longshooter Report post Posted February 6, 2008 I'm buying a new spotting scope and can not decide which one to pick from. My 2 pics are the Swarovski 65mm or the 80MM . There is a $400 difference between the 2 and 7 oz's. I know with the 80mm it lets in more light so you get a better view first thing or right after dark. I have used the 80mm before and have used the 65mm on seperate occasions. My question is the 80mm worth the additional $400 and 7 oz's compared to the 65mm ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elpepe25 Report post Posted February 6, 2008 i dont think the 80 is worth it if your doing any hiking. The 80 mm is freaking huge, the 65 is more manageable. In my experience the 65 gives ample light for all acceptable conditions IMO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Sniper Report post Posted February 6, 2008 You know my opinion, man. I have the 80mm, my old man has the 65, and he regularly asks me to look at something or borrow my scope in the mornings and afternoons to check out a buck. This isn't the last few minutes of light either. You're young enough that the weight isn't that huge of a deal unless you plan on doing some backpack hunts. So, IMO, the 80 is better. Is it $400 better? I think so. if you're going to drop that much cash might as go all the way, but you have a situation that might not allow that. I don't think you'll regret getting the 65 and not the 80, but the way i look at it, it's a major investment on something you're going to have for a long time, might as well get the best. Every little bit helps, especially with these Coues. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COOSEFAN Report post Posted February 6, 2008 I have the Swaro 80mm HD and I feel certain there is no better scope out there. I just don't use it enough to justify the price and I would have bought a cheaper scope if I had known. I would just base it on how much you plan on using it, If you plan on using it alot, then by all means buy the best scope you can afford and in that case, the 80 is better than the 65 Good luck, JIM> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SilentButDeadly Report post Posted February 6, 2008 I really like the zeiss 85m diascope with vario lense - you could try givin'it a go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjw2222 Report post Posted February 6, 2008 I would chalk another up for the Zeiss 85mm although the Swaro 80 is extremely close. Personally i would save the extra $ and get the 80, it'll come in handy when you need it the most. I look forward to Youngunter's opinion on this and his Sawro 80 HD that he lugs around Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues 'n' Sheep Report post Posted February 6, 2008 I have the STS65 HD..... it is as clear as the standard 80 IMO.... I really prefir carring the 65 over the old 80 mm Swaro I had before. Spend the money for the HD and you will like the 65 just fine.... FYI.... The Zeiss 85 has a camera made by Ziess that mounts in place of the eye piece an it takes the best pictures!!!! Good Luck! CnS Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scoutm Report post Posted February 6, 2008 I have the Swaro 80 HD and I love it. Can't say enough good things about it. Another great option is the Nikon Fieldscope. SunDevil has one and I've looked through it many times. The Nikon will save you around $600 (I believe) when compared to the Swaro but it's the heaviest of the bunch. One plus though is it has a variable eye piece that goes out to 75x which on non-windy days is pretty nice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Sniper Report post Posted February 6, 2008 CnS brings up a good point, I'd definitely recommend to go HD with either size. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elpepe25 Report post Posted February 6, 2008 +1 for HD either way. I like the Nikon field scope ED as well but if you got the money for swaro.....that is the way to go IMO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
longshooter Report post Posted February 7, 2008 Thanks for all the opinions. I will be going with the 65mm HD . My idea is to actually buy 2 of them and have them connected as a set of binos. I know a guide who did this and they seemed to work pretty well. Does any one else have experience connecting 2 swaro's together ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Sniper Report post Posted February 7, 2008 is the 80mm worth the additional $400 and 7 oz's compared to the 65mm ? Well apparently having (2) 65mm's is worth about 2 grand more and twice the weight. Plus a bracket. You always did make plenty of sense dude. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
longshooter Report post Posted February 7, 2008 is the 80mm worth the additional $400 and 7 oz's compared to the 65mm ? Well apparently having (2) 65mm's is worth about 2 grand more and twice the weight. Plus a bracket. You always did make plenty of sense dude. Yeah but if you have 2 swaro's spotting scopes made into a pair of bino's you will not have to carry a pair of 15's besides kevin you already know when I hunt with you i don't even carry a pack because you carry enough in yours for 3 people. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azcouesandelk Report post Posted February 7, 2008 I have the Swaro 80mm HD and I think it is the best scope on the market. It is a little heavy but it does make a difference the first and last hour of light. Also if you are wanting to do any digiscoping the 80mm will make a world of difference with the clarity of your pictures. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
