Spotting scope ???? Need opinions

[Pronghunter]

Price aside......

Zeiss Diascope, Nightforce, Swarovski ATX, Vortex Razor. All in 80-85 mm, anyone have experience with all them? I had the Swarovski ATS in 65mm and the Nightforce was much better. Just haven't looked through all side by side. Don't care about weight but don't want bigger than 85mm. Thanks

 

[robby denning]

I have the Swaro ATS 25-50x80. I've been round a lot of scopes as an outfitter and haven't seen anything better that fits your criteria

 

[Shrek]

Swarovski ATX 85 is the best scope I've used and I now own one. I've looked through a Kowa 88 , Nightforce 82 , and several Razors. I owned both an ATS 80 HD and a Meopta S2 82 HD. I personally rank the scopes as ATX 85 then Meopta/Nightforce 82 HD ( same scope with cosmetic differences ) then ATS 80 HD . I haven't use any of the Zeiss scopes. The Razor isn't even close. The ATS 80 HD was my previous scope and I owned it for the weight saings over the Meopta S2 but I feel the Meopta with the 30-60w eyepiece had a better view.

 

[elkguide]

Definitely 80 or 85 and I would do it in Swarovski.

 

[Pronghunter]

I currently had the 20-60x65 ATS and honestly not impressed. It may be due to the 65 mm objective. Seems the majority of the bird watching forums say Leica has by far the best brightest, crisp image, Kowa and Swarovski tied and Zeiss has amazing image well past 60 out toward 70. Really confused here and then now there's the Nightforce. Just lost without seeing through then.

 

[Pronghunter]

Swarovski ATX 85 is the best scope I've used and I now own one. I've looked through a Kowa 88 , Nightforce 82 , and several Razors. I owned both an ATS 80 HD and a Meopta S2 82 HD. I personally rank the scopes as ATX 85 then Meopta/Nightforce 82 HD ( same scope with cosmetic differences ) then ATS 80 HD . I haven't use any of the Zeiss scopes. The Razor isn't even close. The ATS 80 HD was my previous scope and I owned it for the weight saings over the Meopta S2 but I feel the Meopta with the 30-60w eyepiece had a better view.

I noticed you put the Nightforce above the Swarovski ATS 80??? There that good? So is the ATX $$$$$that$$$ much better than the Nighforce?

 

[WRO]

I noticed you put the Nightforce above the Swarovski ATS 80??? There that good? So is the ATX $$$$$that$$$ much better than the Nighforce?

The x series is the best imho.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Shrek]

I noticed you put the Nightforce above the Swarovski ATS 80??? There that good? So is the ATX $$$$$that$$$ much better than the Nighforce?

You are down to the fine hairs telling the difference but I owned them and I have paid the money for the ATX 85 and carrying another 13ozover my ATS 80 HD. The difference between th3 ATS 80 HD and the Meopta may have been more the eyepiece than the scope itself. I had the 20-60 on the ATS and it was a phenomenal scope but I felt the Meopta was a better view but not a half pound better view. Yes , the Meopta S2 is a very good scope and a bargain imo. The Nightforce is the same scope as the meopta but I didn't like the nobby focus at all and I certainly wouldn't pay a premium for it. None of the birders I know carry Leica anymore and Leica service has a less than stellar reputation. Only you can decide if the ATX is worth the money and any of the three are great scopes and will make you happy in the field. The Meopta is the best overall value for sure . I haven't spoken about the Kowa because I suspect the one I looked through had an issue or it just didn't handle veiling haze well at all. It also had the older standard 20-60 eyepiece. Swarovski handles veiling haze conditions the best I've seen and the Meopta was close behind. The eyebox on the Meopta was the least forgiving but that may be partially due to it being a straight scope and me fighting with it which was the only reason I sold it. If my Meopta S2 had been an angled scope I'd have never sold it.

 

[justin davis]

Swarovski. But I prefer the 65mm for carrying in a pack. It is more compact and lighter than the 80 and works just as well. I compared a 65 to an 80 for 2 weeks side by side and didn't notice a difference

 

[handwerk]

I've had a different experience than Justin, I had the swaro 65mm (STM) and then switched to the 80MM (HD) and noticed a pretty big difference with light gathering, and for a couple inches and 9oz. the 80MM is well worth it to my eyes.

