I'd say there is some truth to that, and a lot that's not. For instance there can be 5 different brands, made by LOW or Kamakura in Japan, and have different glass, OEM specs, etc, etc etc. About the only thing they could have in common is the OEM.
A good example is that, unbeknownst to many, a Zeiss Conquest HD, Vortex Razor HD, and Kahles binoculars are all made in Japan by Kamakura. Leupold's fantastic Gold Ring HD was too. They are obviously not identical products. Also unbeknownst to most, there are varying grades of HD/ED/UHD glass, even though all of it is termed "HD" or something similar depending on the particular brand it's marketed under.
I highly doubt anybody is going to find out how good these products are by reading about it. I have a Meopta HD, Swarovision, Gold Ring HD, and my buddy Big Al has a SLC HD. I'm going to get my hands on a Toric 8x42 ASAP and find out for myself, and leave the speculating to the experts here on 24HCF.
Khales say Austria on them, Does the glass come from Komachura?
