Swaro spotting scopes HD or Regular ???

[B23]

What are the opinions on the HD vs Regular Swarovski spotting scopes?

I'm pretty certain I'm going with the 80 if that has any bearing.

 

[Ernie]

IMHO, non-HD.

 

[jbo]

IMHO, non-HD.

hmm... I did look at the 80mm HD and the regular one at Cabela's and thought there was a noticeable differences between them, that may have been the power of suggestion from the guy trying to sell me. I thought HD was brighter and crisper then the regular lens. I'm going back and take another look, you may have saved me a few bucks. Did you compare them side by side?
Also, would you agree the Swarovski series spotters are the best on the market?....... take price out of the equation. I also looked at the Meopta spotter and thought it was verry good.

 

[Ernie]

jbo,
Actually it was Len who made the post. He was coming through on his way to Montana and he checked the site and responded, forgetting I was logged in, instead of him.
You might PM him the thread to make sure he sees it after he gets home or while he is in MT.

 

[esshup]

Last year I compared the 65 vs. the 80 side by side (both HD's) and the 80 IMO was definately brighter in low light. I didn't compare HD vs. non-HD tho. I went with the 80 HD.

 

[Jumpalot]

When I was researching before I bought a new spotting scope, I found that the HD glass doesn't make the picture any brighter in low light. It controls chromatic aberration and will make the picture sharper. I believe chromatic aberration mainly becomes a problem if you are digiscoping. If you want to learn a lot about optics, go to one of the bird watchers forums(birdforum.net). My buddy has a Swarovski spotting scope non-HD and it is an awesome spotting scope. I ended up going with a Pentax PF80-ED. With the 20-60 eyepiece, it cost me just over $1000. Added in a tripod and a pistol grip head and total cost was still less than a non-HD Swarovski. Setting my Pentax PF80-ED up next to his Swarovski STS 80, there is no discernible difference in view. Sorry, I know you only asked about Swarovski, but that's how I started and after a lot of research, I ended up with a Pentax. Can't go wrong either way!

 

[B23]

This is pretty much what they told me when I ordered it last week. The HD would be better if I was using it to take alot of pictures so non-HD in the 80 is what I ordered with a straight body and 20-60 eye piece.

If this thing is as impressive as my EL's i'm sure i'll be more than happy.