Thanks gentleman for the advice thus far. SHEDYGAGA, thank you taking the time and doing the math on the eyepieces. This was an item I hadn't given much thought about, but now I am intrigued and will put the two eyepieces to a test before I buy.
Let me answer some of your questions.
I don't backpack deep into the wilderness on 98% of the hunts we do anymore. Over the years our hunting style has evolved such, that we are able to identify and hunt small pockets of animals typically out of the thoughts of other hunters. Since we've been hunting almost exclusively elk the last 15 years or so due to saving deer points, its been an interesting process to say the least. We are able to find these pockets due to local intel from family and friends, along with preseason scouting. One of the reasons I'd like to make a major upgrade to my current spotter. On elk size animals it is adequate provided the power setting isn't over 40x. After that the image seems to get fuzzy depending on the lighting. During full daylight its fine on all powers.
My typical day hunting is usually setting up high on a ridge where I can glass our target terrain with the spotter and bino's. Typically if we locate animals we will either try and make a play if time permits or put them to bed and get on them at first light the next morning. I've personally been pretty successful with this. Seeing as this is CO and the animals are heavily pressured in most units, glassing at evening from a good vantage point has taught us that most animals stick to the timber near feeding areas till full on dark. Some rifle seasons and weather patterns change this, but we still find it a good rule of thumb.
Now, having said all that, I do have plans in the future of doing more backpack type hunts and weight will always be an issue. So, I'll give the 65mm some due consideration as well. I was curious what trade off might be there and it sounds like it is minimal in certain terrain.
Lastly, as to Vortex and other newer names in optics, I do believe that if nothing else, its been good for optics across the board having them around. Its made the optics field highly competitive and I believe this will push all manufacturers to keep their quality and offerings fresh. Win-win for us sportsman. I also believe companies like Vortex are good for those who have a tight budget but would like better equipment than what was offered in the not so distant past. When I was young, Leupold, Swaro, Zeiss were the obvious top dogs in optics, and for the most part that left Tasco, Simmons, Bushnell and a few other options for those on a budget. We've come along way since then. For full disclosure I am currently using a Vortex Viper HD in 20-60x80mm spotter now. It was actually a gift from my wife a few years ago. Its done its job, but nows the time to upgrade and send this one to a new home.
So I guess you can call me a fan of sorts, but I'm not a fanboy by any means. Like most of you, I know you get what you pay for.
Thank you for your insights on the Swaro glass.