Spotting scope

[Sauer_202_6.5x55]

Hi chaps,

I've decided to invest in a spotting scope for sexing deer (mainly roe), and, with good image quality to distinguish antler length / quality at distances of say up to 500m. I tried a draw scope previously and didn't really get on with it and I don't want something huge or very heavy / bulky either.

Ideally I'd love a Swarovski ATX 65 but unless I can find a second hand one selling for a bargain price I couldn't afford it. Are the Zeiss Dialyt spotting scopes any good as I've read very mixed reviews about image clarity?

There hundreds of budget scopes out there, are any good enough to do what I want?

Cheers

Sauer

 

[sauer]

Optolyth

Find them on eBay or phone cleyspy camera shop as often has stock not on website

Can get them sub £300 and with very good glass

Cheers
Sauer

 

[Sauer_202_6.5x55]

Optolyth

Find them on eBay or phone cleyspy camera shop as often has stock not on website

Can get them sub £300 and with very good glass

Cheers
Sauer

Hi Sauer,

I had an Optolyth and found the image clarity just wasn't clear enough to distinguish antlers and details etc on a roe. Sold it in the end hence I'm looking for something with better clarity.

 

[Selous]

I spoke to a local optics dealer about the Swarovski spotters a few days ago. We discussed the STX and his take was unless you need the modularity it makes more sense to go for the STS or ATS. There are a few secondhand ones available that I found at Macleods of Tain, ace optics and the London camera exchange. There is also a new sts 85 for sale in the classifieds on UKV

 

[yetidude69]

What's the budget Sauer?

 

[willie_gunn]

I spoke to a local optics dealer about the Swarovski spotters a few days ago. We discussed the STX and his take was unless you need the modularity it makes more sense to go for the STS or ATS. There are a few secondhand ones available that I found at Macleods of Tain, ace optics and the London camera exchange. There is also a new sts 85 for sale in the classifieds on UKV

I had a look at Gregor's list of secondhand optics earlier - he seems to have reduced his stock significantly. It used to stretch to three or even four pages, but today it was barely a page and a half.

 

[Sauer_202_6.5x55]

What's the budget Sauer?

Not sure TBH, depends on what comes up for sale at a good price.

 

[devon deer stalker]

Have a look at a Vortex Diamondback, i really like mine.
Cheers
Richard

 

[Sauer_202_6.5x55]

I spoke to a local optics dealer about the Swarovski spotters a few days ago. We discussed the STX and his take was unless you need the modularity it makes more sense to go for the STS or ATS. There are a few secondhand ones available that I found at Macleods of Tain, ace optics and the London camera exchange. There is also a new sts 85 for sale in the classifieds on UKV

A Swarovski ATS would probably fit the bill but they're still expensive new and I can't see any used ones for sale.

 

[Selous]

A Swarovski ATS would probably fit the bill but they're still expensive new and I can't see any used ones for sale.

two here secondhand and a discounted new one

Used Swarovski ATS 80HD scope body only - OP2574 - Ace Optics

Used Swarovski ATS 80 HD C/W 20-60X Eyepiece| London Camera Exchange -Bath

Buy Swarovski Ats 65 Hd Online. Only £1,106.99 - The Sportsman Gun Centre | SGC

 

[Dawnrazor]

Someone is selling a 25x60 Hertle and Reuss second hand on facebook, £150 with the leather carrying case.
Edit
Sorry, £175, bloody good optics for that money.

 

[Sauer_202_6.5x55]

Someone is selling a 25x60 Hertle and Reuss second hand on facebook, £150 with the leather carrying case.
Edit
Sorry, £175, bloody good optics for that money.

Thanks mate, it's a draw scope which I'm not too keen on.

 

[Sauer_202_6.5x55]

I'm going to look out for a good used Swarovski ATS 65 if anyone is selling one?

If not will check out the other makes at this years game fair.

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[willie_gunn]

I'm going to look out for a good used Swarovski ATS 65 if anyone is selling one?

If not will check out the other makes at this years game fair.

Thanks for all the advice.

Just a thought, but if you're intending to use the scope freehand or in a car you might want to consider the STS rather than the ATS. I found the ATS worked better from a tripod or other support, whereas the STS was more usable freehand or where I wanted to use it on a window mount in the car.

I don't know whereabouts in Wiltshire you are, but I am about 15 miles from Swindon if you want to have a look through an STS.