LitenFast
WKR
Hey Everyone,
I’m currently a packer for an outfitter in the Brooks Range that runs Dall sheep hunts, after this season I’ll have enough field days to get my assistant guide license. I’m set up real well on my gear outside of my spotter and tripod. I’ve got a good opportunity to get a Swaro of my choosing a bit off retail so I’d like to stick with Swaro Ats 65 or 80 I can’t seem to make up my mind on which. Two guides I work with said no hesitation go with the 65 save the bulk and weight. The other carries the 88mm Kowa and loves it.
Pros of 65
10 oz lighter
Less bulk
Easier to stabilize
Probably could use lighter tripod
Also several $100 cheaper
Pros of 80
Optically superior, right ?? Given you have a heavy enough tripod.?
I am 33 6’ 4”, 225# and train year round for sheep season and go into it with a mindset that I’m not afraid of 10 oz, IF it’s worth it as I’m pretty spartan on what I carry overall.
What are everyone’s thoughts? Especially including needing a tripod upgrade also. If a 65 also saves me tripod weight and cost that is no small thing either. Being able to get away with a Outdoorsmans pistol grip head would be a major plus as well.
I’m currently a packer for an outfitter in the Brooks Range that runs Dall sheep hunts, after this season I’ll have enough field days to get my assistant guide license. I’m set up real well on my gear outside of my spotter and tripod. I’ve got a good opportunity to get a Swaro of my choosing a bit off retail so I’d like to stick with Swaro Ats 65 or 80 I can’t seem to make up my mind on which. Two guides I work with said no hesitation go with the 65 save the bulk and weight. The other carries the 88mm Kowa and loves it.
Pros of 65
10 oz lighter
Less bulk
Easier to stabilize
Probably could use lighter tripod
Also several $100 cheaper
Pros of 80
Optically superior, right ?? Given you have a heavy enough tripod.?
I am 33 6’ 4”, 225# and train year round for sheep season and go into it with a mindset that I’m not afraid of 10 oz, IF it’s worth it as I’m pretty spartan on what I carry overall.
What are everyone’s thoughts? Especially including needing a tripod upgrade also. If a 65 also saves me tripod weight and cost that is no small thing either. Being able to get away with a Outdoorsmans pistol grip head would be a major plus as well.