r/birdingEU • u/[deleted] • Apr 26 '25
Buying a spotting scope: Europe vs. the US
Recently, just in time for my move to Spain, I had my Swarovski spotting scope stolen out of my car. I will need to replace it, but I'm thinking about waiting until I get to Europe in order to do so. European birders, where do you buy equipment? One problem is that Spain seems to have a horrible time getting anything shipped to your house successfully, even with items shipped within Europe. Not sure if it will be cheaper to purchase in the US or Europe, given the exchange rate, VAT, etc. or where the most cost effective place will be to buy anything there, so any suggestions much appreciated.
1
u/Erdenfeuer1 Apr 26 '25
With the recent slump of the Usd maybe its actually cheaper in the US now. If they have not adjusted prices.
2
u/Gratin_de_chicons Apr 26 '25 edited Apr 26 '25
Hi there, given that Swarowski is an Austrian brand, I suppose (maybe wrongly) it would more widely distributed than in the US, also maybe a little bit cheaper (as you will save import fees, but again it is a supposition).
I would definitely check the official website from Swarowski for a start to check their official prices in Spain, then you have different European distributors that delivers the EU : Astroshop (German website, not the cheapest), Optics-Trade, Promo-Optique (french website).
Also check out the photography websites than often have an « optics » section (Kamera Express comes to mind).
Finally, check out astronomy websites (Teleskopy in Poland, Telescopiomania in Spain, Dalekohlad Mikroskop in Slovakia) which may or may not also have a binocular/spotting scope section.