Swaro 85 or a Vortex or Nikon

Bitterroot Bulls · Feb 29, 2012

Swaro doesn't make a 85mm spotter.

The STM 80 HD is a fine spotting scope, and competes with anything out there. It is also the lightest big spotter, which shouldn't be overlooked.

However, it is the optical equal of the Vortex Razor HD. I have had them side-by-side several times, and the similarity in image is remarkable. The Vortex is available for much less money than the Swaro.

I would look closely at the demo Zeiss 85tFL deal at Eagle Optics, as the new eyepiece does have a magnification advantage, but doesn't give up anything at the low end. I almost sold my Razor HD to fund the purchase of that Zeiss at that price.

The other king-of-the hill spotter is the Kowa Prominar 88. A spectacular instrument.

Graylight · Mar 1, 2012

Once you purchase a top end spotter, you will never have to replace it... The bitter taste of cheap equipment remains long after the money is spent and your living with it... It's just like a marriage... "It's best to do it right the first time so you don't have to pay alimony and child support" lol... I guarantee you won't come cryin' with the Swaro but you MIGHT with something else... I love the insurance policy I have when I whip out my Swaro and light is fading fast! I can put it up and see if I have something worthy before it is too late when other glass leaves you hanging!

Small moments during a hunt can determine success afield... If you could have determined that the animal you saw in low light the night prior wasn't a shooter, you wouldn't be back the next morning trying to find it again to confirm your suspicions... What many do not tell you is that most glass works great with good lighting... Where it really works against you is in these scenarios and that can be the difference of a big buck down or you chasing your tail. Good Luck!

Whisky · Mar 7, 2012

Go with your gut and get the Swaro. If you don't, you'll be second guessing your choice and you won't be happy. I had the STS 80 HD for quite some time. It was a great spotting scope. Once off season hit I decided to go with something a little lighter and more compact. I ended with a 65mm HD Swaro. If you're going to be packing this thing for many years, I'd heavily think about going with a 65. Weight difference wasn't a whole heck of a lot (5 oz if I recall correctly), but the size difference was worth the move for me. Less bulk at least leaves me with the impression of less weight.

I haven't had a chance to really put the 65 to hard use yet. But I suspect it will still do the job the 80mm did.

Firearrow · Mar 9, 2012

If you can find a place that has what you are looking to get, and do a side by side comparison at dusk. Your eyes will tell you which way to go. My eyes like the Swaro's, compared to the Zeiss, or the Leica's. When you looking at these scopes, it is a good time to compare tripod too. Just keep in mind your intended use. Backpack hunting, day hunting from camp, ect.

For what it's worth, I use the Swaro 65, the older version non HD, and a compact Nikon Tripod because I backpack mostly.

BOHNTR · Mar 9, 2012

There's no comparison in quality.....especially at first light. Buy the Swarovski.

Bitterroot Bulls · Mar 9, 2012

BOHNTR said:
There's no comparison in quality.....especially at first light. Buy the Swarovski.

No comparison between the Razor HD and Swaro HD? I have compared them side by side in lowlight, and found them to be optical equals. In fact, the images are so similar, it is my belief that Vortex' design goal for the Razor HD was to equal the Swarovski 80HD. Perhaps that is why the Vortex has an eyepiece that is an exact duplicate of the Swarovski eyepiece.

I don't have any brand loyalty. I currently use and love my Swarovski 10X42 neus. I have several Vortex products that I really like. I have had some Vortex products I didn't like.

The Razor HD is clearly better at controlling optical aberrations (particularly chromatic aberration) than the non-HD swaro spotter.

The swaro is definitely lighter, though, and has a helical focus, while the Razor has dual-ratio knobs. Don't think that I don't like the Swarovski, I do. It is an excellent instrument, and I would take it over the Razor, with all else being equal (including price). However, the Razor offers similar performance at substantial savings, and shouldn't be overlooked.

BOHNTR · Mar 9, 2012

Similar performance, yes. But not equal, IMO. Of course my eyes are a lot older than yours.....I need all the help I can get.

Bitterroot Bulls · Mar 9, 2012

BOHNTR said:
Similar performance, yes.

Oh, so there is a comparison, then?

The thing is, when comparing optics side by side, you are still comparing one particular unit of one design against one particular unit of another design.

There is the chance that I compared an overperforming Razor to an underperforming Swaro HD. There is also a chance that you had the inverse. Most likely, it is a difference in the lenses behind the scopes: the lenses over our pupils.

I encourage anyone to do as I did, compare them side-by-side, and see what you think.

BOHNTR · Mar 9, 2012

I encourage anyone to do as I did, compare them side-by-side, and see what you think.

