Spotting Glass: We Pick Zeiss And Swarovski Products

The $4,900 20-60S stabilized binocular is sharp and portable; the AT-80 spotting scope is bright, waterproof, and affordable.

Zeiss’s 20-60S stabilized binoculars are bright, sharp, and image-steady, thanks to an expensive internal mechanism. It allows the shooter/hunter to hand-hold the 20X optics.

Optics play an invaluable role in almost all shooting endeavors, but no glass reaches deeper into the varied fields of competition and hunting than the ubiquitous spotting scope. Consider that the precision prone shooter doesn’t absolutely need a riflescope to shoot possibles, but he does need a spotting scope to track the progress of his rounds. Also, the Wyoming deer hunter who shoots a 4X to 14X variable on his 7mm Magnum likely doesn’t thumb off the gun’s safety until he’s verified that the mule deer he’s about to shoot is wearing the right rack. And the silhouette shooter, even though he peers at the targets through a 36X riflescope, still needs a scope-equipped spotter to help him read wind and call shots accurately.

Considering the varied uses to which spotting scopes are put, assessing which model is best for a particular activity can be tricky, as we found out in recent tests of five optics products. We’ve been evaluating this lineup of scopes and high-power binoculars for more than a year now, and we’ve learned a few things about them that might not be apparent at first glance. First among these lessons is our impression that overall, these optics’ quality ranges from good to superb—and because of their sometimes heavy price tags, the shooter needs to determine what level of clarity and brightness he needs for a given application. Next, we’ve found that body integrity is the Achilles heel of these products. Unlike riflescopes, most of which are waterproof, spotting scopes and binoculars are anything but. In most cases, we found that the products fogged in high-humidity or variable temperature conditions, which rendered them useless.

Our test products ranged widely in price, magnification, and size for two reasons. We wanted to see if big dollars actually bought big performance, and we wanted to determine if certain features on products had an edge in certain applications. We plan to revisit many of these categories in future tests. For this round, our test products included Bushnell’s Premier HDR 60-mm objective model (No. 61-6045, suggested list price $599.95), which comes with a 45-degree wide-angle eyepiece, and two Nikon Angled Fieldscope ED bodies in 60-mm and 78-mm objective lenses. The 60-mm body is catalog number 7893, and it retails for $1298.40. The 78-mm body (No. 7899), retails for $2,169.60. These Nikon products are sold as bodies only, so we also acquired a 20-45X eyepiece (No. 7771, $317.80 list) and a 60X eyepiece (No. 7811, $160 list). We added to this mix a Swarovski AT-80 spotting scope, which comes with a 45-degree eyepiece and sells for $1,100 list. It must be joined with an eyepiece, and we chose the 20X-60X ATO-20-60X model, which retails for $327.78. Last, we also tried out the big bopper of this test: Zeiss’s Porro 20x60S B/GA T* C.F., 20-power 60-mm objective stabilized binoculars, which retail for the princely sum of $4,867.

Who won? In many respects, we thought the Zeiss binoculars offered the best combination of image quality, eye-strain relief, and weather-resistance that we desired. Of course, we recognize that the price tag is out of reach for most shooters (including us), so we detail the pros and cons of the other products below.

How We Tested
We tested most of the products over the span of a year, using them in a variety of conditions and situations to determine their strengths and weaknesses. Unlike riflescopes and handgun scopes, spotting scopes don’t present adjustment-accuracy issues. Instead, they primarily need to be sharp, bright, weatherproof, and easy to use. Also, it helps if they are light, but for many scopes used in competition situations, even this isn’t a factor.

Resolution (Clarity). To check for optical sharpness, we used an optometrist’s Snellen Scale Letter Chart For 10 Feet. The chart has seven rows of letters decreasing in size. The top letters (H, N) are 1.75 inches tall. The bottom row of letters (Z, D, N, P, T) is 0.187 inches tall. We mounted the scopes side by side on a rail and pointed them at the eye chart. Then we asked 10 panelists to rate subjectively which scope was clearer, following the same procedure as the optometrist does in prescribing glasses.

After focusing two models to his eyes, a panelist would look at one scope and read as far down the chart as he could. Then he would perform the same routine on a second scope, assessing which glass was sharper. We noted the smallest line size all the testers could discern on a given model. However, there was a physical limit on how well the scopes could perform. Mirage often would prevent testers from reading the chart minute by minute.

Eye Alignment. Next, we placed the scopes side by side on a rail, and the test subjects viewed each one and rated it for ease of eye alignment. Brightness. Using the same protocol as above, we had our testers view objects through the scopes, which were mounted side by side. We conducted this part of the test at dusk.

