What makes high end optics so expensive?

[JGRaider]

This is super interesting to me - wondering if it's an issue of the chemical makeup/application of the lens coatings, or something else...

Anyone else have experience with optics fading or getting blurry as they get older?

It's a ridiculous statement is what it is.

 

[JGRaider]

Vortex anything is going to fade over time. Wether it's a year or 3 years. They going to fade, get blurry on edges and break on some form or fashion.
Swaro and zeiss never will.
Warranties are all the same. Vortex is most highly used warranty for a reason.

Recon if the optic sits in closet 10 or 11 months a year it would be ok. Otherwise it's poo poo caca...

This is amazingly ignorant.

 

[SikaSeeker]

Optics do not "fade"

Vintage optics form oxide layer , or the balsalm can separate. This needs pro cleaning. In something like Vortex the tech is so settled even coating degradation would take a LONG time to happen[30 years] maybe less if getting abused. The worry is wear parts like hinge, focuser, eye cups and particularly rubber armour.

Even swarovski have had a major issue with rubber armour after reformulating for more environmentally friendly version. Probably lost long term customers. And everyone is aware of their great reputation.

Lots depends on type of user, guys in tropics experience issues with every brand as the humidity and temps are brutal on anything.

 

[Chris in TN]

The worry is wear parts like hinge, focuser, eye cups and particularly rubber armour.

Even swarovski have had a major issue with rubber armour after reformulating for more environmentally friendly version. Probably lost long term customers. And everyone is aware of their great reputation.

Lots depends on type of user, guys in tropics experience issues with every brand as the humidity and temps are brutal on anything.

I really wish someone made user-swappable eyecups.

I have cycled through more Leupold binos (thanks, great warranty) than I can even count, due to eyecups. That isn't meant as a criticism of Leupold, in any form, that's just what brand I bought a couple pair of 20+ years ago and it seems like every couple years the eyecups get broken.

 

[Deadfall]

This is amazingly ignorant.

Negative ghost ridet!!!
1000 percent my experience and I have gobs of that.
Yall like that junk knock yourselves put...
Your opinion matters ABSOLUTELY ZERO when compared to my experience

 

[glock24]

This is a simple economic problem. The price always reflects what the market will bear.

 

[jones3jd]

what is considered high end?

 

[Rich M]

what is considered high end?

Used to call em "Alpha" glass. The term has been watered down a bit, so we can just say high end is more than most can or will afford.

 

[JLH3]

Vortex anything is going to fade over time. Wether it's a year or 3 years. They going to fade, get blurry on edges and break on some form or fashion.
Swaro and zeiss never will.
Warranties are all the same. Vortex is most highly used warranty for a reason.

Recon if the optic sits in closet 10 or 11 months a year it would be ok. Otherwise it's poo poo caca...

I would say that depends on what level of Vortex you’re talking about. I’ve had a set of 10x42 UHD’s for several years and they’re just as good now as they were when I got them.

 

[JGRaider]

I would say that depends on what level of Vortex you’re talking about. I’ve had a set of 10x42 UHD’s for several years and they’re just as good now as they were when I got them.

Same here, mine is the 8x32 UHD and a Fury AB. He has no clue what he's talking about.

 

[Pulleye16]

Another huge cost for optics, or anything, is the warranty. You can bet if it has a lifetime warranty, you are paying that cost upfront to replace that item.

There's plenty on here who hate vortex (all forums have "their" brand)...but IMO, they have GREAT optics! And they are a great company.

 

[ghostrider272]

The quality of the glass they start with and then the amount of grinding and polishing that is done factors into the cost. Glass quality that is purchased can be dependent on the material composition as well as time involved with heating and cooling rates. This came from a rep at the Swarovski factory.

 

[bighornbor]

I had a Vortex diamondback spotter and after hard hunting for 3 days, it actually hurt my eyes to look through it. I use a Swarovski in the same mag now, and sometimes my eyes feel better looking through it.

 

[IdahoJoe29]

Hans and Franz in Germany need their 3 months of vacation and only working 3 days a week

 

[IdahoJoe29]

Vortex anything is going to fade over time. Wether it's a year or 3 years. They going to fade, get blurry on edges and break on some form or fashion.
Swaro and zeiss never will.
Warranties are all the same. Vortex is most highly used warranty for a reason.

Recon if the optic sits in closet 10 or 11 months a year it would be ok. Otherwise it's poo poo caca...

Vortex uses customers for the r and d

 

[SikaSeeker]

Vortex anything is going to fade over time. Wether it's a year or 3 years. They going to fade, get blurry on edges and break on some form or fashion.
Swaro and zeiss never will.
Warranties are all the same. Vortex is most highly used warranty for a reason.

Recon if the optic sits in closet 10 or 11 months a year it would be ok. Otherwise it's poo poo caca...

Some of the funniest stuff Ive read in my life regarding optics.

Modern glass doesnt fade or get blurry at edges over time*

*Old soda-lime glass requires special cleaning with vinegar/ mild acid due to reaction that causes alkaline leeching forming bloom.

The top brands generally better because established, have depth of knowledge/expertise plus R&D is expensive.

Many chinese optics manufacturers are now rivalling the Big 3 for 25% of RRP but you wont have same warranty/aftercare or prestige. The build quality of vortex isnt same as Leica/Zeiss so dont expect them to stand up to abuse.

The top end brands are expensive, usually a good move to find a second hand in mint condition and ensure warranty transfers[usually should].

Swaro serviced my NLs I picked up used for $1350 no questions asked.