Has anyone else noticed the disparity between prices of 'top-end' binoculars in the UK and USA?
Comparing mail order prices the following was noted:-
Swarovski 8.5x42 UK 789 USA 850
Leica Ultravid 8x42 UK 898 USA 747
Nikon HG 8x42 UK 769 USA 500
Zeiss V 11 8x40 UK 719 USA 494
All of the prices are in Pounds Sterling.
The prices were obtained from Binoculars.com and Warehouse Express and Dollars were converted to Pounds using a rate of 1.8 dollars to the pound.
Makes the Victory 2's look positively cheap in the USA,which is more than you can say for the Swaros!
The pound had been stuck at the 1.50 mark for ages which would have given prices of....
Swaro - 1020
Leica - 896
Nikon - 600
Zeiss - 593
How come Zeiss are so cheap in the States?
Both Zeiss and NIkon seem to be very good value over in America.Swarovski prices seem to be as good in Britain as anywhere else in the World if not slightly cheaper.If buying from America you have to add Postage(Expensive)Plus VAT plus i think there is another 4.5% to add dont know what for.This brings the price up rather a lot,you may get away without theVAT if you can get the dealer to mark the customs form as a gift or such like.Almost worth going out there to get a pair of Zeiss or Nikon and having a few days birdwatching free.