Kenai or Golden Ring?

[Bean Counter]

I don't poo on Japanese glass, as that is one of two places that make high end lenses; but that's scary times when we are comfortable stating the last portion of your statement.  I realize we live in a 'global economy', but I would always feel more enjoyment if the option was there to purchase the same item, but manufactured in the U.S.  Am I missing something?

Just my 
As a former businessman with an economics background (who happens to be ardently pro US and possibly xenophobic) it IMHO that buying globally is patriotic.  Buying the best product you can for the best price you can is in your interests, the interests of those you buy from, and those you don't buy from. Econ 101.  Any job that can be replaced by a machine should be!!! Any job that can be shipped over seas for a fraction of the cost should be!!!!

That being said, I feel hunting is a patriotic endeavor, and while I don't have much attachment to where my glass was made, I do like knowing that my guns are all American.  If I ever got into collecting guns, I'd only want to collect American guns.

This is a great conversation to have but we shouldn't  Pathfinder101's important path finding.  You can start a new topic in "General Discussion" if you wish to continue 

[Pathfinder101]

Good points Beancounter.  Thanks.

[Jamieb]

The goldring has been around for a while, the track record along with the warranty would make it hard for me the choose a Kenai.

[Pathfinder101]

This is a great conversation to have but we shouldn't   Pathfinder101's important path finding.  You can start a new topic in "General Discussion" if you wish to continue  

No no, this is one of the considerations in my original post. THis is not jacking the original post.   I AM taking into consideration that the GR is made in Oregon, and the Kenai is made in Japan (I think).  Not just out of patriotic concerns, but for this reason; The Golden Ring is made at the LEUPOLD FACTORY in Beaverton, OR.  It, along with all of the other Leupold products I own and love has a great track record, for that reason.  The Leupold Sequoia is NOT made in Oregon, and even though it carries the Leupold label, and it's excellent warranty, it is absolutely inferior glass (otherwise this question would have been settled 6-8 months ago, because I would have bought one).
For an HD spotting scope, the $800 Kenai is actually fairly cheap, especially considering all the features and extras it comes with (extra eyepiece, etc..).  I am not concerned with it's durability, because I know that Leupold will stand behind it for life if it ever has a problem.  WHat I am concerned with is buying inferior glass.  Basically, I don't want to get "lured in" by the "extras", and wind up buying something that I don't want anymore in 6 months...

[Lowedog]

How about getting a in contact with a tech @ Leupold?  You might get someone on the phone that could give you the info you need on the glass they use.

I have always been very happy with them whenever I have contacted them.  They fixed a pair of almost 20 yr old Porro I.F.'s for me after I told them it was my fault they needed repair at no cost.  They did a complete rebuild on them!

[Pathfinder101]

How about getting a in contact with a tech @ Leupold?  You might get someone on the phone that could give you the info you need on the glass they use.

I have always been very happy with them whenever I have contacted them.  They fixed a pair of almost 20 yr old Porro I.F.'s for me after I told them it was my fault they needed repair at no cost.  They did a complete rebuild on them!

Well, that's a good idea, but I don't really know what to ask; do I call Leupold and say "Hey guys, I am thinking about buying a Kenai.  Are they crap?"
How about; "Hi, I am thinking about buying your $800 spotting scope or your $1,000 spotting scope.  Which one should I buy?"

 

[PYSEEKER]

Pathfinder,

I made the call to Leupold because I was curious myself. Here is what I learned, I hope this helps in your decision on which ever one you choose.

Kenai;

Top of the line Green Ring scope, to compete in $700.00 to $800.00 scope market.
Lifetime warranty for original owner.
14" long @ 58.5 oz
Imported product

Gold Ring;

Top of the line Leupold scope made. (Best lens Coating available from Leupold)
Lifetime warranty unconditional
12.5" long @ 37 oz
Made in Portland, OR USA

[Bean Counter]

Thanks PYSeeker! 

Sounds like the GR 60mm HD may be just as bright as the 80mm Kenai since the GR has better glass/coatings.

[Pathfinder101]

Thanks PYseeker.  I am watching a couple of used GRs on ebay right now.  Might wind up going that way...