Glare. We pointed the scopes toward bright light sources (not the sun) and tried to see if we could detect glare or flare in the optics. Waterproof/Fogging Test. Last, we checked the owner’s manuals for the scopes to see if they were waterproof. If they claimed to be waterproof, we dunked each scope in a warm-water bath for 10 minutes, then cooled the scope in a 0-degree freezer for 30 minutes. Water intrusion into the scope body would show up as fog or frost. If a scope survives immersion, the chances of it fogging due to atmospheric conditions are slim. We placed self-described water-resistant items in a shower for 10 minutes and then froze them.

Ease of Use. While conducting other parts of this test, we assessed how easily and positively focusing-and variable-power adjustments operated. Here’s how each of the products fared in these tests:

Zeiss Porro 20x60S
B/GA T* C.F.
The fabulously expensive German 20x60S binocular doubles as an usually flexible spotting scope, we believe. In applications it’s suited for, it is bright, clear, durable, and easy to use. Its $4,867 price and its weight are its only shortcomings, in our view.

Carl Zeiss Optical of Petersburg, Virginia, imports the Aalen, Germany-based parent company’s products. The Zeiss 20x60S (catalog number 52 60 00) is one of several rubber-armored binocular products sold in the United States. The next item down from the 20x60S is the $2,575 Porro 15x60B/GA T* C.F., which is not gyro-stabilized. Zeiss also makes a 20x60S stabilized monocular, which sells for $2,455.

More than anything else, it is the Stabilization feature that sets the Zeiss 20x60S apart from other optics, as the S designation in its name suggests. Made necessary because high-magnification glasses are hard to hold still enough to use, stabilization accounts for a big chunk of the item’s cost. Introduced in 1990, the mechanically stabilized porro-prism system compensates for shaking in the user’s hands. To activate the stabilization feature, the user presses a button on top of the glasses. Instantly, the image in the binocular changes from a I’ve-had-way-too-much-coffee-this-morning picture to one that seems to float slowly. The effect is eerie the first few times you use it.

Stabilized optics are used in other venues, especially law enforcement and military, but such products, which usually calm the sight picture through the use of electronics, are more expensive and too heavy for consumer use. The Zeiss binocs use a suspension system that allows all the relevant optical components to sway in line with the movements of the hands. The result of the floating optics system is that light rays always fall on the same image plane. This projects a steady image onto the user’s retina.

Physical Description. The 20x60S weighs 58.6 ounces (1660 grams) and measures 10.8 inches (275 mm) in overall length. It is 6.3 inches (161 mm) wide. It can be focused to within 46 feet (14 meters) Dividing the lenses’ objective diameter (60 mm) by their magnification (20X) yields an exit pupil of 3 mm. Its field of view at 1,000 yards is 150 feet. The binocular has diopter adjustment, a porro reversal prism system, tripod threads (3/8 and 1/4 inches), rubber armor, multicoated lenses, an eyepiece cover, and fold-back eyecups. It comes packaged in a padded aluminum case.

Operation Evaluation. As we noted above, the Zeiss glass was brilliantly bright and clear. During extended periods of use, we also noted that the product produced less eyestrain than the spotting scopes we tested. In low-light situations, the 20x60S was thought to be the brightest product in the test (when the other products were dialed to 20X magnification). In the field, it is possible to carry the 20x60S around your neck, but we don’t advise it. Its 3.5-pound mass will feel like a boat anchor at the end of a long day of hunting. For hunting it is better used, we think, in spot-and-stalk situations. Carrying the glass 100 or 200 yards from a jeep and then taking it back to the jeep is smarter, in our opinion. The stabilization feature allows the hunter to leave the tripod or monopod at the house—a situation not possible with the other products.

For use at the range, however, we recommend screwing the glass onto a tripod. In this application, the 20x60S is wonderful. Spotting bullet holes downrange (out to 600 yards) is easy and clear. It’s also useful for the spotter in a silhouette match, where running mirage and bullet impacts are easy to see. We judged the binocular’s 3-mm exit pupil easy to bring into eye alignment. We noticed minimal glare and flare when the glass was pointed toward bright light. A shower and subsequent freezing failed to cause the glasses to fog. However, the owner’s manual cautions the user not to submerge the binoculars.

The product’s focusing and diopter adjustments worked smoothly and easily, as did engaging the stabilization system. The supplied nylon strap kept the glass securely around the neck, even if it did bite into the viewer’s skin. Rubber cups for the eyepieces kept dust off the unit’s lenses. The supplied, lockable aluminum case prevented the binocular from being dinged during transport.

