Spotting scope HD or not?

[Shooter]

So I am looking at picking up a spotting scope. I found a real good deal on a new Vortex Viper 20-60x80 or I could spend $150 more and get the Viper HD 15-45x65. Is the HD really worth more money in a smaller less magnification unit? Is an 80mm Objective going to be a bigger hinderance than a bonus? Is there any other Spotter that you guys can recommend as better in the $500-$600 range?

[Whonnock Boy]

60mm is plenty large enough, no hd. It is my understanding that the human eye can barely tell the difference between hd and non hd.

[Badlands62]

I picked up the 15-45x65 Vortex Viper HD and just love it. I noticed a difference between the HD and non HD when they were at the Sportsman show. So for the extra bucks I chose the
HD.

[Sofa King]

60mm is plenty large enough, no hd. It is my understanding that the human eye can barely tell the difference between hd and non hd.

that's ridiculous.
maybe someone with poor vision can't, but there is a difference.

[Shooter]

The non HD one is usually $100 more than the HD model I posted but right now it is on sale for $150 less.

[r106]

that's ridiculous.
maybe someone with poor vision can't, but there is a difference.

he's not talking about HD TV. Have you looked through Vortex Non HD and HD glass? I couldn't tell the difference. I have good vision. And most people when asked said they couldn't tell the difference. It's been asked here lots. IMO if your not using it for taking lots of pictures or sheep hunting I would get the non HD.

With the models you listed I would take the HD out of the equation and get the one with the magnification and objective you need. both will be great

[GoatGuy]

The benefit from HD glass is really when you're taking pictures or video through a spotter or binos. Think this has been hashed over a couple dozen times on here.

[coach]

I have the non HD version you mentioned and really like it. Despite my previous bad experience with the Impact spotter, the Viper seems to be very good for the money. I looked through both HD and non HD and couldn't tell the difference. As GG and others have stated, things change if you are taking pics through it.

Who woulda thunk the Coach would go back to Blurtex?? :-D

[Hillbros_96]

I spent the extra 100 bucks. This scope is going to be around for a long time and pictures at some point are more then likely going to happen.

[BlacktailStalker]

Wouldn't bother with the 80mm.
If you're going to buy ONE spotter, now is the time to spend the extra $150.