...man, I still like the two eyepieces though...

[Bean Counter]

Cabelas has a 60 day return policy on optics. Also $5 shipping if you live a ways away.  I'd pickup the Kenai or maybe the Kenai and the GR HD and look at 'em both to decide what I want, then send the other back. Time to pull the trigger before opening morning creeps up on ya.

[Deep Forks]

A friend of mine bought the Kenai and wasn't happy, so with Cabelas return policy he bought the Leupy GR and hunted with both for a week or so, kept the GR and sold the Kenai.  I looked through both and there was no comparison between them.  The GR was much more clear, better color rendition and better edge brightness.

I purchased a Vortex Razor 85mm HD 20x60 this summer and it is better than my friends GR.  The difference between the Razor and the GR are about what the difference was between the Kenai and GR.  Unconditional warranty and was told to use it for a month and if your not happy return it.  I must say it has excellent glass and gathers better light at dusk and dawn.  They're awesome and I couldn't be happier.  My buddy wishes he would've purchased the Vortex HD also.  I'll check he said he was going to sell the GR's and buy a Razor.

Bought mine through The Outdoorsman in Phoenix AZ  800-291-8065
They are very knowledgeable, I think I talked to John      

[Pathfinder101]

Thanks deepforks.  THat is exactly the kind of review I wanted to hear.  Except for the part about the Vortex Razor.  Now I have more research to do...

Just kidding. I'll take a look at them, but aren't they a $2,000 scope

[HardCorpsHuntr]

Path, sounds like you use your spotting scope for the same reason as I do.  Long distance detail (how's his mass, is there kickers, stickers, droppers, eye guards, extras, etc.)  I use Swaro EL's and a Zeiss spotter whether I'm looking from the truck or packed in 10 miles (I will say I don't take my spotter elk hunting.)

What I have.

Zeiss 20-60X85mm (64 oz.)
Leupold GR fixed 25X50mm (21 oz.)
Leupold GR HD 12-40X60mm (45 oz.)

My conclusion.  Zeiss is better all the way around.  At longer distances the clarity in detail is vary noticeable, which is why we pack spotters!  I don't ever regret the money I spent on it, granted I bought it in '03 when the US dollar was strong compared to the euro for around $1200 .   If there is anyway you could get a Leica, Swaro, or Zeiss I would wait and not have regrets.

Not trying to confuse you, but it's one of the larger purchase's and you want to make the right choice.

To answer your question.  To chose between the two you've selected I would go with the GR.

Good luck.
 
 

[Pathfinder101]

Path, sounds like you use your spotting scope for the same reason as I do.  Long distance detail (how's his mass, is there kickers, stickers, droppers, eye guards, extras, etc.)  I use Swaro EL's and a Zeiss spotter whether I'm looking from the truck or packed in 10 miles (I will say I don't take my spotter elk hunting.)

What I have.

Zeiss 20-60X85mm (64 oz.)
Leupold GR fixed 25X50mm (21 oz.)
Leupold GR HD 12-40X60mm (45 oz.)

My conclusion.  Zeiss is better all the way around.  At longer distances the clarity in detail is vary noticeable, which is why we pack spotters!  I don't ever regret the money I spent on it, granted I bought it in '03 when the US dollar was strong compared to the euro for around $1200 .   If there is anyway you could get a Leica, Swaro, or Zeiss I would wait and not have regrets.

Not trying to confuse you, but it's one of the larger purchase's and you want to make the right choice.

To answer your question.  To chose between the two you've selected I would go with the GR.

Good luck.
 
 

Thanks Hardcorps.  you are right, that is what I use the spotter for.  The problem with getting a Ziess or a Swaro is that I am actually doing this through an insurance claim.  They are giving me $800 for my old spotter that burned up in my garage fire.  If I send them a reciept for a $2,000 spotter, they're gonna tell me to go to hell.  I think I can pick up a used Golden Ring 60mm for about what they are going to give me, so I send them the reciept, and no questions asked, I have a new spotter.
Based upon you guy's advice, right now, I am almost certainly going to go with the GR....  watching a couple of used ones on ebay right now...

[Bean Counter]

Well? Buy one already!