60 & 80 mm lens

[gramps]

Is there any practical difference between the 60 and 80 mm objective lens on a spotting scope?
Thanks

[bobcat]

Yes there's a lot of difference. The 80mm lens will be a lot brighter but it will also be a lot heavier.

[Red Dawg]

It really depends on what you are going to be using it for. I carry mine in the pack so I elected to go with a 62mm, those 80mm are hawgs to lug around while you are hunting.

[HardCorpsHuntr]

Noticeable difference at dusk and dawn, and larger field of view.

I spend a lot of time behind my bino's and spotting scope, so I've chosen the larger objective.  I replaced my Zeiss 65 with an 85 and have no regrets.  I'd rather pack an extra pound or two of glass than an extra pound or two from a 26" barrelled magnum rifle!  Plus, I do a lot of scoping from the house all year.

[gramps]

Thanks for the comments.  I don't take one with me when I am hunting, so carrying one on a hike would be without a rifle most all the time.  Have not had an oppurtunity to look at the two side by side yet.
Thanks.

[ZRS-8x42]

80mm or larger lens allows a slightly higher magnification power to start with. For example, you will see 15-45x60mm and 20-60x80mm scopes. When designing a scope, we try to make the exit pupil above 4mm (exit pupil= objective lens size/magnification power) so it can gather enough light.  That's why we can start with 20x for 80mm lens, while keeping it at 15x for a 60mm lens. You just have to balance the weight, power, light gathering capability when you make a decision on which one to go with.

[blindpig]

I have swaro 60 and its plenty.

[JACKALL]

I have a swarovski 60mm 20-60x it does a great job! I thought the 60 was better for me cause of the weight, I could not justify the 80mm weight and size for the extra light. Just buy good glass, and I don't think you will be disapointed

[Intruder]

Huge difference in light transmission.  80s will usually cost more and weigh more too.  Not as easy to lug around in hunting scenarios.