Which spotting scope should I buy from this list (lowest prices found listed) (1 Viewer)

[Lavos]

I have a habit of overanalyzing everything I buy and I'm on day 3 of researching this, so please help me choose from this list! Listed the lowest prices I could find (new/unused)

Vortex razor 16-48x65 (gen 1)
~$650 pre-tax

Vortex razor 22-48x65 (gen 2)
$999 pre-tax

Vortex razor 20-60x85 (gen 1)
~$750 pre-tax

Vortex razor 27-60x85 (gen 2)
~$950 no tax

Swarovski ATS-65 w 20-60x eyepiece
~$1750 no tax

Leica Televid 65 with 25-50x WW eyepiece
~$1700 no tax

Kowa TSN-553 15-45x55
~$1150 no tax

Feel free to add anything comparable in this price range if I missed it

 

[Mono]

What are you going to be doing with the scope? A 55mm scope is a very different beast to an 85mm scope.

 

[Lavos]

What are you going to be doing with the scope? A 55mm scope is a very different beast to an 85mm scope.

Forest/lake birding in the midwest US, and taking trips to Hawaii and costa rica next year. I included the 553 because it's the only kowa I can get a good deal on in this price range but seems to have the best quality glass. I'm not sure which would win out between a 55mm kowa with the fluo glass or the vortex with 10 more mm (65mm).

Also struggling to decide if more than 48x mag would be useful for my situation

 

[Hermann]

I don't know the Vortex scopes and can't comment on them. Of the other scopes you listed I think the Swaro is what I'd get, unless I wanted a really small scope for travelling. Then I'd look at the Kowa.

Hermann

 

[4John]

What are you going to be doing with the scope? A 55mm scope is a very different beast to an 85mm scope.

Lavos,

Mono was on the money when he said "A 55mm scope is a very different beast to an 85mm scope". Do you already own a telescope ? If not I strongly recommend you go somewhere where you can try them out. Analysis will get you a long way, but it won't get you far enough. You need to see for yourself the trade-offs of the lighter weight, compact, 50mm scopes and the larger, heavier, but brighter in dull conditions 60 and 80mm scopes. A 50mm scope wins out for some people, whereas others would only want an 80mm scope (which may need a heavier tripod). Some can't make up their minds and/or are happy to compromise with a 60mm in the middle, whereas others buy a 50, 60 and an 80mm scope. You need to see for yourself which one wins out for you.