Wildfowl Dept Template master

SCOPES WERE TESTED
on a single linear platform &
mounted on a Vanguard
Panhead PH-114V
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P e t e r s e n s H u n t i n g . c o m | September 2013
SPOTTING THE
T
Our team of optics gurus rack up $40,000
of glass and knock them down.
Eric R. Poole & David Faubion
Product Photos by
Mike Anschuetz
This test isn’t all-inclusive. We attempted to obtain a sample from
every known manufacturer. In the end, we were provided with
more than $40,000 in optics for a comprehensive roundup that’s
never been attempted by another hunting or shooting publication.
To keep a level playing field, this test was designed to compare
spotting scopes that featured 80mm or larger objectives and an
angled eyepiece. A number of well-regarded brands were left
out for not meeting these requirements, which left us with the
14 contenders you will find discussed in the following pages.
For neutrality while performing this evaluation, we set out
to provide the consumer with a measureable guide. A spotting
scope can be a once-in-a-lifetime investment for many, so
making an informed decision before the point of sale is critical.
The specific features of each spotting scope such as country
of origin, eyepiece magnification range, objective diameter,
length, weight, exit pupil, eye relief, and field of view were not
taken into consideration to determine the final score since
each of these details can be subject to a user’s preference.
Instead, we analyzed perceived qualities like color fringing,
edge sharpness, usable magnification, and resolution, which
can be more difficult for the consumer to quantify.
As we discovered, what you can afford does not necessarily
meet the needs of quality or value you may seek. Therefore, this
test included two respected optic resolution tests as a measurable
and repeatable control. A MIL-STD optics resolution test chart
(1951 USAF) and an industrial magnification range test were used
as scientific controls in determining the quality of detail provided by each scope. Each of these tested the resolving power
against groups of horizontal and vertical bars. The smallest bars
the imager can discern is the limitation of its resolving power.
Rather than attempt to describe in infinitesimal detail
each optic, we will introduce each with a brief synopsis
followed by our sincere appraisal.
SWAROVSKI
ATX
The ATX is less of a spotting scope and more of a spotting system. It’s a modular unit that offers unprecedented flexibility, allowing the user to select from any combination of five different components: three objective and two eyepiece (EP) modules. The
power-adjustment ring is directly behind the focus ring, making the ATX easy to control its zoom and focus with one hand all
while using the same hand to steer the scope. Digiscoping users will appreciate this feature. —swarovskioptik.us
OUR TAKE
Model ATX
Length 15 ½ in.
Weight 4 lbs., 6 oz.
Price $4,122
LEICA
ScorE
Swarovski may not be getting this one
back. Though expensive, the configuration we tested was unanimously selected
as the best spotting scope of the test.
The ATX/STX series breaks down
brilliantly for easy transport and maximum utility. Eye relief is a bit tight but
adequate for users with uncorrected and
corrected vision alike. Each adjustment
wheel is given the ideal amount of friction that doesn’t transmit vibrations to
the image when rotating. One improvement we could recommend would be
for an additional fine focus ring. Incred-
APO-TELEVID 82
This spotter was designed for digiscoping. Tactile rubber armor
and an impressive list of distinguishing features, which include
a wide field of view and a precise dual focusing knob, make this
a user-friendly scope. — leica-camera.com
ScorE
OUR TAKE
The loose eyecup must have been an
afterthought, and the APO-Televid 82
name sucks, but that’s where the complaints stop. We Leica-this one a lot.
This optic makes a great first impression with its quality construction and brilliant image. Peering through its detachable
eyepiece, there is plenty of room for your
eyes to wander. In fact, the image quality
will rival Swarovski with most users. One
tester said it best: “Leica clarity is high
definition by definition.”
Dual focus knobs are intuitive and
allow the user to quickly adjust fine focus
without interrupting the image. All users
indicated that the scope’s power range
was completely usable through its high-
50
est magnification of 50X. A slight blue
color fringe occurs in the outer 10 percent
on the highest powers, but that doesn’t
interfere with the image. Impressively,
this spotting scope offered the sharpest
resolution at one mile. It’s slower to zoom
than others, but as ranges get farther, the
Leica separates itself from all but the
Swarovski and Meopta. The Leica is a
damn fine scope—an optical orgasm.
