Who produces the best scopes now

[para]

So looking at a lot of the manufacturing of scopes the majority are now seem to made in China, is the general consensus that China are oftern poorer qaulity compared to those made in Japan or Philippines? Following on which companies still have scopes produced elsewhere other than China ?
Im on the lookout for a new scope but im put off by the made in China tag.

[Brickhill]

You'll need deep pockets but there are loads of other options from the likes of Swarovski (Austria) , Zeiss (Germany) , Meopta, (Czech) to name but a few.

[Muskett]

Leupold still make good scopes. Bushnell too. And look out for the new players like Vortex. Nightforce still excellent.
If its going to be Chinese then have it branded by say Bushnell as they will keep check of the quality control. Hawk keep getting better but be a bit selective.

The market is swamped. Price is no guarantee of longevity and build. It really isn't that easy. Probably only 25% of the ticket price goes into the build so think with all those bells and whistles how much is in the glass???? With all the competition and yearly model changes just look out for the ones that stand out and get good reviews.

[Steyr]

So looking at a lot of the manufacturing of scopes the majority are now seem to made in China, is the general consensus that China are oftern poorer qaulity compared to those made in Japan or Philippines? Following on which companies still have scopes produced elsewhere other than China ?
Im on the lookout for a new scope but im put off by the made in China tag.

The chinese product will be made to what the european or wherever manufacturer dictates. However...chuna will replicate the production machinery and steal intellectual property as well.as innovate themselves.

They will become a significant supplier...even more than now and we are giving them the machinery and tech knowledge to rape us in later years

[Peter Dunkley]

A lot of respected Nikon lenses are now made in China.
China can produce exactly what the buyer requests good or bad.
I did read somewhere that some Leupold scopes were manufactured in China and assembled in the USA .

[simona]

If I was going to buy a scope as a keeper Leupold's combination of price, performance and lifetime guarantee take some beating. The warranty even applies to second hand owners.

The Japanese Light Optical Works makes lots of excellent scopes for loads of different brands.

[artschool]

I think Zeiss make the best scopes.

[bullbarrel]

Leupold every time for fullbore. Bit limited in the air rifle 'range' and I think the EFRs are a generation behind (my opinion) as still front focus not side focus.

The new VX3i LPR look great. Based on the MK4 chassis but 30% less.

[Muskett]

I think Zeiss make the best scopes.

Zeiss does make great scopes. Their Conquest range are excellent too. Its what I use. But Swaro do the best glass for hunting, period.
Target practical, then Night Force and Vortex are hard to beat.
The best kit is hugely expensive. Some fantastically built if a bit "stupid" heavy; but they do "it".

Mid range its a bun fight. Hard to know.

[angrybear]

So looking at a lot of the manufacturing of scopes the majority are now seem to made in China, is the general consensus that China are oftern poorer qaulity compared to those made in Japan or Philippines? Following on which companies still have scopes produced elsewhere other than China ?
Im on the lookout for a new scope but im put off by the made in China tag.

Generally speaking you get what you pay for.
There are plenty of scopes made elsewhere, if you're willing to pay for them, so It's just a case of what budget you're willing to throw at it.

OTOH if you go for the better quality Hawke's the glass is superb, Chinese or not.

For an airgun, If you pay £50 it's likely to be pants, but if you pay £250 it's going to be a lot better.