My brother was talking to a UK supplier earlier today about the 82mm model. It made for some pretty depressing news for anyone hankering after one of these. Key takeaways:
1) Leica are being bullish about the retail price. Credit crunch or no credit crunch, the basic price isn't likely to come down anytime soon as a concession to the current economic climate, so don't expect anything more than a 'free' stay on case (and how much of a concession is that really? It must cost a lot less to manufacture, market and cover the retailer's margin than the £150 they charge)
2) The units won't be available until next month at the earliest and, even then, it sounds like supply will be drip-fed with some existing firm orders possibly not being met until February 09
3) As a result, the older 77mm Televids are still commanding good prices second-hand (I've watched a few on ebay and they are mostly going for £700+) as many presumably settle for a Leica they can afford
As a marketing professional myself I don't know whether to pity or grudgingly admire how Leica have handled the launch of these new models. The lack of communication about the ongoing delays is certainly frustrating but only adds to the anticipation I guess. They clearly believe in not rushing the product to market before they feel it's ready and they also have absolute faith in the value of what they have produced. A considerable amount of R&D will have gone into this kit and, as mentioned elsewhere on this thread, the fact that they will inevitably sell fewer of these very top-end scopes than say a mid-range model will have been factored into their business plan and hence their retail price point.
I was fortunate enough to get a good 20 minutes-or-so use out of one of the APO 82mm models Leica had on their stand at this year's Birdfair and I have to say it was a pleasure to use. I personally found the wide angle lens amazing and, as a spectacles-wearer, the 'comfort' of the view seemed superior to all the other makes and models I tried that day: when comparing views at the same magnification it felt like I was looking down a smarties tube in comparison.
That said, like many others here I'm really not sure I can justify £2,500 on a piece of kit that will inevitably get knocked about in the field no matter how careful I am. I genuinely think I'd be too petrified to take it out of the house, rather defeating the object!
I really wish Leica well as I respect their products and their brand values but I have my doubts as to whether I'll see many of these models in the field.
David
1) Leica are being bullish about the retail price. Credit crunch or no credit crunch, the basic price isn't likely to come down anytime soon as a concession to the current economic climate, so don't expect anything more than a 'free' stay on case (and how much of a concession is that really? It must cost a lot less to manufacture, market and cover the retailer's margin than the £150 they charge)
2) The units won't be available until next month at the earliest and, even then, it sounds like supply will be drip-fed with some existing firm orders possibly not being met until February 09
3) As a result, the older 77mm Televids are still commanding good prices second-hand (I've watched a few on ebay and they are mostly going for £700+) as many presumably settle for a Leica they can afford
As a marketing professional myself I don't know whether to pity or grudgingly admire how Leica have handled the launch of these new models. The lack of communication about the ongoing delays is certainly frustrating but only adds to the anticipation I guess. They clearly believe in not rushing the product to market before they feel it's ready and they also have absolute faith in the value of what they have produced. A considerable amount of R&D will have gone into this kit and, as mentioned elsewhere on this thread, the fact that they will inevitably sell fewer of these very top-end scopes than say a mid-range model will have been factored into their business plan and hence their retail price point.
I was fortunate enough to get a good 20 minutes-or-so use out of one of the APO 82mm models Leica had on their stand at this year's Birdfair and I have to say it was a pleasure to use. I personally found the wide angle lens amazing and, as a spectacles-wearer, the 'comfort' of the view seemed superior to all the other makes and models I tried that day: when comparing views at the same magnification it felt like I was looking down a smarties tube in comparison.
That said, like many others here I'm really not sure I can justify £2,500 on a piece of kit that will inevitably get knocked about in the field no matter how careful I am. I genuinely think I'd be too petrified to take it out of the house, rather defeating the object!
I really wish Leica well as I respect their products and their brand values but I have my doubts as to whether I'll see many of these models in the field.
David