P e t e r s e n s H u n t i n g . c o m | September 2013
ibly, the ATX doesn’t need vibration
reduction technology to track a moving
object as sharply as the Nikon EDG VR.
The rubber coating on the eyecup is
comfortable, but the deep dish sacrifices 2mm of usable eye relief. When
using at higher power, one drawback is
that you have to come uncomfortably
close to the ocular lens with your eye
to eliminate scope shadow.
The Swaro has unparalleled depth
of field and crazy sharpness. A slight
color fringe can be detected at the outer
20 percent on high-contrast objects. Any
evidence of curvature was undetectable.
One evaluator was startled at the
brightness when observing objects beyond
800 yards under high magnification.
The Swarovski’s combined ergonomics,
expansive image quality, and field of
view across any distance at any power is
an industry achievement. If you plan on
using the ATX/STX series, get ready for
an amazing experience.
Model APO-82
Length 15 ¼ in.
Weight 4 lbs., 6 oz.
Price $3,899
BRUNTON
ICON
The Icon has been recently discontinued, but it is still readily
available. It features polymer body construction, super-low
dispersion glass elements, and fully-multicoated optics.
— brunton.com
OUR TAKE
LEUPOLD
ScorE
the outer 20 percent, and a black ring
surrounding the limited field of view gave
us tunnel vision. There are noticeable
issues when you near max power. There
is some orange color fringing on light
objects in the higher powers. Depth of
field, however, is adequate. This optic is
best for observing objects within 300 yards.
SX-2 KENAI
The Kenai spotting scope kit includes a hard-shell carrying case, a soft carry
case, a lightweight adjustable tripod, and a fixed 30X EP. — leupold.com
OUR TAKE
We admit this package makes the Kenai
a very tempting purchase. We wish
other scopes offered this complete of a
kit. That being said, you may be let down
by the Kenai’s image.
Though the resolution was acceptable at low to medium powers, objects
immediately present magenta and
orange color fringing along the
edges. The field of view is not
great, but this distraction
Model SX-2
Length 14 ¾ in.
Weight 3 lbs., 11 oz.
Price $1,249
is addressed with the kit’s extra 30X EP.
When going between 25X and 60X, the
entire EP ring annoyingly moves with the
power adjustment. For scopes priced less
than $1,000, the Kenai is a substantial step
up in sharpness and vivid color. However,
the Kenai doesn’t compete with scopes
costing more. It failed to discern text on
signage beyond 1,000 yards and couldn’t
accurately distinguish detail in moving
targets. On static objects, the Kenai is
functional on low to medium powers.
Edge-to-edge sharpness was much better
than expected between 300 and 1,000
yards. Observing anything using more than
40X sucks. The more you crank it up, the
more annoying its limitations become.
Model ICON
Length 15 in.
Weight 4lbs., 6 oz.
Price $4,395
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For what you get, the price probably
killed the production of this model.
Aesthetically, the overall appearance is
almost as nice as the Leica, and layout
of the controls is just as appealing.
Focus control is great. In this case, a dual
focus wheel—fine and fast—isn’t needed.
The four-position eyecup makes it easy
to orient the eye quickly. Strangely, the
extendable sunshade doesn’t rotate like
the other high-end optics, but it does
offer the usual aiming sights.
We love the coloration, and the image
quality is very clean at 25X. It’s not the
sharpest image, but you could definitely
live with it. After 40X, edge blur occurs at
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Optics were
mounted on
Vanguard’s
PH-114V
panhead.
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ALPEN
BRUNTON
BUSHNELL
KOWA
LEICA
LEUpold gr
LEUPold kenai
MEOPTA
NIKON
OPTICRON
PENTAX
SWAROVSKI
VANGUARD
ZEISS
Spotting the Best
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ALPEN
RAINIER
This scope features top-of-the-line BaK4 prisms and fully multi-coated lenses for high
light transmission. An O-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled body offers waterproof and
fogproof integrity. The 853 ED HD comes with a 20X to 60X EP. Though it’s detachable,
no other EPs are available. — alpenoptics.com
Model 853 ED
Length 17 ¾ in.
Weight 3 lbs., 13 oz.
