Swaro 80 vs 65 spotter bulk size comparison?

[eem228]

I’ve seen a lot of reviews about these two different scope objectives and realize the weight difference. How much more room does the 80 take up vs the 65? Really want the 80 but not sure how much more bulky it is? Anyone have any personal experience?

 

[handwerk]

I've had both in STS HD models, still have the 65 but for a 80 mm scope it's not much bigger and only 9 oz. heavier.

 

[huntsman22]

 

[eem228]

Thanks guys! Looks like it really is only about shaving off the extra 9oz. I think 80mm is likely the way I might be leaning towards.

 

[huntsman22]

If I had to only have one, of mine, it would be the 65.....

 

[eem228]

If I had to only have one, of mine, it would be the 65.....

Why 65 over 80?

 

[huntsman22]

Even tho the size and weight are not that much different, the 65 is just so much handier and easier to transport. And optically, you don't give up that much difference. Especially in low light. Only about 2-3 minutes at sundown. And it is easier on a tripod or window mount. My 80 hasn't left the house during hunting season, except when I leave it in the truck on a window mount, for maybe 6 years. I used it exclusively for a few years before I got the 65. I reckon your experience wouldn't be different if you had both...

 

[huntsman22]

One other thing... I find it easier to see bullet trace, while spotting at long range shoots, with the 65. I don't know why, if it is the smaller field of view, or what?......

 

[huntsman22]

If you are anywhere near me, you are welcome to come out and use both/compare....

 

[AkMtnRunner]

I was just going to say, that the additional 9 oz of scope will probably require an additional same amount of tripod/head weight to stabilize and to see the marginal difference.

With my two spotters, a Kowa 55 and 88, on the same 40 oz great tripod system, the 55 usually gives better digiscoping images because there's practically no movement at all.

 

[eem228]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like I need to try to do a comparison. Unfortunately I’m in central Oregon so won’t be able to take you up on the offer. Thanks for the help!

 

[fatrascal]

I agree with Huntsman22. I've had the 80mm and sold it for the 65mm and never missed the 80mm. I've always gone with angled and it did make a difference in pack space and easability when it came to handling. Now I use the Swarovski ATX system. I got 65mm for backpacking and 95mm for truck hunting. Still, if I had to choose one it would be the 65mm. Fatrascal.

 

[Blockcaver]

I got an angled 65mm Swaro. Wouldn’t go bigger for the pack, personal prefers.

In a NWT Dall sheep outfitter’s camp all the guides had 65mm Swaros in 2017. One freelance guide that left before I got there uses an 80mm Swaro....and pack dog.

Good luck to all this fall.