Still, the glass has shortcomings, in our view. It is useless for the shooter who is self-spotting rounds in a match. The strategy there is to use the off-eye to see into the scope, while the sighting eye rests. This isn’t possible with the 20x60S. Also, though the binocular survived the shower test, we worry about fogging in any product that isn’t submersible.

Bausch & Lomb Premier
HDR No. 61-6045
This 60-mm objective model, which has a suggested list price of $599.95, comes with a 45-degree eyepiece mount and the 15-45X zoom variable-power eyepiece. An optional 22X wide-angle eyepiece is $81.95; a 30X long eye–relief eyepiece is $128.95. A 20-45X long eye relief eyepiece is $181.95. The straight-body version in the Premier line is the 61-6000 model, which sells for $554.95. Both scopes occupy the midrange price level in the company’s line, one step down in price from the Elite products, such as the 78-mm objective 61-7700ED, which sells for $1,132.95, and the waterproof Elite 60-mm scope, model 61-1548P, which retails for $719.95. The Bausch & Lomb nameplate was retained for some scope models when Bausch & Lomb Sports Optics division was spun off from the B&L parent company in May 1995. Worldwide Sports and Recreation of Tulsa, Oklahoma, bought and renamed the division Bushnell Corporation, but Bushnell still sells optics under the B&L name.

Physical Description. The Premier weighs 38 ounces (1075 grams) and measures 13 inches (330 mm) in overall length. It can be focused to within 31 feet (9.4 meters) Dividing the lens objective diameter (60 mm) by the eyepiece magnifications (15X to 45X) yields an exit pupil ranging between 4 and 1.3 mm. Its field of view at 1,000 yards is 125 feet at 15X and 68 feet at 45X. The scope has multi-coated optics, tripod thread (1/4 inch), a rubber objective-lens cover, bayonet-style eyepiece mount, and a built-in sighting device on the aluminum body.

Operation Evaluation. The B&L scope was sufficiently bright and clear for any competition purpose, when the lighting is generally good. However, it was not as bright as the 78-mm Nikon and the 80-mm Swarovski in low-light situations, we thought. In the field, it is possible to carry the Premier in a backpack. Its 2.5-pound weight is the lightest of the goods tested here, even when combined with a tripod like the 8-ounce Bogen 3009. Fitted with the 15-45X eyepiece, the scope can be dialed back to cover lots of ground, then zoomed in to verify a buck’s points.

On a tripod or range stand, the Premier spots bullet holes downrange for both shooters and coaches. Again, the zoom is helpful. At the low-power setting, the shooter or spotter can watch mirage before the shot, then zoom in to a paper target (if necessary) to verify bullet impact. We thought the binocular’s 4-mm 15X exit pupil was very easy to bring into eye alignment. We noticed no bothersome glare and flare when the glass was pointed toward bright light. The owner’s manual didn’t provide a warning about water intrusion, but since another product in the Elite series is touted as being waterproof, we assumed that meant the Premier was not. A shower and subsequent freezing didn’t cause the glass to fog, however. The product’s focusing adjustment worked smoothly, as did the zoom eyepiece. The supplied rubber lens cover protected the objective from dust and scratching.

Nikon Angled Fieldscope
EDIIA 60-mm No. 7893
It may seem contradictory to recommend a $4,800 product and in the same breath call a $1,500 product too pricey, but that’s what we think. The Nikon Angled Fieldscope ED No. 7893 is a 60-mm objective model that retails for $1,298.40. Paired with the better of the two eyepieces suitable for the Nikon, the 20-45X zoom (No. 7771, $317.80 list), the package prices out at $1,616.20. The B&L Premier costs half as much at $599.95, and delivers much the same performance.

This Nikon 60-mm objective model has a 45-degree angled body to which a number of optional eyepieces can be mounted. Fixed 15X, 20X, 30X and 30X wide angle, 40X, 60X, and 20-45X zoom eyepieces are available. The straight-body version is the Fieldscope EDII model, and similar products which don’t have the ED series’ extra-low dispersion lenses sell under the Fieldscope II and IIA names.