Price $1,824
KOWA
TSN-883
The Kowa features a massive 88mm objective containing fully multi-coated lenses.
This combination offers maximum light-gathering ability in a magnesium alloy body.
Multiple interchangeable EPs are available, including a 20X to 60X and stunning, fixed
25X or 30X wide-angle EPs. — kowasporting.com
OUR TAKE
If we were testing this Kowa with the
fixed 30X EP, it would have blown our
mind, but this is still a phenomenal
scope. It looks good and feels good. The
controls are fast but stiff. The resulting
image is stunning, with a 3D-like quality
that’s easy on the eye.
The TSN-883 displays perfect edgeto-edge sharpness and is arguably
sharper than the Meopta to some of
the evaluators. However, due to the
impressive resolution, mirage on warm
days wreaked havoc on perceived quality at long ranges. While hot days don’t
provide as pleasing of an image, it’s still
sharp. And that incredible resolution
continues almost to the end of the
eyepiece’s power range before starting
to blur at 58X.
ScorE
Model TSN-883
Length 16 in.
Weight 4 lbs., 2 oz.
Price $3,050
52
P e t e r s e n s H u n t i n g . c o m | September 2013
OUR TAKE
You can’t argue with Alpen’s no-fault,
no problem lifetime warranty. This spotter is virtually the same scope as the
Bushnell Elite we tested and very similar to the Pentax. We like Bushnell’s
aesthetics better. With the Alpen, there’s
some gritty feel when adjusting the
power ring, but the eyecup is nice with
three tactile positions. Peering through
the glass provided a bright and clear
image that blurred toward the outer 30
percent with a bit of color fringing.
Resolution seems crisper than Bushnell.
We recommend that Alpen incorporate a fine-tuning focus wheel and a less
chintzy appearance on future models.
The Rainier is not an heirloom-quality
scope, but rather a no-frills optic with
intuitive controls that is pleasant to use
through the low power ranges. When
compared to the Bushnell Elite, your
purchase decision should come down to
price. Cheapest wins.
For uniformity, all scopes
were set at 40X for 100-yard
resolution comparisons.
Spotting the Best
PENTAX
PF-80ED
Pentax’s PF-80ED is their top-of-the-line scope and is built on a Porro prism design.
The low-dispersion glass elements are housed in a lightweight magnesium-alloy body
cloaked in a soft-touch rubber. — pentaximaging.com
OUR TAKE
The tactile texture over the very long
body makes a solid first impression. In
fact, aesthetics are excellent with exception given to the gold-bling brand and
model labeling on the side of its neck.
We liked the simple, two-finger focus
knob. When working the scope, you
can’t help but notice that the power ring
ScorE
Model PF-80ED
Length 19 in.
Weight 4 lbs., 10 oz.
Price $1,350
BUSHNELL
is stiff. There is no slop in adjustment,
however, and it stops immediately.
Blue color aberrations appear in the
very center of the image when looking
at high contrast objects at any distance.
In comparison to other scopes, the Pentax is not as bright. The image resolved
sharply but seemed soft and cloudy due
to this brightness reduction.
After lackluster performance at 100
to 300 yards, the Pentax surprised us by
distinguishing objects and signage at one
mile. It was a leap in high-power performance over the Leupold Kenai, but eye
placement was more finicky. Sharpness
is good until it’s time to observe objects
beyond 800 yards, and then the focus
knob doesn’t help. Above the observed
30X sweet spot, you don’t gain anything
in performance by increasing the power.
ELITE
Bushnell’s Elite is regarded as the company’s finest. It features Bushnell’s RainGuard
HD coating and is noticeably lightweight. — bushnell.com
ScorE
OUR TAKE
Bushnell’s so-called “peak in optical
achievement” presents a cheap out-ofthe-box feel. You can’t help but notice its
plastic construction with a small amount
of decorative metal trim.
This was one of the longest scopes
tested, and we discovered that the EP
Model ELITE
Length 17 ½ in.
Weight 3 lbs., 13 oz.
Price $1,479
interchanges with the Alpen’s. The focus
knob functions wonderfully, but the
power adjustment knob maintains the
Alpen’s gritty feel.
