65 or 80mm for spotting scope?

[Smoothbore]

I am in the market for a spotting scope to use both at the range and for birding.

I know the 65mm spotting scopes are lighter to carry, but are they strong enough to read targets at a distance? I am guessing I will be spotting out to about 300 yards.

Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[Cummins4x4]

The objective size has nothing to do with clarity and definition. Buy the best glass you can afford. I have a Swaro 65HD and its awesome.

 

[Cinch]

We use both the 65 and 80 (Swaro) at work and I prefer the 65 as it does everything I need and is much lighter/maneuverable then the 80 both in the field and in the truck. The only time I use the 80 is when I will be setting it up on a tripod for an extended period and working at long ranges.

 

[Smoothbore]

The objective size has nothing to do with clarity and definition. Buy the best glass you can afford. I have a Swaro 65HD and its awesome.

True. I should have said between optics of equal
quality do you prefer the 65 or 80mm.

 

[Smoothbore]

We use both the 65 and 80 (Swaro) at work and I prefer the 65 as it does everything I need and is much lighter/maneuverable then the 80 both in the field and in the truck. The only time I use the 80 is when I will be setting it up on a tripod for an extended period and working at long ranges.

Thanks, Cinch. That's good to know.

 

[Fassteel]

Being a sales rep in the industry I have several spotting scopes, 100mm , 80mm and 65. A good quality piece like a leica 62mm tele vid will show most bullet holes at 300 yards. Celestron make some good value for the money pieces in their Ultima line up available in 65, 80, and 100mm. The 80 and 100mm pieces give you up to 60 power zoom. They have a new piece called the Regal, available in 65,80, and 100mm. Quite a bit more than the Ultima but far less than Swaro or Leica. FS

 

[johnl]

I would love to get the leica, but at close to 5 grand I'll pass. The zeiss diascope is starting to look very good.