And I refuse to call all of these brands rebranders when some of them at least make significant changes to Kamakura specifications for example, GPO changed not only the design of the focus mechanism on one model but also the material and the surface finish that the parts were made from and also the type and grade of grease that is used. All because they wanted to achieve a particular quality of feel to the focus action. They also changed the eyecups from moulded plastic to machined aluminium. I am sure some other brands make changes too but I concede that probably they don't all do this. However the GPO example goes way beyond the rebrand notion of slapping new armour and logo on someone else's design.
Lee[/QUOTE
:t:
Maybe Kamakura made the HG and maybe not; but the super smooth focus wheel is pure Nikon!
Bob
I agree some models like Nikon HG, Conquest HD, Trinovid HD, etc. being fully designed by the brand shouldn't be labeled "clones".
But, there seems to be a glut of brand names nowadays. Just when I think I've heard of them all a new unfamiliar name will pop up. I do think there are quite a few "clone" bins out there. I guess the market for binos was always way bigger than I imagined. Seems like too many IMO...gets a bit confusing when a good amount are the same bino in a different wrapper.