Toying with the idea of upgrading spotting scope, but not interested in big heavy units. Wondering what smaller, compact options there are out there. What have you got or used that might fit the bill ?
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Toying with the idea of upgrading spotting scope, but not interested in big heavy units. Wondering what smaller, compact options there are out there. What have you got or used that might fit the bill ?
Swaro ATC is the way to go.
Used 65mm, 85mm & 95mm. The ATC is all you need on my opinion
Yes, picking Swaro should be up there near the top of list, but spendy. Any other options?
Have you compared to the ATS 65mm? I'm tempted to make the swap but don't want to loose anything, but as always life's about compromises!Quote:
Originally Posted by hotsoup
They are alot smaller and lighter compared to each other
I used the ATS 65mm for a number of years, I'd happily replace ATS with ATC personally
I have both and only the atc goes into the hills these days. not just the weight but its so tiny in size it fits in the top lid of my pack.Quote:
Originally Posted by Southerner223
They look even smaller in real life compared to photos. Fit in the palm of one hand.
I take it a phone adapter would pay off on one to assist if needed? Had been looking for one to do the ATS in general aswell
Swaro VPA2 is what i use, universal for any phone. I really rate it.
i have the phone scope set up it works but im looking to change to another one as its a pain to clip the phone on and off
i think this was at about 1200y and could take a picture then zoom in for an even closer look
Attachment 267019
Yes, it’s size as well or as much as weight I’m thinking about.Quote:
Originally Posted by 199p
Haha. Just wait until you get to my age young fella. You might swap back.Quote:
Originally Posted by hotsoup
Fair call, a fair way off then.... ha.
Have you looked through an ATC?
I use a Nikon fieldscope ED50. Smallest, excellent quality scope available. Mine came from Wilhelms Arms and Optics. About 500grams weight.
@rupert - could you put up a picture please. What was the price tag ?
My scope is put away presently so I can't photograph the item but here is a review with pix:
https://www.rokslide.com/nikon-field...potter-review/
I can't remember how much it cost - too long ago - but would not have been more than $1500.
No I haven't.Quote:
Originally Posted by hotsoup
But I suspect you are going to make me.
There doesn’t seem to be a lot of options. The Swaro ATC would be fantastic but $4k is not my budget. I must confess to not fully disclosing my hand. But I didn’t want to put any boundaries on ideas or inputs. I’ve got an older model Minox 16-40x60, had it for 6-7 years & bought 2nd hand at the time. Was wondering about options for upgrade. It’s nice and compact & light. Glass quality is quite good but no way is it euro alpha glass. But it ain’t $4k either. Have a Sth Is alpine mission coming up in March so been tossing up between taking the spotting scope or Canon superzoom camera. The camera is bulkier but takes better pics…. Well better when you down load them to laptop after trip. But in terms of assessing details at 1000-1100 yards on the hill, the small screen on superzoom is not great, especially in bright sunlight. I can see significantly better detail thru Minox. But struggle to get photo in spotting scope using iPhone camera. Image below is stags at neighbours place at just over 1000 yds using Minox & iPhone. The sharpness & clarity of image to the eye looking through objective is much better than iPhone pic.
Attachment 267111
Delta make a compact spotting scope and vortex have released some new ones too - a couple of options there-
Full transparency I don’t own either of them so have no feedback on glass but did look at the vortex at sika show and seemed okay but was also indoors…
I use the swarovski stc. Suits my purposes well. Driving around or sitting down I find it easier to get on target than an atc. But everyone's different. It's like using a mono scope binocular because of the lightweight. Taking videos can also be down but an atc would be better maybe because of the angle. Good luck with finding something that fits your purpose. It's definitely fun trying out new stuff as long as the wife thinks your not buying it lol
As much of a swaro slut I am can't bring myself to put $4k on a compact 56mm obj spotter. Family member has one and id still pick my "cheap" delta over it, although much bigger and heavier its still a reasonable unit when it comes to spotters. Yes it's probably the pick of the bunch when it comes to tiny spotters but do you really want to shave a bit of space and weight that much? You can get a lot of glass for $4k that would well outperform the atc if you're willing to take the weight and space penalty
