ATM 80 HD 25x50 interesting in 2024? (1 Viewer)

[jb b]

Hello,
I am coming to you for help on the Swarovski range of spotting scopes. The current range is very clear to me (ATS / ATX).
I am wondering about the ATS range. Since when has it existed?
In particular, I am trying to find out if an ATM 80 HD 25x50 is as efficient as a current ATS in 25x50 too.
Was the ATM range marketed from 2009 to 2020?
This is for a second-hand purchase.
Thank you very much for your help.

 

[dalat]

I think optically ATM and ATS are the same. The ATM is lighter, because the body is made of magnesium.

I believe Swaro discontinued the ATM and not the ATS, because they didn't want the light ATM compete too much on weight with the heavier ATX.

Still a good scope.

 

[Boogieshrew]

The ATM and ATS are great scopes. I have had both. The 25-50 zoom is also excellent but if you wear glasses it can be a bit short on eyerelief. It is for me.

 

[jb b]

Thank you very much for these two reviews, @dalat and @Boogieshrew.
I have read in the meantime on this forum that the ATM was manufactured from 2009 to 2012. This corresponds to the date of arrival of the ATX.

Now, I also read here (unless I'm mistaken) that the ATS has sometimes undergone optical evolutions over the years and therefore improvements. Which Swarovski doesn't seem to talk about much.

I have the possibility of buying a second-hand ATM 80 but I find the asking price too high.

 

[dalat]

Yes, I bought my ATM around 2011, just before the arrival of the ATX. Price was discounted at the time.

It may be that Swaro improved the coatings over the years, but I don't think you will really see a difference if you compare a 12 year old ATM to a today's ATS.

 

[jb b]

I think €1,500 would be enough for a spyglass that's about 15 years old.

 

[John A Roberts]

Hi jb b,

If you've not already checked out the following:

Details on the ATS/ ATM/ ATS series - including how to date a unit by the serial number - can be found in post #4
(along with the following corrections) at: How can you differentiate old ATS 80HD model from new ATS 80HD?

Details of the construction can be seen in post #9 at: Need Info about Swarovski ATM 65


John

 

[jb b]

Thank you very much @John A Roberts.
Yes, I had read the first link you give (that's where I learned about manufacturing from 2009 to 2012).
The second link is interesting.
Stay tuned !

 

[ticl2184]

The ATM and STM series ran from 2009 to 2012. They stopped production because of the cost of Magnesium apparently.
Optically there identical. No difference apart from the weight which is about 100 grams for the 80mm version. The focus wheel is green compared to the black of the ATS and STS.

I believe the coatings have been officially upgraded twice. If memory serves me it was in 2009 for the ATM and STM and I can't remember the second time officially.

If it helps I've tested the older version and newer version and really can't tell the difference. I believe it's about 5% transmission improvement called Swarotop...

Hope that helps

Cheers
Tim