Ebay optics. Knock off or legit?

180ls1

WKR
Joined
Apr 19, 2020
Messages
1,215
I buy a decent amount of products from ebay. However, I am looking at an ultralight spotter (Kowa 501/502) and noticed they are significantly cheaper on eBay then anywhere else ($300 vs $350 at a big name store). Is that because they are Chinese copies or can they just pass on that kind of savings?
 

Dschwan

WKR
Joined
Feb 1, 2019
Messages
372
Location
South Dakota
This may not really answere your guestion but Im always sceptical with glass on ebay. Have you gave Camerland a call or even message them here on the forum and I'm sure they will help you out. Just my two cents.
 
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180ls1

180ls1

WKR
Joined
Apr 19, 2020
Messages
1,215
This may not really answere your guestion but Im always sceptical with glass on ebay. Have you gave Camerland a call or even message them here on the forum and I'm sure they will help you out. Just my two cents.
I dont know much about them. Are they the "go to?"
 

Actual_Cryptid

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 16, 2021
Messages
200
I've had good dealings with Cameraland more than once, but there are other reputable options. If you can be patient, watch for sales around holidays and lurk equipment exchanges. If not, IMO stick with reputable dealers. SWFA/Scopelist has used and demo models occasionally but selections are limited. AAOptics also gets shipments of refurbed Vortex stuff at decent prices but it's a few days of supply sporadically and the good stuff (Vipers, Razors) sells out in a day or less sometimes.

Eotech (L3), Trijicon, and Aimpoint all recommend you only buy from authorized dealers, FWIW. I dunno if I've ever seen a Kowa knockoff but they're not something I'd look at typically anyway.
 

gr8fuldoug

WKR
Rokslide Sponsor
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May 21, 2013
Messages
5,443
Location
Old Bethpage, NY
This may not really answere your guestion but Im always sceptical with glass on ebay. Have you gave Camerland a call or even message them here on the forum and I'm sure they will help you out. Just my two cents.
As a long standing supporting vendor on this forum it would be our pleasure to discuss this as well as special opportunities with you. Please give us a call, 516-217-1000, if you have a few minutes
 
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