Packing a Spotting Scope, 65 or 80 mm

[JDZ]

I'm considering buying my first spotting scope. Intended use would be for backpack/backcountry hunting. I'm debating whether to go with the 60-65 mm size range or 80-85 mm size range. I'm kind of an ounce counter, but don't want to pack the lighter scope if it won't be useful. For the sake of this thread, let's assume I need more than a pair of 15x56 binos.

 

[CLICKBANGBANG]

I just upgraded to a Swaro ATS 65. I went with that because it's what I could afford. And it doesn't take up a ton of space. The 80s are not only wider, but often an inch longer. Weight wasn't the entire deciding factor... I could shave my body to drop the 9 oz difference between the 65 and 80. If I could swing the ATX 80, I'd go that route.

 

[handwerk]

If you're going swaro I'd pick the 80MM, it's not that much bigger/heavier and the extra glass seems worth it to me.

 

[JDZ]

I compared the 65 mm Vortex Viper HD to 80 mm Viper HD. The 65 mm gets pretty iffy at 45x. The 80 mm seems to do fine at 45x and even higher. I want to try the 65 mm Razor, but it is not in stock anywhere I've been. Would probably just buy the big Razor, but $$$! I am afraid to even look thru a Swaro.


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