Physical Description. The EDIIA 60-mm body weighs 42 ounces (1,190 grams) and measures 11.4 inches (290 mm) in overall length. It is 4.3 inches (110 mm) tall. It can be focused to within 16.5 feet (5 meters). It has a Schmidt’s prism internal design. Dividing the lens objective diameter (60 mm) by the eyepiece magnifications (20X to 45X) yields an exit pupil ranging between 3 and 1.3 mm. Its field of view at 1,000 yards is 105 feet at 20X. The scope has multi-coated extra-low dispersion lenses, which reduce chromatic abberation (color shifting) when light is bent inside the scope. It comes with a tripod thread (1/4 inch), screw-in eyepiece mount, a built-in sighting device on the body, and a nylon cover. The angled body housing can be rotated in a 180-degree arc for better viewing. The body is not waterproof. Operation Evaluation. The EDIIA 60-mm was bright and clear, but testers couldn’t tell much difference between it and the Premier. However, it was not as bright as the 78-mm Nikon and the 80-mm Swarovski, we thought. In the field, the EDIIA’s 4-ounce-heavier weight wasn’t that noticeable, and its slightly smaller dimensions made it as packable as the Premier, we thought. Fitted with the 20-45X eyepiece, the scope can be used to canvas a large area, then zoomed in to focus on a more detailed spot or an animal.

On a tripod, the EDIIA has an edge over the Premier spotting bullet holes downrange. The shooter can change the eyepiece-housing angle by loosing a knob on the right-hand side of the scope and twisting the housing. There are detents in the 180-degree housing rotation, but the shooter can tighten the knob and fix the eyepiece angle at any position he wishes. We thought the scope’s 3-mm 20X exit pupil was easy to bring into alignment with the eye. The coated optics practically eliminated glare and flare. The owner’s manual urged the user to minimize focusing the scope in rainy weather, and cautioned the owner not to submerge the item in water. A shower and subsequent freezing caused its glass to fog. The product’s focusing adjustment worked smoothly, as did the zoom eyepiece. Nikon sells 67-mm lens hoods and filters separately; they protect the objective lens from dust and scratches.

Nikon Angled Fieldscope
ED78A No. 7899
The 78-mm objective-lens body retails for $2,169.60. We tested the Nikon with a 20-45X eyepiece (No. 7771, $317.80 list) and a 60X eyepiece (No. 7811, $160 list), which makes the drive-out prices $2,487.40 and $2,329.6, respectively. Of the two eyepieces, we didn’t like the 60X model because it was too hard to bring the eye into alignment and see the target. We conducted almost all of our testing with the 20-45X eyepiece.

Like the Nikon 60-mm objective model, the ED78A has a 45-degree angled body to which a number of optional eyepieces can be mounted. Fixed 19X, 25X, 38X and 38X wide angle, 50X, 75X, and 25-56X zoom eyepieces are available. The straight-body version is the Fieldscope ED78.

Physical Description. The ED78 body weighs 54 ounces (1,530 grams) and measures 13 inches (332.8 mm) in overall length. It is 4.4 inches (113.5 mm) tall. It can be focused to within 16.5 feet (5 meters). It has a Schmidt’s prism internal design. Dividing the lens objective diameter (78 mm) by the eyepiece magnifications (20X to 45X) yields exit pupil marks ranging between 3.1 and 1.7 mm. Its field of view at 1,000 yards is 101 feet at 25X. Otherwise, the scope has the same features as the 60-mm Nikon.

Operation Evaluation. The ED78A was rated as the brightest and clearest scope by many of our panelists. But good glass usually weighs a lot, and we noticed this extra bulk in the field. The ED78A’s 54-ounce weight was much more noticeable than the 60-mm models, we thought. Also, fitted with the 25-56X eyepiece, the scope was somewhat less useful in gazing at a large area, but it excelled when zoomed in for detailed examinations at 56X.

On a tripod, the ED78A has an edge over the 60-mm models spotting bullet holes downrange, but we wonder if that edge is important to most shooters. Only in dim early-morning or late-evening conditions could panelists separate the scope brightnesses subjectively. For the competition shooter who locks-and-loads at 8 a.m., we doubt the ED78A’s extra brightness is worth it. Like the EDIIA 60-mm unit, the ED78A’s eyepiece-housing angle is adjustable, which is a clear advantage over the other products. We thought the scope’s 3.1-mm 25X exit pupil was easy to bring into alignment with the eye. The coated optics showed next to no glare and flare. Nikon sells 82-mm lens hoods and filters separately. The product’s focusing adjustment worked smoothly, as did the zoom eyepiece.

The ED78A’s owner manual warned against focusing the scope in inclement weather, and cautioned the owner not to submerge the product. Our shower and freezing test caused the ED78A to fog.

Swarovski AT-80
This 80-mm objective spotting scope comes with a 45-degree wide-angle eyepiece mount and sells for $1,100 list. It must be joined with an eyepiece, and we examined the 20X-60X ATO-20-60X model, which retails for $327.78. Thus, the unit’s total price is $1,427.78.

