updating spotting scope

[varmit1]

Fellow Longerange Shooters

I have read this Site for over a year and have learned a lot, Thank you. I would like to upgrade my spotting scope. From your experience what do you feel is the best. I only want to do this one time due to the cost.

Leica 77 Televid scope with 20x60 lens

Zeiss 85 with 20x60 lens

Swarovski 80 with 20x60 lens

Which has less strain on the neck and eyes, straight scope or angle?
I feel that these are top of the line and would like to be able to see Targets and Prairie dogs to 1200 yards with true color and clarity as much as possible.
Thank you in advance for sharing your experience and knowledge.
Varmit 1

 

[gamehauler]

I have the Swaro 20X60X60 in the angle version and love it
To me it is more comfortable to hang my head down but a little
harder to find your target.
If you get the 60HD it is as bright as the 80 non-HD.
I do pack my spotter into hunting areas so I like the size and weight of the 60 better.
Hope this helps.
Mike

 

[varmit1]

I appreciate the reply. I am older and do not hunt much except varmits and shoot off a bench so my packing in very little. If the smaller HD lens is as clear then it still is still the way to go. Do you feel that the fixed power is clearer than the varible?

 

[uncleB]

I have the Swaro 20X60X60 in the angle version and love it
To me it is more comfortable to hang my head down but a little
harder to find your target.
If you get the 60HD it is as bright as the 80 non-HD.
I do pack my spotter into hunting areas so I like the size and weight of the 60 better.
Hope this helps.
Mike

Varmit1,
I disagree with gamehauler on every point but one "I do pack my spotter into hunting areas so I like the size and weight of the 60 better".
If you hunt Long Range dont even consider an angled spotting scope (it is hard enough finding your game with a straight with an angled it is sometimes futile).
An 80mm scope is always brighter than a 60mm in this quality of glass HD or not.
Leica has discontinued the televid 77 and the televid 62 spotting scopes and is coming out with the NEW Televid 82 and Televid 65 spotting scopes they should be out soon ( in theroy ).
UB

 

[gamehauler]

Well after Varmit1's last post I have to say the best of the best is
Swarovski 20X60-80 HD.


UncleB,
I stated and you did respond to it
but It may take me 10 seconds with a straight
and 30 with an angled to find the game but If you are
watching a critter for hours while a hunter works his way to get a shot
I would much rather have an angled.
Just my $.02
mike

 

[RLA]

You really only need a HD if you want to have color for pic's. I have both and can tell you a standard spotting scope will find just as much game as an HD scope. I also have a angled scope and once you get used to it you will never go back............. I have the Leica 77 because I like where the focus knob is located. Any of the scopes listed would be great. I suggest you go and mess with each brand. Ryan

 

[uncleB]

Well after Varmit1's last post I have to say the best of the best is
Swarovski 20X60-80 HD.


UncleB,
I stated and you did respond to it
but It may take me 10 seconds with a straight
and 30 with an angled to find the game but If you are
watching a critter for hours while a hunter works his way to get a shot
I would much rather have an angled.
Just my $.02
mike

Mike you are funny, with a straight it may take 10 seconds to find an animal at 1000yds TRUE. But at 1000yds+ what you are not picking up on is that you may NEVER find it with an angled spotting scope, you must be looking at birds in the tree or neighbors in the window !!!!!
UB

 

[gamehauler]

Mike you are funny, with a straight it may take 10 seconds to find an animal at 1000yds TRUE. But at 1000yds+ what you are not picking up on is that you may NEVER find it with an angled spotting scope, you must be looking at birds in the tree or neighbors in the window !!!!!
UB

Sorry Dude
you lost me on that one

 

[varmit1]

Gentlemen,
I THANK all of you that responded to my questions on the spotting scopes. I believe that the imformation that you supplied and the thread "which spotting scope" by Grit 11-12-2004 I will be getting the Swaro 20x60x80HD straight scope. I have two very accurate rifles, one by Kirby and one by Weaver rifles. All I will have to do now is wait for a little warmer weather to start enjoying things.

Again I thank you.

Varmit1

 

[jeff 300]

you need to take real hard look at kowa spotting scope before you spend that kind of money. a lot of your bench rest guy are using them. and after i looked at them. i was sold and have love mine. i got the big one i think its like 82-85mm with a 20x60 eye piece. i pay 1475.00 with a very good tri pod and carry bag and zip up soft case. my wife uses it for taking picture way out there and they turn out great.
www.kowascope.com