Spotting scope 60mm vs 80mm

emmagator · #1 10-24-2010, 11:36 AM

Ok looking to get a good spotter for hunting purposes, trying to keep 1000$ or under. Anyway, is there a real noticable difference between a 60mm/65mm vs a 80mm scope. Also does HD glass make a real noticable difference? By the way looking at the Leupold Gold ring 12x40x60, just the right size. Any ideas? Thanks

Buster1 · #2 10-24-2010, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emmagator

Ok looking to get a good spotter for hunting purposes, trying to keep 1000$ or under. Anyway, is there a real noticable difference between a 60mm/65mm vs a 80mm scope. Also does HD glass make a real noticable difference? By the way looking at the Leupold Gold ring 12x40x60, just the right size. Any ideas? Thanks

If you're going to be packing it at all, get a good quality 60/65mm spotter. If it's going to be used mainly from a vehicle or shooting bench and weight isn't a concern, go with an 85mm. I own the Leupold 12-40x60mm Gold Ring HD and think it's about the best thing going. They're compact, lightweight, and have the best eye-relief in the business. I've owned both Zeiss and Swarovski 65mm spotters and prefer the Leupold for its size and eye-relief.

Most experts will tell you HD/ED/APO glass really only comes into play if you plan on digiscoping, but it also can't hurt.