Great thread!
Companies like Vortex, that have unconditional lifetime warranties cost a little more, but mitigate the qc and durability worries because if the thing breaks or fails you can get a new one at no charge. Doesn't seem worth a little more money until you need to use it. Then it seems cheap.
Seems like minox is the choice right now for a value binocular not made in China. I certainly understand why anyone wouldn't want to aid the Chinese economy.
We have it great right now with fantastic optics at great prices! The market will force an increase in quality at some point.
