Swarovski ATX which lens?

[robie]

I got a good deal on a used ATX and am now trying to decide which lens to purchase.

The two hunts I've got lined up this year are a high country mule deer hunt and an antelope hunt. Which would lead me to a 65 and the 95mm, but both aren't in the cards this year.

I wanted to hear from those who have bought multiple do you end up only using one? Is the 85 the way to go?

Would you get just the 65 first and save up for the 95?

 

[Blockcaver]

If your ever planning to backpack or carry the spotter in a daypack, I prefer the 65 and wouldn't carry an 85. If its only for use near the truck or quad it doesn't matter, both will work, with the Swaro 85mm arguably the best optic available irregardless of price, brand or size.

 

[steve s]

I did the same debate and went with the 85 as my first lens The 95 felt like a lot to pack for anything more than day trips, scouting, photos, etc. I talked with the local swaro rep who at the time was running 85 and 95 in the same way. Pretty sure I will end up with a 95 at some point for photos, but I don't feel like I am missing it right now for hunting.

 

[Stid2677]

I have an ATX but only have the 95mm lens, but I do also have an ATM 65mm. I can only say this, since I bought the ATX 95mm, my 65mm ATM has never left the house. I have packed it over 15 miles on backpack hunts, for every mile I have carried it and has saved me many times those miles in wasted effort by being able to see if what I had spotted was worth going after...

With the ATX you can separate it and share the weight with a buddy, although I never do as I'm over protective of her and let my buddy pack the tent.

Great glass, enjoy.

 

[robie]

I was listening to a pod cast where they backpacked in and split up the atx and the 95mm lens between two pack because he felt like it was worth it. I will always be packing in with a buddy, do you guys think this is a reasonable approach?

Is the difference between the 65 and 85 only light gathering or have you guys felt you give up any quality on the 65?

Weight Chart
65 - 27.3 oz
85 - 38.8 oz additional 11.5 oz over 65
95 - 47.3 oz additional 20 oz over 65

 

[robie]

With the ATX you can separate it and share the weight with a buddy, although I never do as I'm over protective of her and let my buddy pack the tent.

Great glass, enjoy.

Stid you beat me to my next question! If you split it up and only bring one spotter per group I don't see it as an issue. Solo the damn thing would get heavy.

Is the extra 10mm zoom make the major difference or is it the 10mm objective that makes it stand out?

 

[WRO]

With the 85, you get 35% more lense area which enhances the picture significantly. Similar to the difference between the 10x42 and 10x50s..

 

[Stid2677]

Stid you beat me to my next question! If you split it up and only bring one spotter per group I don't see it as an issue. Solo the damn thing would get heavy.

Is the extra 10mm zoom make the major difference or is it the 10mm objective that makes it stand out?

I have never used the 85mm, so between the 65mm and the 95mm,, more zoom, more light and that thing just really brings out the details, for me trying to age sheep, the two just don't even compare. I will pack that extra weight any day, and loose that weight by cutting a few calories.

 

[robie]

You guys make it hard for someone to cheap out on lenses.

 

[Outhunting]

I bought an ATX last year that came with the 85 and thought it was awesome. That is until I bought the 95. Save for the 95..It is the bomb! I also tried the 65 and sold it within a couple of months preferring my Leupold Golden Rings and my Swaro 15x56's for my backpack hunts. If I was in the shape as some of the Alaska guys or hunting off of a horse though I would carry the ATX with the 95.

 

[BIGHORNtracks]

Depends on what you are looking for.
The 65 and the 85 are the same with the exception of the objective diameter.

With the 95 you actually see a lot of difference. You get a longer focal length as well as a larger diameter.

So, if your desire is to gain a weight savings and loose a little light, go with the 65.
If your desire is to gain light, increase range, and you can tolerate the extra weight and lack of space in your pack, go with the 95.

Look at it this way.

With your 85, you are 25 - 60 power. The eyepiece stays the same right? So when you go to the 95, why does it just to 30 - 70 power?
Same magnification eye piece right?

Its focal length.
With the 95 you are gaining way more optical benefit than you would with the 65.
The 65 is space and weight benefit.

Its optical vs packability.

I would not buy the 65. I would use the 85 and call it a day. I would only spend the extra cash on the 95 if you have money to blow, or if you absolutely need that extra optical strength.

 

[robie]

Thanks everyone for the input.

I really enjoy looking through quality glass, no matter camera gear or my hunting gear. I think I will be happy with either the 85 or 95. I'm going to keep an eye out for a good deal between now and September and see what I can find.

 

[HookUp]

I have the ATX 65mm and its been great. Most of the birding crowd has a 65 mm for hikes and the 95mm for close walks. The conses in the birding community is other than the first 30 min of light you will see no difference between a 65 and 85 during day light. I glass with 12x50 ELs at first light not my spotter so I factor that in deciding what I carry. The 95 mm is next level and you will see a difference. I have very few trees and do not glass timber so I cannot see packing the 85mm, my next purchase will be the 95 mm to compliment the 65mm.

 

[robie]

Thanks hookup. If I can find a deal I'm leaning towards the 95.

 

[338edge]

Did you find a 95x if so what do you think?

 

[robie]

Did you find a 95x if so what do you think?

Yes i found one in ebay for 1500. It's been amazing.

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