Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: gramps on January 11, 2009, 01:28:09 PM

Title: 60 & 80 mm lens
Post by: gramps on January 11, 2009, 01:28:09 PM: Is there any practical difference between the 60 and 80 mm objective lens on a spotting scope?
Thanks
Title: Re: 60 & 80 mm lens
Post by: bobcat on January 11, 2009, 01:35:37 PM: Yes there's a lot of difference. The 80mm lens will be a lot brighter but it will also be a lot heavier.
Title: Re: 60 & 80 mm lens
Post by: Red Dawg on January 11, 2009, 05:43:37 PM: 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.
Title: Re: 60 & 80 mm lens
Post by: HardCorpsHuntr on January 11, 2009, 05:54:15 PM: 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.
Title: Re: 60 & 80 mm lens
Post by: gramps on January 11, 2009, 06:49:12 PM: 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.
Title: Re: 60 & 80 mm lens
Post by: ZRS-8x42 on January 11, 2009, 10:28:11 PM: 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.
Title: Re: 60 & 80 mm lens
Post by: blindpig on February 05, 2009, 01:32:11 PM: I have swaro 60 and its plenty.
Title: Re: 60 & 80 mm lens
Post by: JACKALL on February 05, 2009, 05:28:46 PM: 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
Title: Re: 60 & 80 mm lens
Post by: Intruder on February 09, 2009, 03:18:15 PM: Huge difference in light transmission. 80s will usually cost more and weigh more too. Not as easy to lug around in hunting scenarios.