I have never owned any SWFA HD scopes. I need to check them out. I do own some Zeiss scopes that were made in Japan and have no complaints. I also like Zeiss scopes that were made is Germany. My favorite scopes are made by Leupold here in America. I have never had a failure, or any other issue with a Leupold.
I will never own another Vortex or Burris rifle scope however. I gave Vortex (from inexpensive to very expensive) a fair chance, but after 3 failures, from being knocked off, non repeatable, and crosshairs being canted 45 degrees after a round of shots I noticed while cleaning the gun. I‘m done with them. These failures were all from different scopes also. I have heard some good things about Vortex, their warranty etc., but once you lose confidence in a brand, that’s it. Doesn’t help my confidence after all I’ve been through and knowing they are made in China. I have had several failures from Burris also, so no more Burris.
I hear people talking about scope glass, but I can’t tell a big difference in glass when I look through them.
I think scope light transmission however, is very important in a rifle scope for hunting because there is lots of deer movement at last light. I also think equally important is if you can see your crosshairs during those last light situations. I have tried illuminated reticles but found I don’t like or need them. I use binoculars mostly, that help for buck identification in low light as a valuable tool also.