I do not have a R1 Meopta but do have R2's in 1.7-10x42 and 1-6x24, I think their glass is great. I do wish the illumination intensity would go lower for very low light.
I just purchased a couple of Leica ERi 2.5-10x42 with 4a reticles, and have been non-scientifically comparing it to a Swarovski Z6 1.7-10x42 Plex non-illuminated.
Thus far, optically I see little if any difference. I like the Leica well enough that I just ordered two more. I am waiting for darkness now to see how I like the illumination control, as to its low intensity. It is not a bright light day illumination system, which I personally have little to no use for.
I made the first purchases in a large part due to BobbyTomek's commentary on a forum. Bobby definitely has experience shooting at low light / night, with many high end scopes. I have a few Zeiss, Kahles 30mm scopes and optically this Leica and the Swarovski are in the same class, to my eyes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Meopta R1 is a terrific scope, but Leica ERi has superior resolution and a better illumination system. It's one of the very best bargains out there right now and truly ranks as alpha glass. Mine was a 3-12x50/4-a, and it even outperformed the SB Zenith 2.5-10x56 in terms of low-light performance and was virtually on par with the Kahles CSX 3-12x56 in moonlight.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparing the 2. Any pros, cons, suggestions? Looks like I can get them both illuminated for within $100 of each other due to the Leica being a discontinued model. Thanks
Randall
