Is glass quality in scopes actually a factor?

[BCDJR]

The team at area 419 has a good review….on YouTube

The ULTIMATE TEST - 2025 Big Boy Precision Optic Shootout​

 

[Scottf270]

Glass only needs to be good enough to get you to legal shooting light in the worst conditions. Anything more is a want, not a need. If a guy can afford it, have at it.

 

[JimIsland]

I hunt from a tree stand so moving in closer isn't an option for me. My shots are from 50-300 yards with an average of 150ish. Hunters have different scenarios, needs, wants, budgets, eyes....you name it. I completely understand the merits of a "drop test" or proper tracking.....but when I pay premium money for a premium scope with alpha glass, I expect those things to work as they should. IF I should happen to drop one, I'll check to see if it held zero. If it doesn't, I'll grab another rifle and go hunting.
Alpha glass DOES make a difference in extreme low light however, whether that is less or more important than tracking, drop tests, etc. is entirely up to the user.

 

[jaredg]

After earlier stating why I need premium glass, I look at scopes like cars. You've got the Range Rover / Swarovskis, the Toyota Hilux / SWFA and the S&B / Porsche 911.

Do you need a 911? Nope. The Hilux is the most bulletproof vehicle ever made and waaaay cheaper. Both do the same thing. Point A to point B reliably without leaving you stranded. But which would you enjoy more? To some it will be the simplicity and bulletproofness of the Toyota. But some are going to want a little more. Hence, the 911.

The Swaro / Range Rover group. Gorgeous works of art. More high maintenance & unreliable than teenagers.

Do you need premium glass? Probably not. A few of us legitimately do. Buy what you love. None of us really need the validation of others on our choices. If you love it and it works for you that's all that matters. Do you need it, maybe not. Did you work hard for it and love it? Enjoy the hell out of it.

Probably applies to caliber choices, gun choices, scope choices, etc

 

[Brad1974]

You don't want to ask me... I have compared my $220 pair of vortex diamondback HD 10x50 binoculars side by side with my brothers Swarovski 10x42 binos, and I can't see an improvement with the Swaro's... so I don't really think glass quality will be the difference on a scope either... as long as it's within reason of course. The budget glass out there today is far better than it was back in the olden days.

 

[jaredg]

You don't want to ask me... I have compared my $220 pair of vortex diamondback HD 10x50 binoculars side by side with my brothers Swarovski 10x42 binos, and I can't see an improvement with the Swaro's... so I don't really think glass quality will be the difference on a scope either... as long as it's within reason of course. The budget glass out there today is far better than it was back in the olden days.

I believe you. You probably have eyes like my son & wife. I'm envious. I have to spend way more $$$ to get the same enjoyment or result.

If we had equal budgets, you would probably end up a far superior hunter (you probably already are) due to the fact that your ammo budget would be $3k more then mine.

We have to opposite side of the spectrum here, and Brad makes a valid point.

Edited to include:
My eyes are a moneypit, I'd trade good vision for Vortex glass all day.