bighornbob
Well-Known Member
I am in the market for a top shelf spotting scope. I have owned Swarovski CT-85. It was huge even when collapsed and too long when in use. Big learning mistake! I will be using scope mostly out west on backpack hunts. Goat, Sheep, Elk and Muley are the main animals I will be hunting. I have been told by salesmen that the Swarovski HD's main benefit is to digiscopers. They have told me I would not be able to notice the difference between the HD and the standard ST-80. I have considered the Leica, Kowa and Zeiss. My concerns on the purchase price is I can easily pay extra for glass that I cannot discern the difference in the quality. I will not be birdwatching and reporting rare sightings of snow birds in Arizona! My other questions are angled eyepiece or straight? Type of packable tripod? I have found my backpack is not good enough. I am not opposed to buying used equipment, most of these products have a lifetime warranty anyway. I would prefer used to save money. My price range is $1000 to $1500.
I have read alot of reports and blogs on spotting scopes, but none have satisfied my questions about a "backpack hunting" spotting scope.
Do I sacrifice objective size for packability?
Without your input my main choice is Swarovski At-80 or ST-80.
Thanks to all that offer their experienced and educated opinions.
Bighornbob
I have read alot of reports and blogs on spotting scopes, but none have satisfied my questions about a "backpack hunting" spotting scope.
Do I sacrifice objective size for packability?
Without your input my main choice is Swarovski At-80 or ST-80.
Thanks to all that offer their experienced and educated opinions.
Bighornbob
Last edited: