[karmantra]

I am checking on a ST 80 HD spotting scope that I plan on attaching a newer 20-60x zoom eyepiece. I know that the ST/AT 80s had about a 10 year run (early 90s-2002) and am curious if any modifications were done on them (different coatings on lenses, eyepiece changes, etc.) that improved on them later in their run. Do the later models have improvements to look for over earlier AT/ST 80s? Can one check serial numbers to see when a particular AT/ST 80 was manufactured with any modifications? Thanks!

[iporali]

Originally Posted by karmantra

I am checking on a ST 80 HD spotting scope that I plan on attaching a newer 20-60x zoom eyepiece. I know that the ST/AT 80s had about a 10 year run (early 90s-2002) and am curious if any modifications were done on them (different coatings on lenses, eyepiece changes, etc.) that improved on them later in their run. Do the later models have improvements to look for over earlier AT/ST 80s? Can one check serial numbers to see when a particular AT/ST 80 was manufactured with any modifications? Thanks!

Hi karmantra,

There have indeed been some revisions of the A/ST80 models of which I have been able to compare side by side an early and a late sample. I own the latest version of the AT80HD with the Swarodur (anti-scratch) and Swarotop (anti-reflection) coated optics (but obviously no Swarobright prism coatings - which wasn't available at that time). The new coatings have quite bright yellow/amber reflections and the older ones are darker purplish. I have earlier suspected that the Swarodur may slightly reduce light transmission, but personally I very much appreciate the scratch resistance of my scope. Compared to the newest ATS model the image of the AT has a warmer yellow/amber colour cast, which - I think - may have been even stronger in older models. I am not sure if this is due to improvements in coating technology or just aging of the old silver coatings.

Externally the newer scope body has more rounded edges of the prism housing than the older design. The new(est) model has also an aiming slot on the top of the sunshield and a hole for a lockable zoom eyepiece, which is shorter & wider than the older one and has a screw mounted foldable eyecup. BTW, the new 20-60xS-zoom fits, but doesn't lock with the old body, because the new locking mechanism is in the scope.

Optically I haven't seen significant differences in any of the AT80HDs I have looked through. If the scope is not severely damaged by over-enthusiastic cleaning etc., any version of the A/ST80HD should be a good choice. I like to think that my new model has relatively recent coatings, is scratch resistant and very easy to aim and it's zoom doesn't come off during zooming, but I wouldn't say any of these improvements is more important than finding a good sample.

Best regards,

Ilkka

[karmantra]

Thanks Ilkka for the info--could I assume that the newer more 'rounded' models of the AT/ST80s would have better coatings? It also seems that Swarovski changed the color of the footplate to the silver color instead of the darker-colored footplate at that same time. Thanks again! The mod

Originally Posted by iporali

Hi karmantra,

There have indeed been some revisions of the A/ST80 models of which I have been able to compare side by side an early and a late sample. I own the latest version of the AT80HD with the Swarodur (anti-scratch) and Swarotop (anti-reflection) coated optics (but obviously no Swarobright prism coatings - which wasn't available at that time). The new coatings have quite bright yellow/amber reflections and the older ones are darker purplish. I have earlier suspected that the Swarodur may slightly reduce light transmission, but personally I very much appreciate the scratch resistance of my scope. Compared to the newest ATS model the image of the AT has a warmer yellow/amber colour cast, which - I think - may have been even stronger in older models. I am not sure if this is due to improvements in coating technology or just aging of the old silver coatings.

Externally the newer scope body has more rounded edges of the prism housing than the older design. The new(est) model has also an aiming slot on the top of the sunshield and a hole for a lockable zoom eyepiece, which is shorter & wider than the older one and has a screw mounted foldable eyecup. BTW, the new 20-60xS-zoom fits, but doesn't lock with the old body, because the new locking mechanism is in the scope.

Optically I haven't seen significant differences in any of the AT80HDs I have looked through. If the scope is not severely damaged by over-enthusiastic cleaning etc., any version of the A/ST80HD should be a good choice. I like to think that my new model has relatively recent coatings, is scratch resistant and very easy to aim and it's zoom doesn't come off during zooming, but I wouldn't say any of these improvements is more important than finding a good sample.

Best regards,

Ilkka

[SteveClifton]

I am checking on a ST 80 HD spotting scope that I plan on attaching a newer 20-60x zoom eyepiece. I know that the ST/AT 80s had about a 10 year run (early 90s-2002) and am curious if any modifications were done on them (different coatings on lenses, eyepiece changes, etc.) that improved on them later in their run. Do the later models have improvements to look for over earlier AT/ST 80s? Can one check serial numbers to see when a particular AT/ST 80 was manufactured with any modifications? Thanks!

Probably worth checking that the model you're checking out isn't one of the oldest models which had a different eyepiece fitting, and therefore won't take the newest 'S' series eyepieces.

Sorry if I'm a bit vague on this, and can't give serial numbers, but these older models look very similar (almost identical) to the grey bodied scopes that preceded the current green rubber armoured scopes. I know someone who had one until recently, but haven't seen him for ages. Hope this is some help. I guess that the older models I'm referring to must be at least 15 years old, and were in production at the time when Kowa were still selling the TSN 1-4 scopes.

Steve

[iporali]

Originally Posted by karmantra

-could I assume that the newer more 'rounded' models of the AT/ST80s would have better coatings?

I think so, but please take it for what it is worth. At least the yellow (new) vs. purple (old) coatings are very easy to distinguish. I'd think only someone like Clay Taylor in this forum is able to know when exactly different generations of coatings have been in production.

Ilkka

[karmantra]

Dear Ilkkla: I have found out via email that the ST 80 HD I am interested in has a serial number G701929xxx.... Is this anywhere close to the serial # on your newer AT 80 HD scope? I take it that only the newer versions of the scope (the one that will take the newer eyepiece) has the sighting device on the sunshade. I will attempt to contact Swarovski North America on Monday for further clarification, but I wish to thank you again for your info on the scope!

[iporali]

Originally Posted by karmantra

the ST 80 HD I am interested in has a serial number G701929xxx.... Is this anywhere close to the serial # on your newer AT 80 HD scope?

Mine is G711834xxx.
HTH,

Ilkka

[karmantra]

Ilkka: Sent you a PM back--thanks again for your assistance!

[stabor]

The question keeps arising of when certain features were introduced by Swarovski. It would be great to have one centralized source of information on this. Unfortunately, while some determined correspondents here have been able to pry limited specific facts out of the company (e.g. the point of introduction of Easy to Clean), it's unlikely that Swarovski would cooperate in a comprehensive tabulation of all the changes. There's nothing in it for them--on the contrary, they much prefer to work in mysterious ways, and their business is selling new merchandise, not used. The coatings in particular, which Clay Taylor calls "the Colonel's Secret Recipe", are constantly being tweaked and the company would probably not release anything more than the most general details on those. Full disclosure will probably have to wait for the demise of the company (gods forbid) followed by lots of hard work in the archives by a technically savvy researcher.

[blubird]

My Swarovski ST80HD was purchased in May 2000, serial #G693926123, and features the rubber eye cup with screw-in threaded on the 20-60 Zoom, as well was the (useless) sighting notch on the sunscreen. I use it with the newer model 30X SW eyepiece, which is a truly wonderful optic. It doesn't lock in place, but this has not been a problem.
Cheers, Len