According to my friends at Leupod, the increased cost is primarily due to market prices of semi-precious metals, optical quality glass, and labor. The Chiniese are primarily responsible for the material costs, as lead, copper and brass is being sucked into China faster than jobs disapearing here. With their emerging economy, this situation will only get worse here.
Buy the best glass you can afford now, hang onto it. Buckle up, it may be a bumpy ride.
