I've read the thread on angled vs straight, but here's another. Should I go with a standard 20-60 power eyepiece or would i benefit from a 25-50 wide angle? and because I do some backcountry hunting and alot of open country is it worth getting an 80mm instead of the 65mm since its only 8oz. heavier or is the 65mm enough to see most things in all situations, since I only have the money to own one scope !
Another Spotter Question
- Thread starter SDbowhunter
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Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
I assume you are talking about Swarovski. I would say get the 80mm and save the 8 ounces somewhere else in your pack. The 25-50 is a fantastic eyepiece, but many people have found it "kidney beans" and suffers black outs more often than the 20-60. Also, you will be able to resolve more detail at 60x than 50x. If you want a backpacking-specific scope, get the Nikon ED50.
I know the Nikon ED 50 is a lot lighter than the swaro's but I already have a 10X42 bino, is the 50mm optic on the nikon going to make that much difference, not to mention that I do some open country hunting as well and think the bigger scope might be the better option for all around, your thoughts? I know if i was doing only backcountry hunting I would go with the nikon, it might be an option down the road when i have the money for two spotters.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
I think the size and weight savings of the 65mm scopes generally aren't worth it. I do alright backpacking into some big and mean country with my Vortex Razor HD 85. The 65mm scopes are just a little bit shorter, and a little bit lighter. My point was to really get the weight and size savings, you have to go to a true "compact" spotter like the ED50, but the trade-off is you lose some capabilities, especially magnification, and low light performance. It sounds to me that an 80mm spotter would be a good fit for your multiple uses, and as you said, "down the road" you can add a compact spotter.
Thanks for the advice, i have looked at the nikon and for backcountry hunts that little spotter would be really nice, half the weight and you don't loose to much magnification