Rifle Scopes Optics made in Japan

TravisP

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 17, 2011
97
1
56
Missouri
Its a terrible tragedy that has happened to Japan and that is first and foremost, I really cant imagine what those folks are going through and my prayers are with them all. I have been on a waiting list for a vortex viper pst or the 2011 sightron, whichever comes first and have been told that they are both made in Japan. First off, is that correct? Does anyone have any insight on exactly where in Japan these 2 scopes are made and what one can expect now after the terrible quakes and tsunami. Wondering if I should think about looking at other options other than the pst and sightron. Thanks for any info.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

I have a March scope on order & they are also made in Japan - never really thought of the earthquake affecting scope production until now.

God bless everyone over there affected by this terrible disaster!!
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

The Vortex Viper I had (not PST model) was made in the Philippines. It could be that the glass comes from Japan.

I've had two other Japanese scopes OEM manufactured by Hakko. One had focus and parallax mis-aligned. The other had an internal lens shake loose and fall out.

I'm done with Japanese scopes.

--Rootshot
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rootshot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Vortex Viper I had (not PST model) was made in the Philippines. It could be that the glass comes from Japan.

I've had two other Japanese scopes OEM manufactured by Hakko. One had focus and parallax mis-aligned. The other had an internal lens shake loose and fall out.

I'm done with Japanese scopes.

--Rootshot </div></div> make sure you check NF scopes if you look at them....they have models made in Japan.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TravisP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its a terrible tragedy that has happened to Japan and that is first and foremost, I really cant imagine what those folks are going through and my prayers are with them all. I have been on a waiting list for a vortex viper pst or the 2011 sightron, whichever comes first and have been told that they are both made in Japan. First off, is that correct? Does anyone have any insight on exactly where in Japan these 2 scopes are made and what one can expect now after the terrible quakes and tsunami. Wondering if I should think about looking at other options other than the pst and sightron. Thanks for any info. </div></div>

I just caught all kinds of hell last night for asking this same question.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Buckey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">God bless everyone over there affected by this terrible disaster!!</div></div>

Well put my friend!
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

It won't matter where the plants were located to the epicenter. That destruction is so wide that it will affect electricity, distribution, and even basic services, so we can expect major delays and probably costs going up by as much as 50% on many things we get from Japan.

And my prayers are out for all of them. The only thing to rival this will be the New Madrid fault in SE Missouri when it goes. We better hope it doesn't get over 8.0.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TravisP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its a terrible tragedy that has happened to Japan and that is first and foremost, I really cant imagine what those folks are going through and my prayers are with them all. I have been on a waiting list for a vortex viper pst or the 2011 sightron, whichever comes first and have been told that they are both made in Japan. First off, is that correct? Does anyone have any insight on exactly where in Japan these 2 scopes are made and what one can expect now after the terrible quakes and tsunami. Wondering if I should think about looking at other options other than the pst and sightron. Thanks for any info. </div></div>

I just caught all kinds of hell last night for asking this same question. </div></div>

And based on the way the OP worded his question, I am pretty sure he saw how you worded yours. LOL
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hydro556</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TravisP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its a terrible tragedy that has happened to Japan and that is first and foremost, I really cant imagine what those folks are going through and my prayers are with them all. I have been on a waiting list for a vortex viper pst or the 2011 sightron, whichever comes first and have been told that they are both made in Japan. First off, is that correct? Does anyone have any insight on exactly where in Japan these 2 scopes are made and what one can expect now after the terrible quakes and tsunami. Wondering if I should think about looking at other options other than the pst and sightron. Thanks for any info. </div></div>

I just caught all kinds of hell last night for asking this same question. </div></div>

And based on the way the OP worded his question, I am pretty sure he saw how you worded yours. LOL </div></div>

Yeah, I think that's the difference too although the point was the same. Did you see the sat pics posted in the bear pit? Amazing how much destruction. They said the whole country shifted 8 feet!
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

One of Japan's largest lens producers is located in Kyoto, so that may not be a good thing for optics in general.

I have a feeling that a disaster of this magnitude is probably going to be felt across a wide area of their exports - for some time to come.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dbsinh20</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One of Japan's largest lens producers is located in Kyoto, so that may not be a good thing for optics in general.

I have a feeling that a disaster of this magnitude is probably going to be felt across a wide area of their exports - for some time to come.

</div></div>

I agree. It'll be years before their 100% back on track and any areas that are radioactive now will be fucked up for decades. Really is a shame, I spent some time there in the Navy and it is one of the single most beautiful places on earth as far as I'm concerned. The people were always very friendly and outgoing. There is a market for Japanese glass though and because there is a demand they will come back with a supply it's just a matter of time. Glass for lens is just a fraction of 1% though, think about the car industry, electronics and everything else that's made in Japan. The real shame would be if the producers shifted to another country i.e. effectively outsourcing their industry while they rebuild as we all know jobs and industry never come back.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

