These are made in the Czech republic, the glass is superior to vortex IMO, they still have a lifetime transferrable warranty, if you are not glassing major distances stick with the 8x instead of the 10x for low light conditions. Vortex glass is ok and their warranty policy and process is second to none. If you are going to put your binoculars through the ringer, getting replacement binos will be easier through vortex, but if you take good care of your glass for the most part, the meopta glass is better and would be a better option. I you can find an older pair of nikon binos used for a good price the older nikon monarchs were pretty good glass