[P&Y]

Looking at upgrading my spotting scope and hoped to get some advise. I have looked through the scopes I am considering at the store but that just does not do an adequate evaluation.

The scopes I am considering are the Zeiss 85mm, Leica 77mm (not APO) and Pentax 80mm. They are in order according to price and I would like to spend as little as necessary. I would appreciate any experiences with these scopes for scouting/photography.

 

[Matt Palmquist]

I don't have any experience with the first two (wish I did, lol), but I do own a Pentax PF80ED and really like it. I have the 20-60X Zoom eyepiece and it works pretty good. You do have to refocus when you zoom to 40 or 60, but it is a great scope for the money. I would like to get one of the fixed eyepieces eventually. Good luck on your decisions. Let me know if you have any questions.

Matt

 

[SteveOz]

Big Boys!

P&Y,

I spent a LOT of time looking thru spotting scopes 4 years ago in preparation for a sheep hunt...I was concentrating on the smaller (60-65mm) scopes. I ended up with the Zeiss. I am extremely happy with it and have compared it with a 85mm Swarovski HD in the field and I thought it was equal. I don't know if it would translate to all the larger models, but I am VERY happy with the Zeiss.

 

[P&Y]

Thanks for the advise, It was a hard call but I went with the Zeiss. Get that bugger on Thursday and then well give it the real field test.