Incredible performance under $800 - Hawke Sport Optics Endurance ED 25-75x85mm Spotting Scope

I've looked through several 20-60x80 scopes in the $600 range, and a 20-60x85 in the $900 range so I have an idea of what to expect in this category of scope. I mostly wanted a scope for casual astronomy, at 60x with those scopes Saturn's ring looks distinct but the images were rather lackluster.

I had read very positive comments of the image quality the Athlon Ares has, and I was about to order that to give it a shot when I came across the Endurance ED 25-75x85. I searched and only found one place that has reviewed this scope, and they highly praised it. The other two things that convinced me to try it is that it goes to 75x, and has a fine-tune focus.

I'm so glad I did, this scope's performance is incredible, for $700 it's an insane value and I scored it on sale for less than that. I suspect the next step up in performance comes at $1500, but for my type of casual use it's not worth spending that much. Handling it everything about it feels quality, it's also rather light for an 85mm, and the soft case is nice. I'm using it on a Vanguard VEO Pro tripod.

The image resolution and brightness are fantastic with 98% edge to edge clarity. During the day it's slightly dimmer around 50x, and then again only slightly dimmer to 75x. Keep in mind that at this mag level the exit pupil is a tiny 1.13mm. The entire zoom range maintains its edge to edge clarity, and the limiting factor in resolution is the atmosphere.

For astronomy, which is the main reason I wanted it, it's even better as far as scopes go. At 75x Saturn really starts to look fascinating! The planet and its ring are independent bodies, and the sharpness of the image through this scope is unreal, everyone I show this to is amazed. At 56x I can already see Jupiter's bands, with a vivid image of the planet and its Galilean moons. During this type of use is where the fine-tune focus comes in handy.

Bottom line if your budget is around $800 for a spotting scope, buy this one.