Nikon Fieldscope 82 ED 25-75x Straight vs Swarovski STS - 80 HD 20-60x

[onlythebow]

Hey Guys,

I need some help on a big spotter decision to make.

I currently have a Nikon Fieldscope 82 ED 25-75x Straight. I have used for a few years and has been a great spotter for what i have used if for: hunting-deer,elk,bear,goat,speed goats, wildlife viewing, etc. It's great but sometimes I wonder what the better scopes can do for me for image quality, color, detail, low light performance, field of view etc. Of course a fixed eye piece offers better field of view, but I do like the zoom capabilites for hunting

I would like to stick to the 80mm for light gathering to see that last buck stand up etc. I paid over $1200 for the Nikon when I bought it. Not sure on the resale value now???

I am looking at a Swarovski STS - 80 HD 20-60x. I know that these are two different leagues of spotters, and am not trying to debate Nikon vs Swaro. I am just wondering the gain I get from the Swaro over the Nikon. The Nikon 82ED has been said to be in the same league as the alpha scopes at far less money.

I can get into a Swaro for around $1950 used in excellent shape.

Is it worth it to upgrade and not look back??? I hope to keep the it for the rest of my life and kids needs.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

I appreciate it!

Thanks,

 

[elkguide]

I have the same Nikon spotter that you have. I use it in conjunction with my Swarovski 10X42 EL's. It has served me well. Would I trade up for a Swarovski spotter? Probably not. I'd rather put the extra money into another hunting trip. The Swaro binoculars have enough detail clarity and light gathering ability that I can tell most things that I want to know. When push comes to shove, I then get out the spotter and confirm what I was thinking from using the Swarovski binos.

To answer your question, is the Swaro better than the Nikon? Yes it is and if I were spending hours and hours behind my spotter I would own one. I spend hours and hours, even days behind my binoculars so that's where I put my money.

 

[HuntHarder]

I also own 10x42 el's and the Nikon 82mm ed spotting scope. My hunting partner runs 10x42 SLC's and a 80mm STM hd Swaro spotter. We have compared both scopes side by side many, many times, and I can assure you that you are not getting short changed with the Nikon. In fact, we both agree under 50x, the Nikon is brighter and sharper. I think the Swaro is a little better @ 60x, but not by much at all. The biggest negative to the 82mm ED is it's weight. The thing is a tank!! haha.

I would advise you not to spend the extra money to upgrade without looking thru them both side by side and determine what YOUR eyes tell you. Everyone's eyes are different, but both my partner and I agree that the difference between the 2 scopes mentioned is very minimal. Hope this helps.

 

[stephen b]

Here is my opinion, and I have a lot of experience with both. I had a 82 mm Fieldscope for years. As stated above, I do not believe you are giving up much at all by keeping the Nikon 82, when compared to the Swaro STS 80HD. Of course it does weigh quite a bit ( the Nikon). I think optically they are comparable. A good sample of a Nikon ED 82 is an awesome spotter.

Now if you are wanting to spend more coin, then these are ones that I think can beat the Nikon 82: the Swaro STX/ATX 85 or 95; the Kowa 88 prominar; and the Meopta/ Cabelas S2 82/ Euro instinct 20-70x. That Meopta one is very good, and IMO is actually a bit better than the regular Swaro STS 80 HD. I spent a lot of time comparing them many times. The only ones that IMO may best the Meopta is the more expensive Swaro STX/ATX, or the big Kowa. But for me I would get the 82mm Meopta/ Cabelas one for hunting over the Kowa.

I think that 82 mm Nikon you have ( assuming that it is a good sample) is a great spotter. Plus they probably only go for about $900- $1000 used. So you would have to spend a bunch more to beat it.

Just my 2c- and maybe worth just that

 

[Bubblehide]

I was going to buy a Swaro, but I came across a Nikon Ed 82 for $500.00, I haven't looked back. To top it off, it came with everything, including camera adapter. The image quality is excellent. If I were to do it again, and couldn't find suck a bargain, I'd follow Stephens advice and go with the Meopta.

 

[onlythebow]

Thanks for all your thoughts guys! Good to know some direct advise from some users of both. I am going to try to get my hands on the Swaro and look side by side as suggested, and then maybe put cash towards some binos.

Any other suggestions or thoughts?

Thanks