"JoeWayneRhea"Salt you probably right , and there are guys here I very much trust . But no way I would spend over 300$ based on someone's opinion . Did that twice in the last year or so . And got sick both times when I looked thru them the first time .
An maybe it's just having the one good eye makes me more critical ? Who knows ?
But I do know when I look thru true quality glass , and feel quality in my hands I know it . When it's not there all the tricky extras make no difference.
It's like with many things in life, it's all about expectation. We will put up with most things as long as we know about them in advance but unmet expection is the source of many issues.
There are definitely a few people who can get a little over-enthusiastic about certain scopes by claiming that their $300 purchase is just as good as their friends $1000+ scope. That sort of thing can only leave people disappointed, especially if they have used real $1000 scopes.
Our opinions are also heavily colored by the last scope we used.
Haven't you ever thought a scope was crystal clear....until your saw a better one?
This is why I think that people should state which other scopes they have to compare it to when expressing an opinion. An opinion's value changes if you are comparing a scope to a Leapers vs a Zeiss.
People also need to understand some basic truths with scopes. E.g. A scope that is great for target shooters in CA might not be great for people who hunt small game in the dimly lit forests of NY. The needs are different.
Similarly, it is possible for two people to buy the same scope and one of them gets a good one while the other looks like the lens is coated in tar and feathers.
When I was choosing my PA FFP scope, I based part of my choice on the fact that it had so many good reviews. I figured that 2 or 3 people could be wrong but 500 who almost all agree should mean something.
I always like to note the distinction between excellent and excellent for the money. I.e. For $230, I am delighted with the PA scope but if I had paid $600, I would feel differently.