Using a Angle Spotter

[Tracker12]

I picked up a SWARO 65 ATM spotter last year when they were discontinued. Will be using it the first time next week on my elk hunt to Colorado. I expect it all be very different than my old straight Leupold and am hoping someone can give me some pointers. Also I am shopping for a new Head for my tripod. Should my Angle spotter enter into my decision of what to buy? Thanks in advance.

[MuleyJ]

That is a very nice scope and I suspect once you get used to it you will prefer the angled version(I certainly do). They are slightly more difficult to initially acquire spotted animals with until you become accustomed to the difference. There should be a small peep in the box that attaches to the body and locks on under the eyepiece to help with this. I have used the ATS 80 HD version in the CO high country for about ten years and would never have a straight body scope again, EVER. There are a few hefty benefits with the angled scope, you can get away with a lot shorter tripod and still maintain a perfectly comfortable glassing position. The fact that the scope sits lower means that it is more stable, which is important in the wind which can be brutal on the high ridgelines. The rotator ring in the middle of the body makes the angled scopes significantly more versatile for window mounts as you can view from virtually any position. That same feature also makes it very nice from a tall tripod where you have a buddy along that is of a different height.

 

It would be nice to know what kind of tripod you had and weather you were planning on packing far, but a good fluid head is a must IMO. I use the manfrotto 700rc2 on a slick 624cf pro pod for backpacking and that setup handles the larger 80mm version of your scope well. There is a rebate on that head right now and it can be had for about $70. There are lots of heads that would work(depending on your pod) if you will not be packing.

[Tracker12]

MuleyJ

Thanks for the feedback and tips. I have a very nice Gitzo Tripod that while a bit heavy it is very stable and I plan on using it on this upcoming hunt. My buddy drew the lone Unit 2 CO archery tag and I will be the guide, spotter, caller, packer and what ever needs to be done go get him on a good bull. I will not be carrying a weapon so weight is not a problem. I was looking at the manfrotto 500AH and 128RC and actually last night noticed the 700rc. Would you have a choice between the three?

[MuleyJ]

I have two of the 3130 heads, one on my heavier manfrotto pod and one for a window mount. The 128 was a direct replacement for those and seem to be virtually the same. They are well suited to a heavier pod and function slightly better than the 700rc2 IMO, but too heavy for a backpack pod where the 700rc2 works better. One benefit is that your Swarovski scope foot will lock directly into that 128 head without the use of a quick release plate, which is pretty handy. The 700 rc2 uses the same qr plate but it must be rotated 90 degrees so you need to use the plate to maintain proper function. I have no experience with the other head you mentioned so I cant help you there, but I see it uses a different quick release plate than the other two. For me it would be the 128 unless I wanted a pod and head to be folded down and stuffed into a pack.

[MuleyJ]

Good luck on that hunt BTW, that is a great area. You better get this straightened out quickly!

[Tracker12]

I ordered the 700rc. If it does not work out I'll return it and pick up something else after the hunt. It is my understanding that I should get one plate with the head. At least I hope so. I am pretty excited to be on this hunt. I drew that tag two years ago and had an amazing time killing a pretty good bull.

[MuleyJ]

They are all good heads and should come with the plate. The bonus is that if you ever want to build a lightweight backpacker you can just swap out heads. Good luck!