i am looking at buying a spotting scope my options are a swarovski ATS 65 from a friend with a 20x60 lense on it. It is not the HD one according to him. Or saving up for a newer less expensive brand like Vortex. Any information would be helpful. Thank you
Spotting Scope Advice
- Thread starter DIYLife
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mnhunter
Active Member
Musket Man
Veteran member
Musket Man
Veteran member
mnhunter
Active Member
Musket Man
Veteran member
Swaro is very good glass! I have been very happy with my EL binos that are over 10 years old now. My spotter is a Ziess because I ran into a similar deal in it used! Im sure you will be very happy with it!
mnhunter
Active Member
I hope to find a deal like that one of these days!! One thing you might do before you seal the deal, is take it out for a test drive, make sure you like the angled eyepiece, I think most people can get used to it, but some don't.
Musket Man
Veteran member
I dont like angled spotters and have trouble finding anything in them, but I havent used one that much either so maybe would get used to it if I did. Some guys really like them. 1 advantage is you can use a slightly shorter tripod with an angled. Trying it is definitely a good idea!
mnhunter
Active Member
I use a straight eyepiece. The advantage of straight is it can make finding the game in the scope a little more instinctive. The advantage of the angled is it can be a little more compact and it allows you to use a shorter tripod, saving some weight, and lowering your profile when glassing.
Work2hunt
Veteran member
One thing to keep in mind with a Swarovski is (I'm about 100% sure on this) the warranty is not transferable. With the Vortex you get the best warranty you can ask for.
I just called customer service and they assured me that the warranty transfers with the product forever. They still want to run the s/n to make sure that it was at one time bought from an authorized dealer. If it was then the warranty is still good.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Anytime you can get high end optics and a great price used, it deserves a look as to condition & price. My top of the line Leupold B & C HD was less than 1/2 and only a year old!
Work2hunt
Veteran member
I recently purchased a new Swarovski so I'll have to check my warranty card. I was pretty sure it read non-transferable. Maybe this is a case of what they say isn't actually what they do.......
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
Swaro's USA warranty as written is pretty convoluted, IMO. It warrantees "the optical system" for the lifetime (product or owner lifetime?) for "defects in materials or worksmanship" when the product was purchased by US Residents from an authorized US dealer.
"All other parts" of the product are waranteed for ten years except "electronic components" are warranteed for 2 years from purchase.
The reality is, however, that SONA has a reputation of taking care of even used buyers of their products, as long as they didn't come through the gray market.
As to the OP's question regarding the non-HD ATS, I would prefer the Vortex Razor HD85 from an optical standpoint.
Also, there are no questions about the Vortex warranty.
"All other parts" of the product are waranteed for ten years except "electronic components" are warranteed for 2 years from purchase.
The reality is, however, that SONA has a reputation of taking care of even used buyers of their products, as long as they didn't come through the gray market.
As to the OP's question regarding the non-HD ATS, I would prefer the Vortex Razor HD85 from an optical standpoint.
Also, there are no questions about the Vortex warranty.
Bitterroot Bulls,
That was my original concern with the scope. For the same price I can get the Vortex Razor HD85, as for packing it around it is almost a full 2lbs heavier. Today I would take optical standpoint over the weight/sizw. When I am in the backcountry I might be swayed the other way. Man, this decision is harder than I anticipated.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
I own a Swaro and a Vortex. Take the Swaro.
BTW, Swaro is great on warranty (in fact, they are repairing an eyepiece of mine right now that I bought used). Like was mentioned, verify it was originally sold via an authorized dealer in USA and you are good to go.
BTW, Swaro is great on warranty (in fact, they are repairing an eyepiece of mine right now that I bought used). Like was mentioned, verify it was originally sold via an authorized dealer in USA and you are good to go.