Like many other people I'm torn between the Vortex Razor HD and the Swaro.
With the Razor HD I'd be considering either the:
16-48x65 - 48oz - $950
or
20-60x85 - 65oz - $1300
With the Swaro I'd be considering either the ATS/STS HD
20-60x65 - 38oz - $2250
or
20-60-85 - 47oz -$2950
I'm probably going to be using this on some car camping trips and also on some backpacking trips so the smaller objective appeals to me quite a bit along with the lighter weight of the swaros.
Despite the price I'm leaning towards the Swaro 20-60x65 but am wondering if I'm going to be missing much with getting that higher magnification and smaller objective diameter? When it comes to spotting scopes what tends to be king? magnification or objective diameter? Does getting a higher magnification with a smaller objective diameter leave some to be desired?
The only spotting scope I've used so far is my brother in laws redfield which isn't in the same league as either of these. It was a 20-60 but once I got above 40x I had a tough time getting a clear image.
Prices listed above are approximately what I could get each for at cabelas right now as the vortex's are 20% off due to having a cabelas visa.
I'm not in a rush as I probably won't use it much until september. Do the Swaro's ever go on sale? I'm not opposed to used but do prefer to buy new when possible.
I know the swaro vs vortex has been debated at length and am aware the swaro's generally tend to be considered as better but I haven't found much info on the magnification vs objective so any help is appreciated.
Thank you!
With the Razor HD I'd be considering either the:
16-48x65 - 48oz - $950
or
20-60x85 - 65oz - $1300
With the Swaro I'd be considering either the ATS/STS HD
20-60x65 - 38oz - $2250
or
20-60-85 - 47oz -$2950
I'm probably going to be using this on some car camping trips and also on some backpacking trips so the smaller objective appeals to me quite a bit along with the lighter weight of the swaros.
Despite the price I'm leaning towards the Swaro 20-60x65 but am wondering if I'm going to be missing much with getting that higher magnification and smaller objective diameter? When it comes to spotting scopes what tends to be king? magnification or objective diameter? Does getting a higher magnification with a smaller objective diameter leave some to be desired?
The only spotting scope I've used so far is my brother in laws redfield which isn't in the same league as either of these. It was a 20-60 but once I got above 40x I had a tough time getting a clear image.
Prices listed above are approximately what I could get each for at cabelas right now as the vortex's are 20% off due to having a cabelas visa.
I'm not in a rush as I probably won't use it much until september. Do the Swaro's ever go on sale? I'm not opposed to used but do prefer to buy new when possible.
I know the swaro vs vortex has been debated at length and am aware the swaro's generally tend to be considered as better but I haven't found much info on the magnification vs objective so any help is appreciated.
Thank you!