65mm vs 80mm Swarovarski ATS

[Nothernhunter505]

Hey guys looking to purchase my first spotting scope for hunting ive learned to buy once and cry once. Im looking between the Swaro ATS 65mm or the 80mm. Im extremely new to hunting and dont quite know what my hunting style will be yet. I already have a pair of NL pure 10x42 binos from Swaro but want to have all my bases covered. I live here in the southwest and plan on hunting alot of different species sutch as Elk, Mule deer, Barbary sheep, Oryx and Black Bear. Im mainly hunting to feed my family and learn a new skill but also will want to make sure im taking a legal animal. Im not worried about the weight difference between the two spotting scopes but i am concerned between the size penalty taking up space on my pack. I would like to do some backcountry hunts and want to be able to phone scope but since im new to the game im not sure how mutch of that will justify the 80mm over the 65mm. Its a pricy investment and i dont want to purchase one or the other and wish i had gone the other way. Any sugestions?

 

[BluMtn]

I would lean toward the KOWA's. For what you are looking at, I would say a KOWA 66(A) or (S). Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Bubblehide]

For what you say, unless you become a true trophy hunter, a 65mm-ish spotter will easily meet your needs. An 80ish quality spotter will be heavy enough that you will start leaving it behind. Lastly, I'm with BluMtn, a Kowa will more than satisfy your needs and desires.

 

[5MilesBack]

I have a brand new Kowa 66A listed in the classifieds that's cheaper than a new Swaro, and even some used Swaro's. I went even smaller and got a 55.