They do that well. But its the aesthetics of the image that people spend thousands on - to some it is irrelevant 'dont need to inspect the deer for ticks, just trying to shoot it' to others who want to squeeze most out of sunset/sunrise or care about the aesthetics of the image, they may not be happy with sight picture - a hobby.

Afterall, as a tool, a scope can be had for $200 that is durable with lifetime warranty in many brands. In that regard, Meopta's warranty would fetch as one of the worst with only 10 years warranty. Bushnell, Leupold, Vortex, Burris even the humble Nikko all have lifetime (many more). S&B has 20 years, so if looking for a scope that is good for what it was made to do - I would humbly buy a scope with a lifetime warranty for a third of the price.

If i want the aesthetics of crystal glass, contrast, etc I would opt for a different brand.
I should point out glass and coatings (scopes are really in the business of coatings more than anything else) have come a long way with tech. Now we have scopes that are made in China that look VERY good and ones in japan that are amazing to look through. I am one to stick to the well known but nothing wrong with experimenting with some of the new names.

[GQshayne]

Certainly don't agree with your assessment of Meopta. I have been in the lens game for many years and the Meopta glass is excellent.'
Certainly up there with Zeiss, Schott etc. Hunting in 40+ heat, in my books is just stupid so what did you expect, that it wouldn't affect some of your kit? By the way I have dealt with the importer here and had no problems. Maybe it was just your attitude, don't know as I wasn't there.

Really hear a lot of people say this and I need to "correct" or provide my opinion.

Looking through them, no they are nothing like a GERMAN MADE zeiss in terms of glass (v6, v8, Diavari). Contrast, clarity, chromatic aberration, in no way does this look remotely as good as a Zeiss that is made in germany. The Conquest HD series, no idea havn't looked through it.

The Meopta OPTIKA range is average, something everyone is familiar with - glass quality is below a Vortex Viper PST. I am not a vortex fan, my bushnells (japanese made elite) are far nicer to my eyes.

The Meopta OPTIKA:
1. NOT On par with any european made optic in the top tier (Zeiss, S&B, Steiner, Swarovski, Kahles, Leica etc) in terms of glass - no where near.
2. NOT made in CZ
3. NOT the best quality scope for the money in terms of durability
4. NOT made with Schott Glass
5. NOT a lifetime warranty

The Meopta OPTIKA
1. IS a decent scope for the money in terms of features
2. IS easy to resell
3. IS punching at its price tag

Meopta Meostar is a real Meopta. Meopta Optika is not, what they done different is they kept the location of where their OPTIKA series scopes is made very hush hush so that they tell you its not made in CZ but dont tell you where it is made. Multiple scope reviewers and myself have contacted Meopta requesting this information nothing apart from "some components made in Asia". Which components, surely if it was still using Meopta Euro glass they would have stated this as it is to their advantage. This is how it costs half as much as a Meostar which is proudly announced as Made in Czech republic. This has worked in their benefit as most have taken the misleading statement of having cz on their scope thinking it is made there with European glass.

Now for those who want to dispute clarity - theres a youtuber who raves on about them (also has affiliated links so no guess as to why he does) CDOES he shows a side by side comparison, the whole time i thought the Viper was the Meopta as he was talking it up alot. Turns out, the Meopta was the one of the right. If I could upload a image I would, heres the link. No need to take any word or opinion I mention, see for yourself at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKUkfWlUDPM look at 15:20 and feel free to browse. You can easily see (ensure you have your settings on max quality) the viper is head and shoulders above the Meopta.

Just really good advertising is all. Pick one up at a store, then pick up a swaro, V6 Zeiss etc and tell me they look the same. Look at a object atleast 100m away, look at high contrast objects, pay attention to the image contrast, blades of grass etc.

Warranty - is very limited on Meopta.

Meopta Meostar is a different story - they are brilliant- and if you ever pick one up compare it next to the optika, its quite noticeable in glass and build that these are not in the same realm of quality standards. There are coatings that the Meostar receives that the Optika does not (Meolux ion)

As someone mentioned earlier - the level of glass of the Diavari isnt really necessary, but then again for some a little luxury sometimes is necessary - this si why we have choice if your $200 scope is enough for you, be happy with it and enjoy it. As long as your having a good time personally, thats what matters truly. There are cheap scopes that do an excellent job. I was just correcting this idea that the current Optika series has same glass quality as scopes 5x the price for the glass connoisseurs

At my home, with time on my side, tested at a distance, under low light conditions, I had a Leupold, Zeiss Diavari, Swaro Z6, and the Meopta Meostar. The Leupold was not in the race, but no surpise as I did not expect it to be. It was an older scope, and the model is not known. I am sure a high spec Leupold in the same price range would compare well.

As for the others, it is hard to separate the Meostar from the Zeiss or Swarovski. The Meostar has a 30 year warranty. It is a very high quality optic.