First, it looks like Christensen Optics needs to get better information on the website. No way to tell much about them. But, I'd like to try their top end glass. I did a little google search and the manufacturer is pretty clearly indicated as Chongqinn Optics in Chongqinn, China. Chinese optics have come a long way in quality in the last few years. From conversations I've had with Vortex, I think there are two major Japanese companies, and three Chinese with which they do business, so it would probably not be too much of a stretch for at least some of the Vortex product comes from the same place as the Christensen.
I also would not discount the "close to alpha" either. There is a pretty new Chinese optic on the market for maybe six months that is simply outstanding from an image quality standpoint. The first of this model to show up came through CameralandNY. It's called the Promaster Infinity Elite ELX ED. There is another called the Hawke Frontier ED. Hawke is English, but has a US dealer network. The third, and maybe the best is the Zen Ray ZEN ED. ZR is a relatively young Oregon company. Anyway, these are an open bridge glass, but fall into the same price range as the Christensen, and WILL give anything a real run for their money in terms of image quality. Durability issues have to be determined, obviously. So I really would like to get my hands on a Christensen. I have both the Promaster and ZEN.
