Expensive optics - anyone have buyers regret???

[mattys281]

Im so impressed with my leica rangefinder that I find myself thinking about a pair of their 10 x binos. But they're very spendy. Just curious if anyone ever bought a high dollar piece of glass like that and later thought the upgrade wasnt really worth such a large change in price? Im using nikon monarch 10x and minox 15x now, thinking about changing to the leica ultravid hd and a mid range spotting scope.

[DesertBull]

I've never looked thru Leica glass but my upgrade from Minox 15s to Swarovoski 15s was worth every penny. I got a new vortex viper HD spotter that I have no regrets on either.

[firstcoueswas110]

never. except i got some leica trinovids that are having focusing issues and im about to send them in. but i still love them and theyre worth it. im broke as heck but wouldnt even consider buying anything other than top shelp optics. lots of people like vortex, i think they suck

[lancetkenyon]

YES!

 

I regret buying expensive glass every time.

 

Because it means I will have to upgrade my next one soon.

 

Upgraded from a $550 pair of 10x42 binos to a pair of $1300 10x42s. Which led to upgrading to a pair of $1700 15x56s. Which led to upgrading to a $1300 rifle scope, which led to upgrading to a $2000 rifle scope for a different gun, which is leading to upgrading to a $2700 riflescope for yet another gun.....it is a vicious cycle. DON'T DO IT!!! Your wallet and wife will hate you. But then again, so will all of the deer/elk/coyotes/steel/paper that you will now see, or at the least, see much better.

[kwp]

Based on the classifieds and all the high $ binos that are constantly for sale after being used on only 1 or 2 hunts I'd say plenty of people have buyers remorse.

 

For me, I have no remorse at all. I consider them an investment, saving me $$ over the long term.

[WampusCat]

My only regret is now I feel like I "need" them and want more.

[trphyhntr]

Some people think more and bigger bucks are getting killed because of the internet. I think it's because a lot more people have 15's and a tripod

[shanehamblin]

I'd never get rid of either pair of swaros. When you consider how important our hunting gear is my optics are on top of the list, especially in Arizona an other western states. I know my wife hates when I "need" new binos, spotter, or rifle scope. But do I regret it? Not for a second.

[AverageJoe]

Yes i regretted it and sold them. I got wrapped up in the cycle of thinking i "needed" better optics to help me hunt better. That is lie and will only empty your wallet. Yes they are clearer but in reality i can find just as many animals with vortex as i can with swaros.

[gotcoues]

If you are worried about buyers remorse, I would consider how high the resale value is on swarovski optics. I love my leica rangefinder as well, but I would suggest buying glass elsewhere only because of popularity and resale. Leica is amazing glass, but I'm not so sure about the demand being the same. Also, you could buy used and be out almost nothing if you decide to resell. Finding a used, in like new condition pair of swaro 15s is pretty easy.

[4Falls]

I have buyers remorse whenever I buy something. Like others have said you get caught in the cycle. All I have now are a pair of 10x30's I got for free. No remorse.

[trphyhntr]

Yes i regretted it and sold them. I got wrapped up in the cycle of thinking i "needed" better optics to help me hunt better. That is lie and will only empty your wallet. Yes they are clearer but in reality i can find just as many animals with vortex as i can with swaros.

You want some peanut butter to go with that jelly?

 

Be right back selling 10 year old pair of swarovskis for $300 less than original purchase price.

[AverageJoe]

 

Yes i regretted it and sold them. I got wrapped up in the cycle of thinking i "needed" better optics to help me hunt better. That is lie and will only empty your wallet. Yes they are clearer but in reality i can find just as many animals with vortex as i can with swaros.

You want some peanut butter to go with that jelly?

 

Be right back selling 10 year old pair of swarovskis for $300 less than original purchase price.

??

[mattys281]

If you are worried about buyers remorse, I would consider how high the resale value is on swarovski optics. I love my leica rangefinder as well, but I would suggest buying glass elsewhere only because of popularity and resale. Leica is amazing glass, but I'm not so sure about the demand being the same. Also, you could buy used and be out almost nothing if you decide to resell. Finding a used, in like new condition pair of swaro 15s is pretty easy.

 

Thanks all for their input. This is an excellent point, and I've been considering it. I wish I could do an outside side-by-side comparison. Unfortunately, every pair of binoculars seems about the same when looking at the shoulder mounts in cabelas under fluorescent lights, but then you sure see a difference in them right before the sun comes up.

[azslim]

I sometimes regret my Razor HD spotter, not because of the clarity but because of the weight, I'm getting old and starting to lighten the load I pack all the time.