Post by: GoPlayOutside on July 18, 2011, 09:31:34 PM
Now that I actually have the money for it....I'm really really nervous to spend that much on a scope.
Where should I be looking to buy (I need the whole set up: tripod, protection, eye piece, etc). I was thinking Cabela's (not by first choice or price), but because I have about $450 in gift cards and points.
Also, do you recommend any other high quality scope other than the Swaro's? Leopold, Zeiss, Nikon, etc.
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on July 18, 2011, 11:03:11 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on July 19, 2011, 02:26:55 AM
I lucked out and got a Nikon ED 82mm angled with a 30x wide angle eyepiece for less than $800 on ebay. The glass is outstanding. It is definitely in the top-tier. I wont argue that its better than Zeiss or Swaro, but I don't see how spending twice what I did would cause me to love my scope that much more.
A few observations:
1. I love the wrap around focus ring. I can't stand those small focus knobs.
2. I wish it was a straight, not angled body. Mainly for when you're sitting up on a hill and want to keep a low profile lest you skyline yourself for the deer to see. However, when you're just standing and you're sharing a view with a hunting buddy, its usually easier to have an angled scope and not have to readjust the height.
3. Don't buy a cheap tripod and head. I picked up a Manfrotto from Adorama in NYC. B&H sucks. You wont so much notice the difference if you say have it set up at the range and are just leaning over to check your grouping. However comma when you're panning around for hours and hours its nice to have a smooth feel as it turns. i've also sat in my tuck to rest in the middle of gusty winds and left the scope set up while I rested and the thing didn't flintch in the wind. :twocents:
Post by: Wacenturion on July 19, 2011, 11:21:33 AM
Obviously not a Swaro, or Zweiss, but then neither is the price. They are currently on sale at Cabelas by the way, about $100 off on the one I have.
Another one to check out would be the new Zen Ray spotter.
Post by: Huntnphish on July 19, 2011, 11:29:50 AM
Post by: 7mag. on July 21, 2011, 08:09:46 AM
Post by: HUNT on July 21, 2011, 08:16:20 AM
Finally talked a friend of mine into a 20-60x65 HD. Now he doesnt ask to look through mine all the time. :chuckle:
Post by: jackelope on July 21, 2011, 08:20:19 AM
Post by: deerdog on July 21, 2011, 08:54:34 AM
Don't feel nervous about buying a Swaro spotter, you are going to love it. :tup:
I had the same feelings when I bought mine, but now that I have it I don't regret buying it at all.Also If you buy it now you will have it for the rest of your life.
Post by: jjhunter on July 21, 2011, 09:36:26 AM
Shop around, deals are where you find them and you can save a BUNCH of money. I've owned about everything that Swarovski makes and the stuff holds it value. I bought a pair of SLC 10x50 in 2004 and used them for 6 years and sold them for the same price as I bought them for. I sold my STS 60 after using it for 10 years and lost $49. I could have sold it for $1500 to a guy in WY, but sold it locally to a buddy instead.......Not that you would ever sell, but there is a reason that these things hold their value over time!
Post by: Bean Counter on July 21, 2011, 01:28:04 PM
Post by: whacker1 on July 21, 2011, 01:30:57 PM
Buy your tripod and scope cover at cabelas with your gift card. Don't buy your scope there. Do some shopping on the internet. Buy an STS HD, not an STM. You will pay more for the STM and there are no optical advantages over the STS. I've had the STS 60 and the STS 80 HD. I bought the 60 in 2001 for $1149 at Sportsman Warehouse with part of my harvest check. I stole my STS 80 HD (last summer) for $1583 out the door at Wholesale Sports!! :yike:
Shop around, deals are where you find them and you can save a BUNCH of money. I've owned about everything that Swarovski makes and the stuff holds it value. I bought a pair of SLC 10x50 in 2004 and used them for 6 years and sold them for the same price as I bought them for. I sold my STS 60 after using it for 10 years and lost $49. I could have sold it for $1500 to a guy in WY, but sold it locally to a buddy instead.......Not that you would ever sell, but there is a reason that these things hold their value over time!
Sound Advice
Post by: HUNT on July 21, 2011, 01:47:57 PM
I'm curious about the difference in quality for the straight, 65mm scope in both HD and reg'lar (non-HD). :dunno:
In my opinion the only need for the hd would be if you are planning on taking pictures with it.
Post by: jackelope on July 21, 2011, 01:54:34 PM
I'm curious about the difference in quality for the straight, 65mm scope in both HD and reg'lar (non-HD). :dunno:
In my opinion the only need for the hd would be if you are planning on taking pictures with it.
I've been told the same thing.
Post by: BIGBULLBALLS on July 21, 2011, 02:33:02 PM
Very good people to deal with!
Post by: Pathfinder101 on July 21, 2011, 02:39:55 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on July 21, 2011, 02:46:01 PM
Post by: Bob33 on July 21, 2011, 03:22:56 PM
Post by: GoPlayOutside on July 21, 2011, 05:42:58 PM
What is the difference between the two when you have been starring through them for along time?
Post by: Huntnphish on July 21, 2011, 07:57:55 PM
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on July 21, 2011, 08:10:09 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on July 21, 2011, 09:29:35 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on July 22, 2011, 08:08:02 AM
Post by: whacker1 on October 30, 2014, 07:24:42 PM
Post by: whacker1 on October 30, 2014, 07:25:37 PM
I'm curious about the difference in quality for the straight, 65mm scope in both HD and reg'lar (non-HD). :dunno:
In my opinion the only need for the hd would be if you are planning on taking pictures with it.
Do you still feel the same way?
Post by: whacker1 on October 30, 2014, 07:30:00 PM
Post by: go4steelhd on October 30, 2014, 07:42:38 PM
Post by: quadrafire on October 30, 2014, 08:02:12 PM
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