Advice re my old ST80 vs newer more portable scopes (2 Viewers)

[Seapaddler]

Hi

New to the forum as a member, but looked at it for a long time.

I own a (what is probably now called a vintage model) Swarovski ST 80 spotting 'scope and it is not getting much use as it is rather cumbersome to carry around (I am a fit 70). Met a birder yesterday with a fantastic bit of light kit, a Kowa, and he said he never used his totr Leica anymore and, apart from in low light, this was as sharp as all his alpha kit (he and his wife both had Swarovski bins).

My friend has the very latest bit of Swarovski high-end spotting scope but, side by side, I cannot really discern any difference between it and my old ST!!! It got me thinking...

I don't know how much I would get for my fabulous but old ST80 (with two lenses: 1 zoom 1 fixed; plus Nikon converter for digiscoping), but I am wondering if I could get enough for it to offset the cost of a newer alpha scope - but much smaller and lighter? Is it worth it?

Opinions would be welcome - but I do cherish optical quality. It would appear that the non-alpha brands are catching up rapidly.

Thanks

 

[Harry Stottle]

AT80's sell for about £700
e.g.

Used Swarovski ST80 HD & 20-60x zoom

#html-body [data-pb-style=GOX0JRK]{justify-content:flex-start;display:flex;flex-direction:column;background-position:left top;background-size:cover;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-attachment:scroll}Used Swarovski ST80 HD & 20-60x zoom In good condition Optics are unmarked Includes...

www.aceoptics.co.uk

New Kowa TSN 55A Prominar:
e.g.

Kowa TSN-55A Prominar Angled Spotting Scope with 17-40x Zoom Eyepiece The Birders Store

The Kowa TSN-55A PROMINAR introduces an ultra-compact option that encapsulates all the exceptional benefits of its lineage. Compact yet robust, the TSN-55A PROMINAR measures just 255mm in length and weighs a mere 965g, making it an ideal travel companion. ItÂs designed to be effortlessly...

www.birders-store.co.uk

Or Swarovski:

Swarovski ATC 17-40x56 Spotting Scope (Green)

#html-body [data-pb-style=Q586XQP],#html-body [data-pb-style=V5QCKOF]{justify-content:flex-start;display:flex;flex-direction:column;background-position:left top;background-size:cover;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-attachment:scroll}#html-body [data-pb-style=CG37IK2],#html-body...

www.aceoptics.co.uk

Both offer straight or angled.
Reviews:

 

[Seapaddler]

Thank you Harry - that is very helpful.
In the real world, is the difference between the larger scopes' performance and these smaller ones of any significance? I'm not a low-light birder, so that is not a factor.

Thanks

 

[4John]

Hi

New to the forum as a member, but looked at it for a long time.

I own a (what is probably now called a vintage model) Swarovski ST 80 spotting 'scope and it is not getting much use as it is rather cumbersome to carry around (I am a fit 70). Met a birder yesterday with a fantastic bit of light kit, a Kowa, and he said he never used his totr Leica anymore and, apart from in low light, this was as sharp as all his alpha kit (he and his wife both had Swarovski bins).

My friend has the very latest bit of Swarovski high-end spotting scope but, side by side, I cannot really discern any difference between it and my old ST!!! It got me thinking...

I don't know how much I would get for my fabulous but old ST80 (with two lenses: 1 zoom 1 fixed; plus Nikon converter for digiscoping), but I am wondering if I could get enough for it to offset the cost of a newer alpha scope - but much smaller and lighter? Is it worth it?

Opinions would be welcome - but I do cherish optical quality. It would appear that the non-alpha brands are catching up rapidly.

Thanks

Seapaddler,

I switched from a Swarovski STS80 on a tripod to a Nikon ED50 on a monopod over 10 years ago and I have never regretted it.. The STS80 stayed unused in the wardrobe for many years until I traded it in recently at In Focus. I suggest you give them a call/email and ask them what your scope is worth. They have out-of-town bricks and mortar shops with viewing facilities and they do field days at lots of reserves all over the country where you can try out and buy/trade in stuff.

As to whether or not it's worth it I can only speak for me. Only you can say if it's worth it for you, as every birder's budget and the way they "bird" is unique. My main/only scope is an ED50. Others couldn't live with that and use 80, 60 and/or 50mm scopes. I strongly recommend you get to a dealer with viewing facilities or a field day and see for yourself what your scope is worth and have a look through what else is on offer.

 

[Seapaddler]

I live in rural North Wales - top optics outlets are thin on the ground. I agree - will need to try them for myself. However, as 4John says - many people are leaving their heavy scopes at home; even people with alpha optics. So must be worth a try.
Thank you all

 

[Harry Stottle]

I have tried the Swarovski ATC and the Kowa TSN-55A but not bought either (yet). They are approx. equal optically but I preferred the Kowa because of the dual focus, the better foot and the lens hood. There are other threads on here comparing the two that you may wish to look at. Both are excellent travel scopes.
I rarely use my large Swarovski scope and heavy (stable) tripod now because of the weight and I no longer do much sea watching. I have been using an Nikon ED50 with either a very lightweight tripod or monopod (mostly) depending on the situation.
The older ED50 is lighter in weight than the other two and about one third the cost and rather fragile. If you are a clumsy person who throws optics in the boot the ED50 is not for you.

The ATC and Kowa TSN 55 are optically superior, with better build quality and more durable.
Most of the time I use my large scope at around 25X to 30X or 40X and only occasionally use higher magnifications for an ID at long distances. My ED50 has a fixed 27X but zooms are available.

If you use high magnifications or in low light a lot you will be better off with a scope with a large object lens.
More links:

TSN-55 PROMINAR Spotting Scope – Compact & High-Performance Optics with Pure Fluorite Crystal

Discover the ultra-compact TSN-55 PROMINAR spotting scope with 55mm pure fluorite crystal optics. Lightweight, waterproof, and rugged, it offers superb image clarity, a wide field of view, and precision focusing. Perfect for travel and digiscoping!

www.kowaoptic.com