To HD or not to HD

Guest · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 3:14 pm Post subject: To HD or not to HD

Hello, I looked at your prices on Swarovski spotting scopes. I really like the price on the non ED version.

Swarovski STS65 Straight Spotting Scope Body
Regular price: $1,365.56
Sale price: $1,229.00

versus the ....

Swarovski STS 65 HD High Definition 65mm Spotting Scope Body
Regular price: $2,043.33
Sale price: $1,839.00

A few questions:

1) I will be using this for hunting. I will be doing a lot of backpacking. Is there much weight difference between the non HD and HD weight wise?

2) I have heard the HD verson can actually be a bit dark, especially in low light. Is the HD really worth that much of a price break?

3) How do the two compare for digiscoping? I am looking at the straight version, but some say the angled is better for that. Your opinion?

4) Can you recommend a very light tripod (under 3 pounds if there is a chance...doesn't have to be 60 inches or taller), that would be good for carrying in pack with either one of these two? Aluminum, CF or titanium is fine. One where I can also use my Swaro EL adptor with quick on/off if possible.

Thanks,

Mike

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5383

Hi

No issue on the weight - not significant

Ditto on low light performance - minor point - may be just a touch darker to some eyes, but better color correction on the HD will actually improve detail.

If you are serious about digiscoping, HD is a must. HD or similar glass options will improve pic quality at ANY magnification, same as with any camera lens and that's what your scope is with digiscoping. HD will also improve resolution for visual work at magnifications above 40x - will be noticeable. If you can afford HD, absolutely no reason not to go with it. Take a look at one and see for yourself.

I prefer angled for digiscoping, in that it makes it easier to see the LCD screen, but either will certainly work. More your call, but angled scopes are also more stable on a tripod, since they don't have to sit as high.

Wish I had a full size or standing height tripod at that weight that I could recommend, but I don't. Even a carbon fiber Bogen is pushing 5 pounds. If you need to keep the weight down, you'll need to settle for a sitting height tripod, such as the Leupold Compact

Only way to get that Swarovski quick connect option is with the Swarovski tripod. Pretty much a Swarovski tripod exclusive.
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Guest · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 3:34 pm Post subject: Excellent!

I forgot to even think about the eyepiece! Just grab the regular 20-60 zoom or should I be looking at something in the wide angle for better field of view for wildlife and digiscoping!

Thanks so much for the quick reply.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5383

Hi

For visual work, the zoom is going to be, by far, your most used and versatile eyepiece and you can use a zoom for digiscoping, though it will produce more vignetting than a fixed, wide-angle. I would start with the zoom, first, and add a fixed later if you get serious about digiscoping.
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