Binocular made in China

The ever changing global landscape of the binocular industry makes it tough to predict binocular prices in the future for any specific model, but I expect to see the trend continue of more binoculars produced in China, to keep prices competitive, with fewer and fewer binoculars made in Japan or Europe. Not to worry, there are some excellent binoculars on the market that are made in China, but if you have political and environmental concerns (as I do), it means spending more money to get a Japanese or European binocular. There are still some Japanese binoculars out there under $500, such as the excellent Swift Audubon 828HHS (my favorite at this price) or the fine Leupold Pinnacles, but typically you need to push the $500 and up price point if you do not want the binocular to say made in China.

Try the Canon 7x42mm MADE IN JAPAN binoculars for around $200 for one of the best buys around; they are well made, have aspherical elements, multicoated, magnesium frame, waterproof, etc., etc., etc. the list goes on. I have Leica and Zeiss binos, so I can tell the difference between junk and quality. These are very good optics for a very low price and they are not made in china! (Posted by  mbonacorsa: 9:44 AM  )