Justin. Maybe a little late to answer. But I just got here.
I am not a birder but a Hunter. Leupold's rep in hunting scopes is mighty! They make some of the best glass anywhere. I would rate leupold's premium scopes as better than the Zeiss Conquest and Kahles models. I have not been able to do a side by side comparison to Swarovski's PH series. But they are very good scopes. Supposedly made in the US but I don't know where the glass is made. The best thing about Leupold is thier bullet proof construction and no questions asked lifetime warranty. I bought a used scope from a private owner. I wanted the focus set closer for use on a .22 rifle. Leupold did it free even though I told them I was not the original owner.
As of yet, no dealers here in Oklahoma have the gold rings for me to try. I believe the 8x42 will be around $700.00 US. Maybe with the weak dollar, Europeans may get a better deal! Anyway, I will venture that they are worth a look, judging from the quality of the rifle scopes (which scopes the US army snipers use)
okcmco
