Zeiss Dialyst vs Vortex Razor 65mm vs Swaro STM 65mm

[mcseal2]

Just curious if anyone had compared these spotters. They are all similar in price range (Swaro must be found used) and by good companies. I have a buddy looking to buy one spotter for everything and looking to spend under $1500, hopefully around $1200. For his needs I think a more packable 65mm will be better than a bigger objective. Anyway he asked me and these were the ones that came to mind for me. There may be other options in this price range as good but these are the ones I thought of.

Any opinions or experiences with these?

Thanks for the help.

 

[LaHunter]

Swaro STM may be difficult to find. I think they have been discontinued for a few years. I have looked through a Swaro STS 65 and a Vortex Razor HD 65 side by side in variable hunting conditions for several days in WY. The Vortex Razor HD is good, but the Swaro STS is better in every way, in my opinion. It has a sharper/brighter picture and in low light you will notice the differences even more.
Not sure your buddy will be able to find a used Swaro STS or STM 65mm for $1200, maybe at $1500 though.
With that being said, atmospheric conditions play a huge role in your sight picture through any spotter. Best to compare side by side in varying conditions. In the mountain west, you can get the max performance from your spotter. In low elevation with lots of humidity and warm weather, not so much.

Hope this helps

 

[mcseal2]

Thanks for the reply. The Swaro STS was my first pick too, but he thought it was a little to high. I thought of the STM because I've been thinking of getting one myself and I knew the price range. They aren't that easy to find but come up for sale on occasion.

 

[Tim McCoy]

You might try seeing what this guy can find, it's a used optics dealer. http://www.texasbinoman.com/binoculars

 

[hoshour]

I've had both the Vortex and the Dialyt in 65mm. I like the Dialyt better. It's easier to pack and indestructable.

Try SWFA or B&H Photo for sample units. SWFA also has used.

 

[ScottR]

I've used both as well, great choice but they are kind of apples and oranges.

Here are a couple of reviews that tackle both of them:

Zeiss Spotting Scope Review

Vortex Spotting Scope Review

 

[stevevan]

Sold my Vortex and replaced with a Zeiss. Much happier

 

[mcseal2]

He found a used STM and is real happy with it. Thanks for the help.

 

[Micah S]

Look at the kowa 66 it's better then the vortex

 

[julia]

Zeiss Spotting Scope - it's too expensive, I chose the cheaper

 

[Ikeepitcold]

It's all about your budget. If you can find the high end optics for your price range then get it. If your trying to save the cash then look at the Vortex.
For me I have to Vortex because I just couldn't justify the cost differance for what I would get with the higher end optics. If I was to upgrade I would go with Ziess

 

[hoshour]

Zeiss Spotting Scope - it's too expensive, I chose the cheaper

Yes, the Zeiss is $300 more but I paid the same price by getting a sample unit. I suppose you could do that with the Vortex as well.

The other factor is whether you prefer straight or angled since the Zeiss Dialyt doesn't come in an angled version.