Swarovski 65 vs swarovski 80

[grizzlygibbs]

Do you guys think $1500 is a fair price for a 20-60X65 sts spotting scope?  What are some pros and cons of 65 mm objective and should I hold out for an 80mm?

I just want the best but cannot afford HD or new.

[G.R.K]

65 mm if you want to pack it/80 mm for the truck. 

[huntnphool]

Thats a good price if you compare to new, about $400 off. I like mine, it fits in my pack with a compact tripod although its not light weight. When comparing to the 80 you really are talking about hair splitting, I wouldnt worry about it.

[BlackTail]

phool,  do you have the 65 or the 80?

[jjhunter]

I bought the 65 because I walk a lot and although there may not be a substantial difference in weight there is a substantial size difference between the 65 and 80.  My STS 65 fits in my pack with ease and takes up minimal room.  If you like to get out and get after it - the 65 is the scope of choice  You can always buy an 80mm body later if you get old an need to road hunt  

[Intruder]

Luggin around an 80 is a bitch.  Lugging around a 65 is a bitch.... but much less of one.  I wouldn't consider packing an 80 around anymore. More $, more weight, heaviear tripod, more expensive tripod.... no thanks. 

[Red Dawg]

I pack around a 62mm leica spotter and love it. I dont think I would want to go any larger in my pack. Besides you most likely dont need the bigger objective unless you are going blind or doing lots of bird watching.

[grizzlygibbs]

Thanks guys I am gonna hold out until I am done with school as I am not gonna be able to hunt as much as I want for two years.  Should give me plenty of time to save up, maybe even for an HD and a nice tripod and head

[BIGBULLBALLS]

Buy the HD Swarovski.  I bought the ATS 80 HD and it blows all other scopes out of the water IMO.  My buddy has the STS 80 non-HD and I get at least 15 minutes more glassing time than he does early mornings and late evenings.  15 minutes does not sound like much but that is when the big boys step out.  I paid $2850 for scope, eye piece, Bogen carbon fiber tripod, and Bogen fluid filled head.  Awesome setup

[high country]

if you are going to use it for a hunting outfit, give a serious look at the 15-56 binos on a tripod. I sold my 80mm ed spotter cause the binos were so much more friendly to hunt with.

[huntnphool]

phool,  do you have the 65 or the 80?

 I bought the 65, I can get it in my daypack but couldn't fit the 80.

[MtnMuley]

The 15x56 with a tripod are unbeatable until you need more magnification at a long distance.  That's the only reason I prefer the spotting scope.     If I had more room I'd pack them both!

[huntnphool]

If I had more room I'd pack them both!

I pack my 65 and my EL 10X42's

[MtnMuley]

Okay, I pack my EL's around my neck too, just not the big 15x56SLCs!

[Wacenturion]

I pack my 20x60x82mm Nikon Pro Staff in my Badlands Hypervent.....not a problem.  Fits fine and very little difference in weight over a 65mm when riding in its own compartment.  I personally would rather have the extra early/late light benefit.  But then again I've been known to pack my 20x70 Fujinon bino's around....heavy? ...yes....but when I need to look....priceless.   

[beardown]

The 15x56 with a tripod are unbeatable until you need more magnification at a long distance.  That's the only reason I prefer the spotting scope.     If I had more room I'd pack them both!

I have the 15x56's and the sts 20-60x80 HD scope I pack them both everywhere I go.  I bought my scope last year, but this years model is supposed to be lighter.  It is kinda heavy but I have looked through both side by side in low light my 80 walked all over the 65.  I guess it depends on if you are a wuss or not

[MtnMuley]

If you could see my pack setup I doubt you'd be calling me a wuss.

[Wacenturion]

The 15x56 with a tripod are unbeatable until you need more magnification at a long distance.  That's the only reason I prefer the spotting scope.     If I had more room I'd pack them both!

I have the 15x56's and the sts 20-60x80 HD scope I pack them both everywhere I go.  I bought my scope last year, but this years model is supposed to be lighter.  It is kinda heavy but I have looked through both side by side in low light my 80 walked all over the 65.  I guess it depends on if you are a wuss or not

 

[elk311]

I have the 80 STS HD. "leave the 80 in the truck" Are you kidding me? This scope is SO LIGHTWEIGHT it's unreal and the optical clarity is second to none!!! NEVER EVER leave these scopes in the truck! They belong in the woods.

[grizzlygibbs]

I am defiantly gonna do a side by side comparison before I pull the trigger on this purchase.

[Craig]

I have the STS 80 and love it. I do need a lighter tripod. Mine is like packing around a brick.

[huntnphool]

I am defiantly gonna do a side by side comparison before I pull the trigger on this purchase.

 If possible do it in the field under extreme conditions. I have a 65 you could borrow if you can find someone with a 80.

[grizzlygibbs]

I will take you up on that phool, but it will be put on the back burner for a while.  I had a small window this summer to get one, then it got shot down by the warden.  Summer of 2011 will be a definite purchase of some good glass though!

[muley_hunter]

If you have the space in your pack go with the 80mm; I love mine and it fits perfectly in my Badlands 2200.