Our perceived depth of field was
adequate, but not great. One tester noted,
“The blue color fringing was unacceptable… but not quite as bad as seen in the
Vanguard.” The overall image quality is
better than expected at this price point,
and the Bushnell offers good brightness
even in low-light conditions. This scope
lacks in the high end. The pleasing image
tops out at 42X, and you start to chase
focus while panning along the distant
horizon. In the upper power ranges at
distant objects beyond 300 yards, the
outer 25 percent starts to blur.
The Elite is a simple, no-frills scope
with straightforward controls. However,
it’s a spotting scope you’ll eventually
graduate from.
Spotting the Best
ZEISS
DIASCOPE 85 FL
A former Petersen’s Hunting Editor’s Choice award winner,
the Victory DiaScope is a proven, premium spotter. Various
coatings work deep into the twilight hours. The Dual Speed
Focus system is innovative and combines fine and coarse
adjustments into one knob. — sportsoptics.zeiss.com
OUR TAKE
From national shooting competitions
to the hunting fields, this model has
endured our roughest handling and still
performs with the best.
The dual-speed focus knob is amazing.
If you turn the knob quickly, the system
operates in a rapid course adjustment
mode that allows you to react quickly to
a dynamic environment. A slower use of
the knob switches the system into fine
mode that allows for crisp adjustment for
the sharpest image. Once set, you don’t
have to constantly tweak the Zeiss.
The power ring is a bit stiff when
compared to the other high-end spotters.
The result is more vibrations transmitted
into the image while adjusting for detail
NIKON
or tracking a moving
object. If the Zeiss
featured Nikon’s VR
system, this one might
be a winner this year.
The scope has great edge
resolution with minimal color
fringing. Eye relief is a bit tight, but
the overall optical experience remains
awesome. The depth of field is expansive,
providing the viewer with a 3D-like effect.
After 50X, the image becomes subject
to mirage as well as brightness and clarity issues. We ran uncomfortably close
to the edge of available focus adjustment
while observing small objects at 800
yards and beyond on 50X. It was a bit
Model 85 FL
Length 16 ½ in.
Weight 4 lbs., 6 oz.
Price $3,333
ScorE
unsettling to come this close to infinity
focus under our mile observation test.
Though now surpassed by more recent
advancements in optical technology, the
Zeiss DiaScope still qualifies as a timeless
spotter with heirloom quality.
EDG VR 85
The Nikon vibration-reduction (VR) system is the key takeaway with this Fieldscope. The VR system is based on the technology
proven in NIKKOR VR lenses, which reduces blur due to movement during observation. This spotter has no equal in the world
of digiscoping with DSLR cameras. — nikonsportoptics.com
OUR TAKE
Model edg vr
Length 15 ½ in.
Weight 5 lbs., 5 oz.
Price $5,997
56
ScorE
The Nikon EDG VR 85 proved to be the
best spotting scope for clearly tracking
moving objects at any distance. The field
of view was more than satisfactory and
bright. Edge sharpness was perfect.
We didn’t like that Nikon doesn’t offer
more power markings on the EP. When
comparing the optics at 40X, we had to
guess where 40X was. Friction in working
the controls was perfect, but when the
VR feature was activated, gyro noise was
somewhat annoying. That’s the only
tradeoff to running the VR system.
P e t e r s e n s H u n t i n g . c o m | September 2013
You get very fine and precise adjustments when working the well-thoughtout controls. Eye relief was disappointing,
however, as you must get intimate with
the eyecup to avoid scope shadow.
For $6,000, the Nikon EDG VR 85
should be the best of everything. Unfortunately, not only is it a very heavy scope,
nothing pops at short ranges as it did
with the Swarovski, Meopta, and Leica.
Even at distances beyond 300 yards,
sharpness on the charts wasn’t perfect.
The Nikon was one of the few optics that
present a usable image at max power at
every distance. When you turn the VR
feature on, not only does it dampen the
vibrations from your body and wind, but
it also locks the image up quicker when
you stop panning. For what it gives up at
short-range resolution, its faults were
redeemed at long range. At distance, it
proved to be one of the best scopes—
when using VR, of course. If birdwatching
were a career, this is the scope to have.
