Another spotter thread

Weiserbucks · Mar 9, 2015

I have been reading the other spotting scope threads with great interest . My question is regarding the Swaro ATS 80 HD with the 25x50 eyepiece vs the Leica Televid APO 82 with their 25x50 eyepiece . From my little bit of price checking , the Leica is roughly 700$ more than the Swaro . I have no experience with either one and would love some feedback . Is the Leica 700$ better or is it similar performance for more $ ? I will be purchasing a new scope soon and have narrowed it down to the above mentioned scopes unless there are others I should be considering . I'm not wealthy and only want to make this purchase once so I look forward to any help you guys can give , thanks and good luck to all in the draws

IHuntNUtah · Mar 11, 2015

You will be happy with either. If you are going to spend that much money, take the time to go look through both, they are different and you will prefer one over the other but it might be different than what I prefer or anyone else.

Weiserbucks · Mar 11, 2015

Im having a hard time finding either scope within any reasonable distance from my home to try out . . Im leaning towards the Swaro based on reputation and price , but I have owned a few different Leica optics and have been more than satisfied with them . I may just order from a company with a REALLY good return policy and hope for the best .

booter96 · Mar 11, 2015

Sir give me a call I have owned both and can answer your questions in great detail. Thanks Dave 602-228-1719

Weiserbucks · Mar 11, 2015

Thanks Dave , I'll give you a ring this evening when I get off work

Weiserbucks · Mar 24, 2015

Thanks for the help guys ! Im just about ready to purchase a scope , but have one more question . I was pretty sure I wanted an angled scope but now Im not sure . What do you guys prefer ? Straight vs Angled ? Why should I choose one over the other ? I have never used either one so Im looking forward to your responses to help me make the best choice . Thanks again

muley505 · Mar 24, 2015

I've had both, and my overall preference is straight. It mostly boils down to being able to pack it better. Angled scopes are a little more comfortable for glassing, but they take up more room in your pack. Most of the spotting scope pockets on packs are designed for a straight scope, although some of them will take an angled scope. I also prefer a straight scope for the occasional time when I will be glassing from a vehicle (such as when I'm pronghorn hunting) as a straight scope will mount to a window more easily. You can rotate an angled scope to make it work in a vehicle, but you don't get quite as much range-of-motion out of it as you do with a straight one.

Angled scopes are nicer if you are glassing areas that are above you as you don't have to tilt your head back as much or extend your tripod quite as high (which makes it a little more steady), but a straight scope is more comfortable for glassing areas below you (which is my main glassing style). It boils down to personal preference and glassing style, but these are some of the things I've found from owning both configurations. I don't think you can really go wrong with either one. Good luck.

azbow · Mar 24, 2015

I have used a scope for hunting for many years and I like the straight eyepiece. Much easier to tell where I am looking and change direction to cover new country. Most important though is that when I sit behind it for long periods of time, my neck starts hurting trying to tip my head down to look through an angeled eyepiece. Much more natural and comfortable to keep my head level with the straight.

grizzly · Mar 24, 2015

I much prefer angled. It took some getting used to as far as quickly finding your target, but once I figured that out it was much more comfortable... both on the mountain and in the truck.

Grizzly

Weiserbucks · Mar 24, 2015

Thanks guys ! Keep the recommendations coming , Im leaning towards a straight scope for ease of use . Talk me into or out of it , I need all the help I can get . This is a HUGE purchase for me and I want to make the most of everyones knowledge , as I don't have any on this subject !

Deerlove · Mar 25, 2015

I prefer angled, I don't have to raise my tripod as high, which means more stability, and its easier on my neck. You do have to practice finding animals though the first time you use it.

HorseCreek · Mar 27, 2015

Angled sucks for spotting from a vehicle window. Great for spotting uphill...bad for down hill. Exact opposite for a straight scope.

Traditional >>>------->

BPKHunter · Mar 29, 2015

I have straight, friends has angled.

One consideration is your height. Angled works better if you are taller, or will be using compact tripod. I like how mine packs for sure.

I don't use friends angled often, but sure isn't as easy to find a critter in a hurry as my straight. This can be important when you see one walking toward the top of the ridge with your bino's.

Weiserbucks · Mar 30, 2015

Thanks for all the replies and helpful advice . On Friday I purchased a Swarovski Straight body HD 80mm . I was able to look through the angled scope and was basically lost trying to find the intended viewing target , with the straight scope I was able to get on target almost instantly . I had never owned a spotter before but now that I do , I wonder how I ever got by without one . I mean no disrespect to any other brands or the hunters that use them but I am VERY happy I was able to get a high end scope , the viewing quality is exceptional . Thanks again to everyone who helped get me pointed in the right direction .

RidgeRunner76 · Mar 30, 2015

Since this thread is open and ongoing, I just want to echo the sentiment D6 in his thanks to all of you that helped on spotter questions. I'm a few bucks short yet on purchasing my Swaro, but it won't be long now. I too am going to go with a straight versus angled even though the spotter I sold was angled.

Thanks very much gentleman . Is most appreciated.