swarovski new vs old (1 Viewer)

[scoobyfred]

Hello,

Newbie with a few questions:

1.) What are the main differences between the AT80HD and the new ATS80HD? (is the new one worth the extra money?)

2.) Is it better to buy an angled, or straight scope?

3.) Does Swarovski have a new eyepiece (locking)?

4.) What is the best adapter to connect the Swar. to the 990?

Thanks in advance

 

[rka]

Hi Scoobyfred,

I pondered such questions before purchasing my AT80HD. I'll answer your questions based on the feedback I received from many a couple months ago.

1) AT80HD heavier. Optically, not much between the old and new model. Design, ATS80HD is just plain cool! Price, some very good deals can be had on the AT80HD. Eagle Optics recently had a deal for US$1299 which included AT80HD, 20-60 Zoom, Case. The equivalent newer model would have been a few hundred more.

2) Angled or straight - Depends on how you will use it mostly. If using in car or lying flat on the ground, straight may be better. For typical birding on a tripod, angled is better (easier on the neck)

3) 20-60 Eyepiece: Andy helped me with this one. The AT80HD could either have the old eyepiece with no locking mechanism or the later one with locking mechanism. The ATS series have the locking capability.

4) Best adapter - When you get the answer to this one for the AT80HD with 20-60 (with locking) please let me know. I currently use a homemade guide from a bottle cap and handhold my CP990.

Hope the info. was useful.

rka

 

[Bob D]

Alula tested both the old and new Swarovski scopes. Go to the below link.

http://www.alula.fi/GB/index.htm

Click on "optics at the bottom of the opening page and then go to "Alula tests the latest top birding scope: The Swarovski ATS 80 HD"

Bob

 

[Ragna]

Scoobyfred
ive got the Ats80 and am very pleased if you want to digiscope then i think the angled is the one to go for, i did'nt get the zoom eyepiece as i was advised the 30x was better for digiscoping.If going for the new model ,Swarovski do there own adapter, its excellent quality and very easy to use

 

[tav]

i use a AT80hd together with the new ATS eye pieces 20x60 and 30ww and have no problems.

 

[Andy Bright]

Hi Tav, a big welcome to Birdforum.net from all the moderators and admin staff here. We hope you enjoy the site.

Another member is thinking of using the new e.p's on the AT80HD, I'm sure he will be delighted to hear about your good news.

Regards,
Andy

 

[eric s]

I also have the ATS-80 HD. I have no problems with it at all. I find its smaller size good, the optics are just as good (or at least, I can tell no difference from what I remember.. I only had "access" to the AT-80 HD.)

I don't digiscope, but I can say that I prefer the angled for viewing. It also lets me carry a shorter tripod which is nice (ligher, easier to pack.)

Eric

 

[RoyH]

ATS eypiece

Hi Tav, a big welcome to Birdforum.net from all the moderators and admin staff here. We hope you enjoy the site.

Another member is thinking of using the new e.p's on the AT80HD, I'm sure he will be delighted to hear about your good news.

Regards,
Andy

Hi Andy
I guess I am that member, I have already tested the ATS20x60 zoom on my AT80 and it worked fine. I could not sell my AT20x60 so I have decided to buy the ATSx20SW which I am waiting to be delivered. I am taking a chance because I have not tested this eyepiece but I am sure it will work...I will post up the results...wish me luck. Yes that does make me feel better Andy.

RoyH

 

[rka]

Really interesting thread. Looking forward to info. on using ATS eyepieces on AT scope.

rka

 

[tav]

be carefull roy h, i have heard that the only eyepiece that doesn't
work with the at 80 is the ats 20x, i have contacted swarovski over this and its a fact that the 20 x doesn't work on the AT scoops.

 

[RoyH]

ATS eypiece

be carefull roy h, i have heard that the only eyepiece that doesn't
work with the at 80 is the ats 20x, i have contacted swarovski over this and its a fact that the 20 x doesn't work on the AT scoops.

Tav
You have me really worried now as I am waiting for delivery and its a private sale. I contacted Swarovski a while ago and they advised against this idea but I know someone who has tried the ATS on his AT, I have tested the zoom on my AT80 I could not find a problem but I must say, I have not had access to the x20SW for testing. so I guess I am going to be main test pilot. Do you know what the problem is using the x20 ?.

Roy.

 

[paj]

All

I put the question of using the ATS zoom on AT80HD to Swarovski at the Birdfair, their rep said it could be used but it was not the optimum pairing.

paj

 

[tav]

hi roy h, the problem is that the max. field of view of the AT scoop is 2,4 degrees and the field of view of the 20x eyepiece is 3,4 degrees so you see a dark tunnel around the image, that is the only problem with the 20x.
erik.

 

[RoyH]

x20SW

hi roy h, the problem is that the max. field of view of the AT scoop is 2,4 degrees and the field of view of the 20x eyepiece is 3,4 degrees so you see a dark tunnel around the image, that is the only problem with the 20x.
erik.

Hi Erik
Thank you for your further comments on this, can't do anything now but wait for delivery and testing. If it does not work I will have to sell this on and maybe go for the ATS 20x60 which I have already tested.
Roy.

 

[Dean Eades]

I have the AT 80 HD with the new Lens on it 20-60x S very little between them the old body and the new one Cosmetic .
Mainly the new lens which as improved ... specially for digiscoping...

 

[rka]

Has anyone compared the ATS eyepieces with the AT eyepieces on the AT80 scope.

Any pros / cons.

Just asking since I may buy a 30x in the near future and would like to know the best one to purchase.

rka

 

[Dean Eades]

YES I got the ATS eyepiece on my AT 80 HD and it is a lot better
20-60x S very good...

 

[JWM]

Times I have directed members to my website to see my adapter - homemade but very good.

 

[RoyH]

ATS eypiece

Has anyone compared the ATS eyepieces with the AT eyepieces on the AT80 scope.

Any pros / cons.

Just asking since I may buy a 30x in the near future and would like to know the best one to purchase.

rka

Hi Rka
I have recently purchased the ATSx20 eyepiece which is working with no problem on my AT80 body. I have conducted tests using a borrowed adapter, I am waiting for LCE to do a little mod on the adapter I purchased from them...It needed 4mm taking from the bottom edge of the tube. I took this test image from a distance of 140 feet of one of our resident woodpeckers. This image has not been cropped and you cannot detect any fringing as predicted.

Roy.

 

[[email protected]]

Swarovski AT80HD needed

HI!

Does anyone know where i can get used Swarovski AT80HD/20-60 zoom. I have gone throught the net and have found only one second-hand offer (and they won't sell their stuff to eastern Europe).

Estonian birder