 

[Pronghunter]

You are down to the fine hairs telling the difference but I owned them and I have paid the money for the ATX 85 and carrying another 13ozover my ATS 80 HD. The difference between th3 ATS 80 HD and the Meopta may have been more the eyepiece than the scope itself. I had the 20-60 on the ATS and it was a phenomenal scope but I felt the Meopta was a better view but not a half pound better view. Yes , the Meopta S2 is a very good scope and a bargain imo. The Nightforce is the same scope as the meopta but I didn't like the nobby focus at all and I certainly wouldn't pay a premium for it. None of the birders I know carry Leica anymore and Leica service has a less than stellar reputation. Only you can decide if the ATX is worth the money and any of the three are great scopes and will make you happy in the field. The Meopta is the best overall value for sure . I haven't spoken about the Kowa because I suspect the one I looked through had an issue or it just didn't handle veiling haze well at all. It also had the older standard 20-60 eyepiece. Swarovski handles veiling haze conditions the best I've seen and the Meopta was close behind. The eyebox on the Meopta was the least forgiving but that may be partially due to it being a straight scope and me fighting with it which was the only reason I sold it. If my Meopta S2 had been an angled scope I'd have never sold it.

It's clear you know a lot more than I and have more experience behind spotters. I've spent a few days calling around and being on bird forums trying to get as much information as I can. It seems no matter where I go, Swarovski ATX is number one followed by the Meopta S2. It appears that the Zeiss, Leica, vortex, Kowa, Nightforce don't really compete with the Swarovski and Meopta. Like mentioned, the Leica has brilliant glass but I will pass due to their poor customer service. Do you have any real experience with the Meopta???

 

[Pronghunter]

Like mentioned, I've had the ATS 65 and honestly didn't think it was that great. I'm really curious to try the 30-60 Meopta WA! Nowhere around can I find one to look through

 

[Shrek]

You really should check out the Meopta. It's a great scope. I have never needed Meopta service and I don't know anyone who has. I've used Swarovski service once for damage I did and it was the best I've ever experienced. I've used Zeiss service twice myself and my friends three more times and they were terribly slow and non comunitive during the process. Chitty erectors and slow warranty service ended my relationship with Zeiss.

 

[5MilesBack]

I'm really curious to try the 30-60 Meopta WA! Nowhere around can I find one to look through

Where are you at? I sold my Swaro HD 65mm and now have the Meopta with the 30-60WA. I like it better. Only problem with the Meopta is the weight. My angled weighs 67oz.

 

[Pronghunter]

Where are you at? I sold my Swaro HD 65mm and now have the Meopta with the 30-60WA. I like it better. Only problem with the Meopta is the weight. My angled weighs 67oz.

I live here in Montana. When you say you like the Meopta more, are you referring to image quality or design and ergonomics?

 

[Stid2677]

Just returned from a 80 plus mile sheep hunt,, packed my ATX 95mm for every mile. I have no question, that spotter filled my friends tag.

Swaro ATXs are in a class of their own IMHO. When details matter,, worth the weight for me.

 

[Shrek]

Just returned from a 80 plus mile sheep hunt,, packed my ATX 95mm for every mile. I have no question, that spotter filled my friends tag.

Swaro ATXs are in a class of their own IMHO. When details matter,, worth the weight for me.

I'm so jealous ! I looked for a deal on a 95mm objective that would bring the cost into range but it wasn't there . I'll have to limp along with my little 85mm objective for now .

 

[Pronghunter]

Just returned from a 80 plus mile sheep hunt,, packed my ATX 95mm for every mile. I have no question, that spotter filled my friends tag.

Swaro ATXs are in a class of their own IMHO. When details matter,, worth the weight for me.

95 vs 85.....is there enough difference for me to worry about? I'm going to get the ATX 85 but didn't think the 95 would be a good choice due to size

 

[Stid2677]

95 vs 85.....is there enough difference for me to worry about? I'm going to get the ATX 85 but didn't think the 95 would be a good choice due to size

I will honest and admit, that when shopping for an ATX I was looking at the 85mm, the website I was using to compare the objectives had an typo and I thought the 95mm was lighter than it is, but after using it,,, I can't stop packing it heavy or not, she earns her keep. I'm not a young strong guy either,, but you can judge animals and not waste energy and time, by just using my eyes.

 

[Pronghunter]

Excellent. 95 on its way. Be here Tuesday!! Thanks for the advice too.