Spotting the Best
VANGUARD
ENDEAVOR HD
The Endeavor HD uses a combination of multi-function coatings, ED glass, BaK4
prisms, and an 82mm objective lens. It’s also equipped with fine and coarse focusing
wheels. Rubber armor guards the lightweight magnesium body. — vanguardworld.com
ScorE
OUR TAKE
Considering that this is regarded as
Vanguard’s top-of-the-line spotting scope,
the Endeavor left us wanting. Aesthetically, the rubber armor seemed cheap and
more like an aerosol can spray paint job.
Crawling behind the Endeavor
revealed too short eye relief.
Once looking through the
ocular lens, testers noted
the positive control of
the EP’s power ring with
its tactile ribs. With the
power set, working the
dual focus knobs was
easy and precise.
Model HD 82A
Length 15 in.
Weight 4 lbs., 2 oz.
Price $689
The scope provided a clear enough
image on low powers. Unfortunately,
green fringing encroaches nearly half the
field, distracting high-contrast objects.
“Fringing is everywhere,” said one tester.
Image sharpness decreases in the outer
10 to 15 percent of this view.
Though not a bad image, it was unanimously agreed that the Bushnell Elite
produced a better image in comparison.
The Vanguard wasn’t useful beyond 42X.
Though it lacks crispness, its ability to
focus at longer ranges on lower powers
makes it an OK scope. Overall, you won’t
get burned for the money.
OPTICRON
ScorE
HR 80 GA ED
The Opticron HR ED is unaffected by environmental influences. Built on a lightweight
magnesium alloy body and finished with durable soft-touch textured rubber armor,
this scope is backed by a 30-year comprehensive guarantee. — opticronusa.com
OUR TAKE
The rubber armor is clean and provides
a nice grip while manipulating the
simple adjustments on the focus knob
and EP. The SDL v2 EP offers versatility
with other Opticron spotters,
but one has to decode
the small markings
to determine what
the magnification
setting is. In fact,
during the 40X
test, we had to
guess where 40X
was located.
Model HR 80
Length 18¼ in.
Weight 4 lbs., 7 oz.
Price $1,725
MANUFACTURER /MODEL
Price
ORIGIN
ALPEN 853ED
BRUNTON ICON
BUSHNELL ELITE
KOWA PROMINAR TSN-883
LEICA APO-Televid 82
LEUPOLD Gold Ring
LEUPOLD Kenai SX-2
MEOPTA MeoStar S2 82 HD
NIKON EDG VR Fieldscope
OPTICRON HR 80 GA ED
PENTAX PF-80ED-A
SWAROVSKI ATX/STX
VANGUARD Endeavor HD 82A
ZEISS Victory DiaScope 85fL
$1,824
$4,395
$1,479
$3,050
$3,899
$2,249
$1,249
$2,200
$5,997
$1,725
$1,350
$4,122
$689
$3,333
Japan
Japan
Japan
Japan
Germany
USA
China
Czech Rep.
Japan
Japan
Japan
Austria
China
Germany
EYEPIECE X OBJECTIVE FINE FOCUS
RANGE DIAMETER
20-60X
80mm
Single
25-50X
80mm
Single
20-60X
80mm
Single
20-60X
88mm
Dual
25-50X
82mm
Dual
20-60X
80mm
Single
25-60X
80mm
Single
30-60X
82mm
Single
20-60X
85mm
Single
24-72X
80mm
Single
20-60X
80mm
Single
25-60X
85mm
Single
20-60X
82mm
Single
20-60X
85mm Dual/Single
OVERALL
LENGTH (in.)
17.75
15
17.5
16
15.25
15
14.5
16
15.5
18.25
19
15.5
15
16.5
WEIGHT
(lb., oz.)
3, 13
4, 6
3, 13
4, 2
4, 6
3, 13
3, 11
4, 2
5, 5
4, 7
4, 10
4, 6
4, 2
4, 6
Looking through it, you see a decent
field of view that sharpens nicely with a
quick roll of the adjustment wheel. Brightness is acceptable. Red and green fringing
appears on the edge of high-contrast
objects. Edge sharpness is good.
Above 48X, resolution and field of
view seem compromised. The wide field
of view and clarity observed at low powers isn’t sustained once you increase
magnification through its max of 72X.
