Swarovski atm 65 HD vs 80 non HD

I've got an opportunity to buy either a Swarovski ATM 65 HD or an ATM 80 non HD. Both scopes are in like new condition and both are the exact same price. So my question is, is it worth it to get an HD in a smaller objective vs non? Is there that much difference in low light from a 65 HD to a non 80? Weight is not an issue to me, my only hold up is performance. Which one would you go with?

If you are going to take pictures with your new scope. You my want to go with the Hd glass. You still maybe giving up a little with the smaller objective. If you can take them in the field and play around with them. That would be the best. You will be able to see what you are gaining and loosing.For resale the HD is the way to go. Can you even buy new glass that isn't HD ?

HD glass was developed with bird watchers in mind mainly for color resolution. it's great but hunters don't need it.


There is a HUGE difference between the 65 and the 80 for low light conditions. trust me I started with a 65 and traded for an 80.

If weight and size aren't a major problem the 80mm is the no brainer choice.










Stay Thirsty My Friends

LAST EDITED ON May-27-16 AT 03:08PM (MST)[p]What makes one "HD" and the other one non HD?

Also, what does HD stand for?
If it stands for High definition, what does that mean?
How does Swarovski break down the definition? Is it in pixels, dots per inch, how much added resolution do you get with HD over non HD?

Does it stand for high density? What does that mean? Why would density matter?

Does it stand for something else? What does it stand for?
Why does the designation matter?

So many times we get caught up in labels without even knowing what the label means or how it makes a difference.

I once saw a turbo tooth brush.
Now I know what a turbo is. I know what turbo does. I could not figure out how this tooth brush was equipped with a turbo charger.
I looked up the definition of turbo just to make sure I didn't miss something. Still cant figure out how that toothbrush was a turbo.
It was just a name, a label printed on something for marketing purposes.

Get it?

Swarovski uses lenses with fluorite in them. They use swarovision coatings on the lenses.
So, what is HD and how is it different?

If you cant get the answer to that question, then all you have to concern yourself with is 80mm vs 65mm.

How can we compare something when we don't even know what it is?

For backpacking I use the 65

HD definitely stands for High Definition. Meaning that the picture will be more pronounced or the image you are looking at will be sharper than it is with non HD. I once compared an HD and a non HD both in 80mm objective and could not tell the difference. I looked through them in full day light and kept looking until dark. I tried to give the HD an edge but just could not see it with the naked eye.
But then I got onto digiscoping (taking pictures and video through the scope) and thats when I saw a more sharper clearer difference.
What do they do to HD to make it superior? I'm not sure. Some people will tell you that they put more flourite coatings on HD. I do not know.
I started out with 80mm and packed it around for several years. But later I went with the 65 and liked it better. I mostly hunt out of a backpack. If I did not backpack hunt I wouuld probably choose an 80mm over the 65mm.
Nowadays I have the ATX with the 65 and 95 objective lens. I use the 65 almost all of the time. I use the 95mm when Im in my truck on the winter range looking at muleys. fatrooster.