Hi all,
I just "upgraded" from a ~1999 AT80 (non-HD) to a 1997 AT80HD. The AT80HD is the square-ended older version with softer coatings. Not too worried about that, more worried about getting a good copy.
I've used the AT80 happily for 17 years. However, ever since I bought the 25-50x zoom a few years ago and I've increasingly felt that I was "ready" to get a better corrected scope.
I bought the AT80HD from Ace Optics in Bath, felt pretty good to buy from a reputable dealer so I could return it if it was not a good copy. However, the optics are truly excellent so it's a keeper from that perspective. Just had some beautiful views of 4 white storks and a couple of red kites outside my house.
One issue, though: the focus wheel is quite stiff. My AT80 can be turned with one finger, but the AT80HD must be grabbed with two fingers. I guess the 19yr old AT80 may have gotten pretty loose over time, but I definitely prefer it to the stiff AT80HD.
The AT80HD was just serviced by Swarovski. Is it common for scopes to return from service with a stiff focus wheel? Do you think there is a good chance it will loosen after a couple of months? I really hope so.
Of course, I can still return the scope and buy another one, but I think I prefer to keep an optically "known good" over an unknown scope.
I just "upgraded" from a ~1999 AT80 (non-HD) to a 1997 AT80HD. The AT80HD is the square-ended older version with softer coatings. Not too worried about that, more worried about getting a good copy.
I've used the AT80 happily for 17 years. However, ever since I bought the 25-50x zoom a few years ago and I've increasingly felt that I was "ready" to get a better corrected scope.
I bought the AT80HD from Ace Optics in Bath, felt pretty good to buy from a reputable dealer so I could return it if it was not a good copy. However, the optics are truly excellent so it's a keeper from that perspective. Just had some beautiful views of 4 white storks and a couple of red kites outside my house.
One issue, though: the focus wheel is quite stiff. My AT80 can be turned with one finger, but the AT80HD must be grabbed with two fingers. I guess the 19yr old AT80 may have gotten pretty loose over time, but I definitely prefer it to the stiff AT80HD.
The AT80HD was just serviced by Swarovski. Is it common for scopes to return from service with a stiff focus wheel? Do you think there is a good chance it will loosen after a couple of months? I really hope so.
Of course, I can still return the scope and buy another one, but I think I prefer to keep an optically "known good" over an unknown scope.