Other optional eyepieces include 15X, 22X, 30X, and 32X wide angles. The straight-body version is the ST-80. Similar bodies with high-density-glass, the AT 80 HD and ST 80 HD, sell for $1,543.33 plus eyepiece.

Physical Description. The AT-80 body weighs 51.8 ounces (1,470 grams) and measures 16 inches (406 mm) in overall length. It is 4.5 inches (114 mm) tall and 3.5 inches (89 mm) wide. It can be focused to within 6.6 yards (6 meters). Dividing the lens objective diameter (80 mm) by the eyepiece magnifications (20X to 60X) yields exit pupil marks ranging between 4 and 1.3 mm. Its field of view at 1,000 yards is 99 feet at 20X and 52.5 feet at 60X. Its features set includes multi-coated lenses, alloy body, and an integrated sunshield. The AT-80 is also waterproof with the eyepiece in place.

Operation Evaluation. Some of our panelists rated the AT-80 as the brightest and clearest scope. The AT-80’s 51.8 ounces weighed down a backpack, we thought, and its 16-inch length makes it cumbersome for most field work. The 20-60X eyepiece provided a good range of magnification to examine game-holding cover.

Mounted on a tripod, the AT-80 provided a sharp image when spotting bullet holes downrange—as good as the 78-mm Nikon, we thought. We still wonder how much of that hunters and shooters can use, however. We thought the scope’s 4-mm 20X exit pupil was very easy to bring into alignment with the eye. The coated optics showed practically no glare and flare. Swarovski sells carrying cases and covers for the scope separately. The product’s focusing adjustment worked smoothly, as did the zoom eyepiece.

The AT-80’s technical description said the product was waterproof, so we submerged it and froze it to see if we could induce lens fogging. We weren’t able to. This is a huge advantage in the AT-80’s favor, in our opinion.

Performance Shooter Recommends
• We were impressed with Zeiss’s Porro 20x60S B/GA T* C.F., 20-power 60-mm objective stabilized binoculars. Their power and clarity are superb for certain hunting applications or range work. If you can afford the product’s $4,867 asking price and its strengths match your needs—portability, small footprint, superior two-eyed vision—then buy it.

• The Swarovski AT-80 is an excellent, affordable optical product. It’s bright, clear, versatile, and waterproof—a claim the other products can’t make. For some uses, including many competition and spotting roles, its weight and bulk aren’t problems. Paired with the 20-60X zoom lens, it could find wide-ranging applications on the line. In the field, we have doubts about using the Swarovski AT-80 in situations where it and a tripod would have to be carried. It’s an ungainly load strapped to your back.

• The Bausch & Lomb Premier HDR No. 61-6045’s shortfalls are the same as the other spotting scopes: One-eye viewing causes eye fatigue faster than the binoculars did, in our opinion—a significant downside. However, the scopes are more versatile and less expensive. They can be used on or behind the line, unlike the Zeiss binoculars, and they perform on par with the other scopes in practically every situation. In some low-light conditions, it might be possible to justify the extra dollars the other scopes might command, but we would be hard pressed to describe such a situation. If it’s too dark to see an animal with the Premier, then it’s probably too dark to shoot it. Because it focuses under 10 meters, the scope can be used in any competition from 10-meter air rifle to 600-yard high power.

In sum, it offers solid performance for a reasonable price, so we think the Bausch & Lomb Premier HDR No. 61-6045 is a best buy.

• Unquestionably, the Nikon Angled Fieldscope EDIIA 60-mm No. 7893 is a superb optical product. But for field use, we think it has some drawbacks. It’s about $1,000 more expensive than the Premier, but doesn’t deliver substantially better performance in any area except for its rotating eyepiece housing. Also, we were disappointed that it fogged after getting soaked in a shower. In our view, it’s not realistic for hardcore users to avoid focusing the scope in the rain, as Nikon suggests.

We think the Bausch & Lomb Premier HDR is a better buy.

• The Nikon Angled Fieldscope ED78A No. 7899 is an excellent optical product, but we think it has some drawbacks in real-world use. It’s more than $2,000 more expensive than the B&L Premier and $1,000 more than the AT-80. Also, it’s heavier than the B&L product, and not watertight like the AT-80. When pitted against the expensive Zeiss binoculars, it falls short in portability and utility in certain important areas, most notably in high-use situations where eye strain is a concern. Despite the ED78A’s superior picture, we are hard pressed to find a use where other products don’t serve as well for less money, or where another product isn’t better suited for specific uses.

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-By PS Staff