Opinions high end spotters

hornkiller · Mar 12, 2014

I'm in the market so,
If you had the money what would you buy?

Zeiss Victory DiaScope 85 T* FL

OR

Swarovski ATS-80 HD

DnkyPunch · Mar 12, 2014

Neither
I'd buy the 65mm Zeiss or similar. 80-85mm is heavy for the backpack when the 65mm size does just fine with less weight

If you're dead set on the big glass, I like the focus ring on the swaro just a little better. Can't go wrong with either IMO.

lundellhunting7 · Mar 12, 2014

I would look at Leica! Then my choice would be Swaro then zeiss

Timberbuck · Mar 12, 2014

Neither

I would buy a Kowa 88mm prominar with the new wide angle zoom in a big spotter in that price range (and I own the Zeiss 85).

Or save some $ and buy the Meopta S2 spotter with your choice of the wide angle zoom or high power zoom and spend only $2000 and put the rest towards something else you need.

grizzly · Mar 13, 2014

LAST EDITED ON Mar-13-14 AT 09:01AM (MST)[p]See if you can find a used or demo (I bought mine from cameraland) atm 80 hd. Weighs only a few ounces more than an ats 65 hd, but you get 30% more objective lens. Same glass.

Just my .02

Grizzly

fatrooster · Mar 13, 2014

All of the choices mentioned above are great choices. Personally I prefer the swarovski line because they have accessories for digit coping as well as other accessories. They have one of the very best reputations for honoring their warranty. But all of those that have been mentioned have top of the line quality glass. Fatrooster.

Timberbuck · Mar 13, 2014

Thought I would add that I love my Zeiss 85 TFL with 20x75 zoom but I got a smoking deal on it as a demo. You may be able to pick one up too for a similar price as a new Meopta S2 and I would recommend the Zeiss. I was not trying to steer you away from the Zeiss but it would not be my top pick at $3000.

IMO the only large objective scopes as good or better than the Zeiss in low light are the Swarovski ATX 85 and 95mm and the Kowa 88mm.

hornkiller · Mar 13, 2014

Thanks guys I own a swaro 65 non hd now and just want a 80mm+

Any more input im all ears!

Deerlove · Mar 15, 2014

Horn my 80 doesn't pack far, 90% of the time I use the 65.

littlebighorn · Mar 17, 2014

I have to second Timber on the Kowas.
We did side by side comparisons of Swarows and the high end Kowa glass seemed sharper and the light gathering is amazing.
We have an 88 and to get around the weight I let my son carry it! ha.
They are at least a grand cheaper. Let me know if you are interested and I have a great contact for killer prices.

440sixpack · Mar 17, 2014

It's Swarovski for me. I had a 65 mm and wasn't happy with it in low light conditions so I went to the 80mm and it's much much better. I try not to carry it anymore than I have to but it fits in my pack just fine, and when I need it it does the job .

The HD glass is better, but for hunters I don't see the need unless you have money you don't like. I've looked through both side by side at pronghorn and I honestly can't tell the difference.

I'm sure there are other good options, but if you buy the Swarovski you aren't going to regret it .

Stay thirsty my friends