FS - Swarovski spotting scope

Len Backus · #1 07-21-2002, 02:34 PM

I am getting a newer version of Swarovski's outstanding scope soon. My three(?) year old Swarovski ST-80 HD with 20 to 60 power zoom eyepiece is available for 2/3 of replacement cost. I will sell it for $800. It cost me $1500 and sells new today for 1200. Here is the website describing it.Eagleoptics

It is in excellent condition.

[ 07-21-2002: Message edited by: Len Backus ]

Brent · #2 07-22-2002, 03:12 AM

Len,
I no your up on your optics, so what is the difference between the old and the new.

I'm sure you have a good reason your not buying the new Ziess or Pentax too. Is it better or something else?

I seen a scope like yours for sale in the paper up here last month for $600 if you can believe that. I saw the add on Friday and called the guy. He said "is it still in the paper?" Turned out it sold on wednesday morning, the day the old paper was dated for and he wondered why I was calling him. Do you ever not call on something like that?

I wish I had the money Len.

Len Backus · #3 07-22-2002, 07:04 AM

Hi, Brent.

The new one isn't even out so I haven't had one in my hands yet. The optics will be the same quality but more compact and a little lighter. As to your question, That was not a bad price but it almost surely wasn't the same version. The one in the paper may have been the non-HD model. HD (high definition) costs a couple hundred more than the regular.
My guess is that only one out of 50 sold are the HD version. High-volume places like Cabella's don't even carry the HD version, for example.

By the way, Eagle Optics is only 80 miles from my home so when I bought the glass some years ago I went there and actually tried out every high-end scope they had, side-by-side. Quite an opportunity. Not many places you can do that. And let me just say, there is a very straight correlation betweeen price and quality. The very best simply costs more. In high-end glass, I own 4 Zeiss items, 2 Nightforce items and 5 Swarovski items.

[ 07-22-2002: Message edited by: Len Backus ]

Ian M · #4 07-22-2002, 08:43 AM

Len,
I had an opportunity to use several of the new Swarovski spotting scopes last Feb., both angled eyepiece and straight, all their models at one shoot. Must say the new scope is nice, it is smaller and has a very bright picture, seemed like the eyepieces were bigger across, but probably no change. Really liked the angled eyepiece for bench use but would not select it for hunting.

Not sure I would trade my Nikon ED's tho... Have you seen the new 60mm ED tactical model, just got one with a wide zoom eyepiece and it is very close in performance to the big 78mm ED. Very nice size for packing, would be a tough decision re Swarovski - would have to compare them on the definition target.

Compared the 60 vs 78 ED's on the range, difference in good light is which eyepiece was on which scope. Older, smaller range zoom eyepiece was slightly sharper. 78mm would outperform regardless in poor light I am sure, it is a heck of an optic. Seems that everyone likes to use it when there are several spotting scopes on the range.

Choice is between superb and superb, Swarovski, Nikon ED, Leica, Zeiss, flip a coin. Like you, I believe that you have to bite the bullet and spend the money if you want to use the best optics.

You will enjoy the new scope I'm sure.

Len Backus · #5 07-23-2002, 08:30 PM

Ian, as you know, the edge-to-edge sharpness on these is so much better than anyone could imagine if they have never owned one of the top scopes.

Sold to Gary Rihn!

Gary Rihn · #6 07-25-2002, 04:37 PM

Thanks Len. Your money is on the way...

Gary Rihn · #7 07-27-2002, 01:14 PM

Len-

Got it yesterday. It's everything you promised. Thanks again.