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Message: <blockquote data-quote="citrinella" data-source="post: 1248407" data-attributes="member: 15241">In general I guess I am guilty of reverse snobbery too, but I have Leica bins and Swarovski scope. I was lucky with both paying good prices s/h, particularly the first. It was interesting, the guy bought the Leicas, a mate of his had showed him his pair of Swaros and he just had to have the Swaros. He bought some and sold me the Leicas (dropping the price even after I had sent him an email he hadn't read). He insisted I try his Swaros when I picked up. IIRC I could detect two differences looking in to a dark wood : the Swaros were heavier and the focussing knobs worked in different directions. Sure, optics snobbery ain't uncommon.So why did I buy big names ? They are better, but I certainly believe not that much better, not worth the extra money new. So I buy second hand. The optics may only be marginally better, but over the last few years my eyesight has deteriorated quite sharply, to the extent that difference has become important to me. So the question may be different for every user - don't laugh at everyone who "wastes" a load of extra money, because the needs assessment might not be the same for them as you.If it were, no way would I have Leica / Swaro. I turn the straps inside out <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />Mike.</blockquote>

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