I did do just that....in the field. I actually won a the Razor HD scope......ended up selling it, though. Not a bad scope at all.......I just saw a difference between the two. If price is not a consideration, I still feel the Swarovski is a better choice.

Bitterroot Bulls · Mar 9, 2012

I gathered you did compare them, my advice was for the OP and others considering these spotters, to do just as you did, bohntr.

I wish I would have won a Razor.

buckbull · Mar 9, 2012

Anybody ever compare the minox md88 to any of the perviously mentioned spotters?

Bitterroot Bulls · Apr 16, 2012

crumy said:
All - Today I had the opportunity to look through a swaro and vortex HD model side by side outside. I did so at two different times. Early in the morning (not first light but it was overcast) and then during bright sun light later in the day. I can tell you I was amazed by the Vortex. The swaro priced at 3100 and the vortex at 1500. I can tell you that IMO

Clairity - Equal
Field of View - Swaro
Price - Vortex
Swaro appears less bulky

I obviously don't have a lot of experience with the spotting scopes but I didn't see anything that would make me go. "I want to spend and extra 1500 to buy the swaro" .

So I see a swaro HD in my future.

So, crumy, I am a little confused by your post. You didn't see anything that would make you want to spend the extra dough, but you see spending the extra in your future?

On the field of view: The newest Swaros are usually coming with the 25-50 wide-angle angle eyepiece. The Vortex 20-60 has the identical field of view specs as the Swaro 20-60 eyepiece.

jay · Apr 16, 2012

I'd buy the vortex and have 1600 left to buy other equipment!!!

Umpqua Hunter · Apr 16, 2012

How does the "non-HD" Swarovski spotting scope compare?

I am also looking for an "80mm" spotter and have also narrowed it to a Swarovski or Razor, so this may be a good thread to ask my questions. I started using Swarovski binoculars and spotting scopes about 15 years ago, and am totally sold on their products and warranty work. However, the excellent reports and the advertised warranty on Vortex has me giving them a serious look this time around.

I have been using a "non-HD" Swarovski 65 spotter for several years now. Last fall while hunting Colorado, I was trying to size up a mule deer buck at first light and desperately needed more light gathering. I believe if I go with one of the bigger 80mm+ spotters that will help considerably in that area. I plan to keep my Swarovski 65 for when I want to lessen weight and bulk, therefore I already own the Swarovski 20-60x eyepiece. Here are the questions I am hung up on:

1. HD versus NON-HD: Since I already have the Swarovski eyepiece, I am thinking of going with the non-HD Swarovski 80 (body only) with is similarly priced to the Razor HD 85 (complete scope with eyepiece). How do you think these two scopes will compare optically? One shop that specializes in hunting optics said that with the naked eye I would really not see much difference between an HD and non-HD Swarovski and this difference is mainly seen when digiscoping. If that is true, I can live with that. If I would have a hard time distinguishing a difference (optically) between the "non-HD" Swarovski 80 to a Razor HD 85, I will go with the Swarovski.

2. MOUNTING: This is a lesser issue but still important to me. I have been using my Swarovski scope with a Manfrotto tripod and have found that the mounting foot on the Swarovski spotter will clamp in directly without the need for an adapter plate. I really like that feature! Does anyone know if the Razor HD 85 will also mount directly in the Manfrotto head without the need for an adapter plate?

Bitterroot Bulls · Apr 16, 2012

UH:

My thoughts on your questions.

1. The non-HD Swaro spotters show significantly more Chromatic Aberration than the HD Swaro or Razor HD. Whether or not you see CA I couldn't say. Some people just don't seem to notice it. If this is the case the non-HD will serve you well. As I have stated before, I find the image in the Razor HD comparable to the Swaro HD, and a step above the non-HD.

2. The Razor HD's foot DOES mount in the Manfrotto head without a plate. However, it fits the long way rather than the wide way the Swaro foot fits. So, if it is a ball head, you are good to go. If it is the 700 RC2 head, it will also work well. If it is the 128 RC head, you will have to use an adapter plate. The foot will fit, but the scope will be pointing to the side.

Drhorsepower · Apr 16, 2012

I've been told that as well about the hd vs non hd. I have never looked through hd glass, I have the 80mm non hd and really like it. It is also lighter than the razor. I'm sure there is a difference in optical quality, is it worth the extra $, I guess that is based upon the individual. I really don't think you can go wrong either way umpqua, it would be nice to stay with same brand as far as operations and familiarity though.

Bb, how do you know all of those model numbers and differences, geez.

Swaro 85 or a Vortex or Nikon

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