Swaro STM 80 HD Questions

[OK_hunter]

I have an opportunity to pick up a swaro STM 80 HD with 20-60 eye piece for what I think is a good price. I already have a cabelas branded meostar S2 and I am very happy with this scopes performance. I am hoping someone can give their opinions for the following questions:
1. I have not had a chance to compare side by side, is a 2012 model STM equal to the meopta?

2. What will the weight savings be if I go to the STM? My meopta comes in at 66 oz. I am thinking the STM will be 55ish. Is that correct with the eye piece included?

3. Whats a fair price for a 2012 STM 80 HD in good condition?

 

[AK Troutbum]

I have that exact Swaro scope/eye piece (mine might be a year newer, I can't remember for sure), and with the Swaro soft case and lens caps, it comes in at 63 oz. I don't know what it weighs without the case because that's how I carry it into the field so that's how I weighed it. I've never looked through a Meopta, so can't speak to that, but I have looked through quite a few different high end scopes and I've yet to look through anything that I thought was better than the Swaro glass. I would think that somewhere in the neighborhood of $2000 would be a good/fair price for that scope.

 

[bates]

My atm 80 is 45.8 oz opp that’s just body


Whole thing with the eyepiece and plate is 57.6

 

[AGPank]

I think if you search, there is a review from Matt Cashell aka BitterootBull, of these two scopes. I think he said the Meopta edged the Swaro on performance.


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[dotman]

My atm 80 is 45.8 oz

I think my ATS 80 HD was around 58oz, that’s a good reduction in weight.

 

[dotman]

I would say a fair price is anywhere from $1750 - $1950.

 

[Brightwhite]

My atm 80 is 45.8 oz

Are you sure? That should be in the ballpark of the weight of the 65

 

[OK_hunter]

Thanks everyone. Aside from the modest weight savings it doesn't sound like I will be getting too much more for about $400 price differential (STM price - realistic sell price for the Cabelas/Meopta scope). Leaning towards sticking with the scope I have and putting the money into some 12x50 EL binos. Still listening if anyone can convince me the Swaro upgrade is worth it.

 

[bates]

Are you sure? That should be in the ballpark of the weight of the 65

I’m wrong. I was looking at old pics on my phone


That’s the body weight. Need to add eyepiece

 

[AK Troutbum]

Here’s just my STM 80/20-60 eyepiece.

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[gr8fuldoug]

Optically I think those 2 would be extremely close and you'd be fine sticking with what you have.

 

[OK_hunter]

Here’s just my STM 80/20-60 eyepiece.

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Thanks Troutbum, That weight is very helpful!

 

[Brightwhite]

I’m wrong. I was looking at old pics on my phone


That’s the body weight. Need to add eyepiece

No problem, I just spent months pouring over spotting scopes, so I knew something was off.

Ok_hunter...I think a few of the guys nailed it. I think you'd be spending more to save a little weight and taking the depreciation on your meopta spotter. I could see making the switch if you wanted to go to a 65mm to save a lot more weight, or if you wanted to go to a Swaro ATX/STX series to get the option of multiple objectives and the 1.7 ME adapter. But for what you're looking to do - I probably wouldn't do it myself.