HD or Non HD Swaro STM

[bhol]

Is there a reason to get the HD glass over regular glass on a Swaro STM spotter?

Also for backpack hunting is the 80mm too much, or is the 65mm compete just as well as the 80 for the smaller compact size?

Thanks

 

[.284]

A Swarovski rep told me that the human eye will not see the diff in the hd glass and its benefit is for digiscoping with cameras.
I have not used the 80mm model but I do pack the 65 sheep hunting and I think it's plenty. I wouldn't opt for the extra weight of the 80 if you're doing true backpack hunting

 

[95huskers]

A Swarovski rep told me that the human eye will not see the diff in the hd glass and its benefit is for digiscoping with cameras.
I have not used the 80mm model but I do pack the 65 sheep hunting and I think it's plenty. I wouldn't opt for the extra weight of the 80 if you're doing true backpack hunting

Not sure on the spotting scopes but the rep is wrong if he is talking about binos. There is a definite difference in HD and non-hd in my opinion. Either one is great but the difference is noticeable when comparing side by side.

 

[screech]

I agree I bought the hd spotter and when set side by side the hd is noticeably brighter

 

[.284]

I never did compare the two but that was straight from the horses mouth

 

[Jumpalot]

Before I bought my spotting scope, I did a ton of research. Spent most of my time on the bird watcher forums. Those guys know way more then hunters do about glass. What I found out was HD glass was to control chromatic aberration. This will make for a sharper image but not in and of itself a brighter image.
That being said, I would opt for a 65mm HD version vs. a 80mm non-HD version of a spotting scope.
Seriously, if you want to learn about optics, go research on the bird watchers forums.

 

[bhol]

Thanks for the advice guys... What about the eyepiece? Is the 20x60 sufficient or should I opt for the wide angle 25x50?

 

[moombaskier]

I've got the 65 STM with the 20-60 eye piece. At 958 yds. I can distinguish 7mm holes and .308 holes in a white target. Is that enough resolution for ya? I wear glasses too. Buy more bullets and practice more with the $$$ you save. For packing the 80 is toooo big, IMHO

 

[bhol]

Yeah, I put my hands on some.... I don't think it's so much the weight of the 80mm, I think it's just so much more bulky. Thanks for the input.

 

[moombaskier]

I also have a Leupold 12-40 HD compact spotter I picked up very lightly used for $700 and with it's full time 30mm of eye relief is great too! There are a few drainages near me that I work over with it....only 700yds tops accross and deep where the Swaro is overkill. I find myself using the Swaro for shooting more than hiking in hunting. The Leupy is very easy on the eyes.

 

[Sully2]

80 mm models definitely can get heavy when dragging in the field. Bottom line is buy an HD scope if you have the $$. If not..dont fret over it and get the std version. BOTH great scopes

 

[Zep]

A 65mm angled Swaro spotter is on my wish list.

 

[jbo]

I have a Swarovski HD 80mm STM with both the 20x 60 eye piece and 25x50 they are spectacular glass and I traded up for the HD after looking at the difference between a buddy's and my regular glass.

I'm now looking for the angle body Swarovski HD 80mm and would be willing to trade or sell straight body out right, I would rather trade if possible and just keep the eye pieces. Contact me if you have any interest [email protected]
It's like new and has had the Swarovski soft cover on it always.

 

[ZSteinle]

I love my wide angled zoom eye piece on my 80hd. Comparing the wide angle to buddies vortex razor hd with 20-60 eyepiece it seems like im looking through a keyhole!