I started the topic about Japan optics and I do, for sure, give a darn about those folks over there, my scope can wait, would like to get it, but I can do without. I live close enough to the New Madrid fault that it could be me and my family someday so in the grand scheme of things, a scope is of little consequence right now. I asked the question because I did not know. I have seen how widespread the damage is but I just simply do not know a thing about Japan and was just curious and figured someone on here would probably have the answer. I sent e-mails to Vortex and Sightron but of course will not hear anything from them today, hopefully tomorrow. When I get an answer from them, I will post on here. Thanks.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Really is a shame, I spent some time there in the Navy and it is one of the single most beautiful places on earth as far as I'm concerned. The people were always very friendly and outgoing.</div></div>
Yes it was an outstandingly beautiful place, and people were very nice. Let us pray for them, and help with whatever we can.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is a market for Japanese glass though and because there is a demand they will come back with a supply it's just a matter of time.</div></div>
Oh yes.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Glass for lens is just a fraction of 1% though, think about the car industry, electronics and everything else that's made in Japan. The real shame would be if the producers shifted to another country i.e. effectively outsourcing their industry while they rebuild as we all know jobs and industry never come back.</div></div>
This is exactly the problem. Hopefully they realize it as clearly as we do, and choose the best course of action.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

Got an e-mail from sightron. They said that their factory in Japan was not hit and the plan is still the same, to have the 2011 mods releasing soon. Have not heard from Vortex about the pst mods. In another post comparing pst to sightron, someone stated that the pst are not made in Japan.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: beretta_man11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On the bottom of my PST, it says Philippines. </div></div>

Same here. I believe the PST's are made in the Phillpines and the Razor HD's are made in Japan.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: afd77</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: beretta_man11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On the bottom of my PST, it says Philippines. </div></div>

Same here. I believe the PST's are made in the Phillpines and the Razor HD's are made in Japan. </div></div>This is correct, however the PST's do use Japanese glass and other parts.


Scott
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scott_at_Vortex</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: afd77</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: beretta_man11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On the bottom of my PST, it says Philippines. </div></div>

Same here. I believe the PST's are made in the Phillpines and the Razor HD's are made in Japan. </div></div>This is correct, however the PST's do use Japanese glass and other parts.


Scott</div></div>

So are you guys at Vortex predicting a delay in further production of the PST?
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: yej0001</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Zeiss conquest uses japanese glass too</div></div>

No, Zeiss Conquest uses Schott glass made in Germany. They are contract built by Meopta. That is where the cost savings come in for Zeiss.

<span style="color: #3333FF">Edit:

I too hope and pray for the people of Japan to be able to recover from this. It's a very difficult loss for them, I'm sure.</span>
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dbsinh20</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One of Japan's largest lens producers is located in Kyoto, so that may not be a good thing for optics in general.

I have a feeling that a disaster of this magnitude is probably going to be felt across a wide area of their exports - for some time to come.

</div></div>

Kyoto is pretty far from where the Earthquake hit. My sister lives there and says they felt the earth move but that was it.

Still an unbelievable tragedy for Japan. They will have a lot of hard work ahead of them.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

Such a tragedy for so many people. Just as an FYI for factories, I can tell you Light Optical Works, is located around Nagano, on the western side of the island in the northern 1/3. Factory was basically unscathed, as I have been in contact with them daily checking on the workers and their families. My company has been working with LOW for over 50 years and the family that owns/runs that factory are very close friends of ours. It was with much relief that we were notified that all the workers were healthy and well. March should be located in the same general area as LOW, as March was basically started by ex-LOW employees.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

You're dead on about that. What is happening in Japan is simply unimaginable to most of us. According to news sources such as CNN, the best place to donate at this point is the American Red Cross. Not exactly sure why they're saying that, but that is the current line. Here is a link to their website:

https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?5052.donation=form1&df_id=5052&idb=0

In addition, you can text REDCROSS to 90999 via your cell phone to make a $10 donation.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: yej0001</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Zeiss conquest uses japanese glass too</div></div>

No, Zeiss Conquest uses Schott glass made in Germany. They are contract built by Meopta. That is where the cost savings come in for Zeiss.

<span style="color: #3333FF">Edit:

I too hope and pray for the people of Japan to be able to recover from this. It's a very difficult loss for them, I'm sure.</span> </div></div>

Someone posted a video here of a Zeiss factory tour once and when they were looking at the raw glass there boxes with both Schott and Ohara on them. So if Zeiss has Ohara glass in their factory, which line of scopes do you think it is going in? I'm sure it is for the conquests or "other" optical devices i.e. binos, rangfinders, spotters.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

meanwhile_in_japan__.jpg
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

The Japanese people are pretty smart, as well as being very resilient. There is a lot of damage in certain areas. But I believe the biggest problem is their power problems. And I believe they will get that under control pretty fast.

Some dealers should chime in and let us know if any factories were in the direct eye of the earthquake or the Tsunami. If so then I would expect some delays. But if not then I do not think you will see alot of delays.

As far as this nuclear reactor is concerned. Well who knows. Only time will tell about that.

The problem is that so many parts are out sourced all over the place, that one little part could hold up the entire production of a company. Heck they are saying some so called "American made" cars could be as short on parts as some of the imports may be. So who really knows??

Again, only time will tell.

SO I hope the Japanese people get through this as best they can. And IMO they will. Tom.
 
Re: Optics made in Japan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How about prayers foreveryone there?

Anyone know where we can donate to help out Japan? </div></div>

This is the right question now...

John