Help choosing a Swarovski spotter?

[Elkmasterwyo]

Just need some feedback, the two scopes in question are a 25-50x65mm HD, and a 20-60x80mm HD, what will the low light capabilities of these scopes be like compared to each other? Is the 1/2lb weight penalty worth it to gain10x on the 80mm? Will be used for backpack hunting high country deer/elk/sheep. I could probably cut 1/2lb out of my pack if the 80mm is really going to be that much better. Lets hear some real world feedback.

 

[Josh Wright]

I know next to nothing about the difference in the 2 spotters, but if I were to spend that money I would get the bigger one.

 

[HvyBeams]

I own both. I prefer the 25-50x65mm scope. I really like the eye piece's wider field of view. It seems to help me with eye fatigue. Also the size of the scope and weight when backpacking is noticeable. Obviously, you are getting more light in the early and late morning hours with the 80mm. I sometimes use the 80mm if spotting close to or at my truck, but only for early and late hours of spotting. Other than that, it's the 65mm. Another thing to consider is most people who use the 20-60 eye piece seem to think it gets too blurry above 50 to really see. Personally, I don't have too much of a problem at 60 power, but have had several friends complain.

 

[WRO]

I would stick with the 80mm over the 65mm. The light is much better, you can also get 25-50 eyepiece for the 80mm.

Have you looked at the STX/ATX series? I have the STX 85 and I love it..

 

[Shrek]

I just started playing with my 80mm HD ATS and at dark Sunday I wouldn't have wanted any less scope. I was looking at wading birds at a couple hundred yards and details were fading as fast as the light. I'm going to find a 25w-50w to replace my 20-60 as I don't think I need the power but the field of view would be handy for finding animals

Btw , the view through an ATX 85MM blows them both away. If I had the cash I'd buy and carry one just for the pleasure of the view even though it wouldn't make any difference in my hunting.

 

[Blockcaver]

My Swaro 65 mm Angled HD is very useable sheep hunting at 60X (20 - 60X eyepiece) if conditions are decent. I wouldn't want to pack a larger scope on a 10 or 14 day backpack trip. If you are glassing from the truck or quad then the larger scope makes sense.

 

[justin davis]

My Swaro 65 mm Angled HD is very useable sheep hunting at 60X (20 - 60X eyepiece) if conditions are decent. I wouldn't want to pack a larger scope on a 10 or 14 day backpack trip. If you are glassing from the truck or quad then the larger scope makes sense.

My thoughts as well. If your carrying the scope in a pack I like the 65 mm. If using from the truck go big.

 

[handwerk]

For years I enjoyed my swaro non hd 65 MM w/25-50 eyepiece, but this year I sold it and moved up to the 80mm HD just more of a good thing just a little more weight/size, but I feel worth it.

 

[shaun]

With it only being 1/2lb differance between the two. I would side with the largest objective I could have. If you are that concerned with weight take a dump at the trail head and you are guaranteed to break even on the added weight for the 80mm

 

[Shrek]

As a percentage of weight it is a really small increase from 65mm to 80mm if you include the tripod and head. I'd look elsewhere for weight savings.

 

[Elkmasterwyo]

Thanks guys , I think you've made up my mind for me