The Opticron may lack in long-range
clarity, but our testers felt it superior to
many of the mid-priced scopes.
EXIT PUPIL
(mm)
4–1.3
3.2–1.6
4.1–1.1
4.4–1.4
3.3–1.6
4.8–1.5
3.1–1.3
2.7–1.4
4.3–1.4
4–1.1
4–1.3
3.4–1.4
4.1–1.4
4.25–1.4
SPECIAL
FIELD OF VIEW EYE RELIEF
(mm)
FEATURES
96/54
17
115/84
17
98/50
17
115/55
17
123/84
19
121/42
30
94/52
17
134/63
18
115/58
18
Vibration Red.
90/54
20
99/51
20
124/68
20
Modular
93/42
19
129/60
16
(ft. @ 1,000 yds.)
Spotting the Best
LEUPOLD
GOLD RING
The Gold Ring is a symbol of superb American quality. Its compact package is easy
to balance and transport. A combination of various proprietary lens coatings enhance
definition through twilight and protect against environmental factors. —leupold.com
Long-range testing
highlights strengths
undetectable at
shorter distances.
Model GR 80
Length 15 in.
Weight 3 lbs. 13 oz.
Price $2,249
OUR TAKE
Aesthetically, the Gold Ring offers great
ergonomics and size. And due to the long
eye relief, you will love the Gold Ring if
you wear glasses. However, discerning
spotters won’t find the image quite as
pleasing as other high-end scopes.
The focus knob drags too much,
which results in being unable to focus
at distant objects and pan simultaneously. Anytime you adjust the
focus or power rings, you shake
the image. If the scope is in a
static position and the subject
is stationary, you are fine.
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75
MEOPTA
Though light transmission is exceptional, color fringing exists throughout
the entire image. Blue and purple color
fringing can be observed in high-contrast
situations where light and dark objects
meet. This occurs to a lesser degree on
objects beyond 300 yards.
The resolution is crisp between
25X and 50X. The field of view is nice,
and there is no tunnel effect. Finding
a sharp focus is easy, and the result
is a high-definition image. After 50X,
however, there are some noticeable
issues. Image exposure darkens gradually with increased power and becomes
somewhat cloudy. Legible text on the
signage as well as the distinguishing
characteristics of wildlife can still be
discerned out to 1,000 yards. This is a
good scope in our opinion, but if you
have the opportunity to compare it with
others in this price point, you may not
walk away all that impressed.
MEOSTAR S2 82 HD
Multiple coatings are used to enhance light transmission and increase abrasion and weather resistance. Meopta’s CentricDrive
features an oversized focus wheel in the middle of the magnesium and aluminum body to improve ease of use. In addition to the
30–60X wide angle (WA) EP used in this test, Meopta also offers a 20–70X variable. —meoptasportoptics.com
OUR TAKE
Using the 30–60X WA EP, the field
of view was incredible with virtually
undetectable color fringing. This is a
ScorE
damn fine scope. The image is expansive. Controls are easy to manipulate
but a bit stiff when fine-tuning.
The MeoStar offers a very sharp, crisp
image with a hint of warm tint. In fact,
this scope posted near-perfect scores during the two 100-yard resolution tests. Edge
sharpness was excellent, but missed perfection due to curvature at the very edge
of the field. Normally, a wide-angle EP
gives up eye relief, but not with this one.
Four-eyed observers rejoice.
Model s2 82 hd
Length 16 in.
BEST
VALUE
Weight 4 lbs., 2 oz.
Price $2,200
Color fidelity was true and even better
than the more expensive Nikon EDG. The
friction in the adjustment wheel is perfect,
and the MeoStar offers a perfect weight
balance, which translates to minimal
image distortion when panning, focusing,
or tracking moving objects.
At 46X, we observed reduced brightness, but sharpness remained excellent
through 58X. It was no problem reading
signage placed at one mile. In fact, it
bested the Leica in this aspect of our
comparison. The Meopta is an incredible
optic. It’s so good some of our testers
almost preferred the Meopta to the
mighty Swarovski. That says a lot.
Priced at $2,200—less than Leupold’s
GR—the MeoStar earns our Best Buy
Award for offering an image that rivals
scopes costing twice as much.