Spotting Scope Help

dhnter · Jul 13, 2004

First time logging to the forum. I have a question regarding spotting scopes. I am trying to decide between a Zeiss AT65, a Leica Telvid 62 APO or a Swaroski STS 65. I have all but decided against the Swaroski simply b/c they keep running the price up and I don't feel like they are that much better than the other two scopes that I mentioned. I will be using this mainly for Mule deer and Elk here in Colorado as well as an Alaska trip we have for next year. Any help you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated.

huntnphool · Jul 13, 2004

I have owned the Zeiss and like my Swarovski better, FWIW.....................rf

muleycrazy · Jul 13, 2004

I own the Swarovski ATS65.......don't care how much they charge they are by far the best optics on the market. Their warranty they offer is also second to none, lifetime with free upgrades, no questions asked.
Just my opinion.
Dave

RACKMASTER · Jul 13, 2004

Buy the SWAROSKI ATS 65 HD!!!
$500.00 MORE (NOTHING BETTER)!!
65'S are smaller for packing I have the 85's HD and I have a woody every time use them!! nothing! nothing! been close to the sharpness,briteness,light gathering, they have elmidnated eye strain!
Gramps use to say buy the best you will always be happy
with it! the best are SWAROSKI HD!
RACKMASTER

fatrooster · Jul 14, 2004

Hey muleycrazy, what do you mean by free upgrades with the swaro scopes? Fatrooster.

Craig · Jul 14, 2004

can you tell a big diffrence in light gathering ability between the Swarovski 65mm and the 80mm spotting scope. The 80mm is only about $230 more.

Coyote75 · Jul 14, 2004

coyote75 Does Cabelas carry these I have a old tasco but it works

dhnter · Jul 14, 2004

Craig,
I am not worried as much about the light gathering difference as I am the weight and size difference comparing the two. Also, I think the 80 is really an overkill unless your looking at the moon. That's kind of where I am coming from. Some guys have said the 65 HD is better based on clarity. That may be a better choice than the reg. STS

muleycrazy · Jul 14, 2004

fatrooster,
If you own a swarovski optic of any kind, sometimes they change the body or housing or eyecups, usually design changes, you can send in your old one and they will upgrade it to the newest version. I did this with my 10x42's a few years back.
Free of charge. spend the money on Swarovski, you will never regret it
Dave

fatrooster · Jul 14, 2004

Thanks muleycrazy. I do owne the ATS 80 and EL 10 x 42's. But I was unaware of the upgrade thing. Love my Swaro's. I look at it this way. They are a lifetime investment and I'll be passing them on to my kids one day. Why skimp on quality. Layaway plan makes it easier to buy them. Fatrooster.

NvrEnuf · Jul 15, 2004

I have the Swarovski 65 HD and my neighbor has the Leica 77. We have compared them side by side and we can both tell a slight diference in the sharpness. The Swarovski being a little more crisp in low light. He was just telling me yesterday that he is having problems with the focus mechanism on his Leica (something about the bands???). Anyway, he plans on sending it in to have it fixed and then selling it and buying a Swarovski. He said he wishes he would have just done that in the first place. I know I'll never sell my Swaro! It's like an Amercian Express card, once you have one you won't leave home without it!

Good luck,

NvrEnuf

jims · Jul 15, 2004

I think once you get to top end scopes they all are fairly similar. I would get the one that feels the most comfortable and is the easiest for you to adjust and view through. I bought a Leica televid 77 a few years ago and am totally sold on it! It may be larger in size than the other scopes you mentioned, but the eye relief and additional light gathering ability is definitely worth the added weight/bulk to me. There is also alittle bigger entrance pupil so it is a little easier to view through for hours at a time and at dawn/dusk. More bulk/weight to pack around though.