- I don't have that exact model, but I own a fairly recent Monarch. The clarity and light transmission are, in my opinion, better than my Leupolds. It remains to be seen if it holds together, and if the Nikon guarantee measures up if I need it. The guarantee and service are what sets Leupold apart from the competition.

-Hate to hear that the optical quality isn't top notch. As a photographer I've relied on Nikon optical quality for years. That's basically the reason I'm considering their scopes. I'd love to hear what you think after wringing it out at the range.

-I would think their optics for cameras and scopes are made in two different locations. If I remember a thread correctly there are like three major players that actually make rifle scope optics that supply the industry. They make them according to the customers request. As for real camera lenses (not this pint size throw away $100 digital crap) I would assume optic clarity in photography like in an SLR would have to be a cut above a rifle scope so I wouldn't hold it against Nikon lenses if comparing them to scope optics and that coming from an old school Canon F1 / AE-1 man...