Spotting Scopes/Binoculars....European Makes?

[tatonka]

Has anyone had an opportunity to compare some of the high end European Spotting Scopes and Binoculars(Swarovski, Zeiss, etc.) with American manufacturers that claim to be comparable? In Cabela's catalog they state Cabela Brand Binoculars are comparable to the European Brands for several hundred dollars less. Other brands make the same claim with their reference to "European Optics" in their product descriptions. I'm just wondering if the European Optic fad is the real deal or imagined.

[mouthcaller]

I have compared Zeiss, Leica, and Swaro binos with the best American brands. While I am certainly no optics expert I could see a difference, but the ? is, is the difference worth the difference in $$$.

Cabelas Euro Binos are made, I think, by Meopta. I personally haven't seen them.

I've handled the Bushnell Elite binos and they are outstanding. They retail for around one grand. I've had less experience with the Leupold binos, but the ones I've handled were quite good.

My current bino is a Pentax DCF SP 8X43 and I think it is excellent, just below the European premium binos but significantly less costly. The SPs were once called the best scope value for less than $600.00. I won't argue the validity of that statement, but I will say that they are all the glass I ever intend to buy.

If I were a elk guide out west and depended on my optics for success I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Swaro ELs. For all other purposes the Pentax binos have and likely will provide me years of outstanding service.