65mm STM vs 65mm STX vs STC

[Ltsheets]

So I’m selling my non-HD STS and 15s and upgrading my spotter. I’m torn between these 3. I don’t love the weight on the STX but like the modularity. I love the idea of the STC and think it would be the best for using as I’d use the 15s when backed off to 17x. I like the STM as the best all-arounder. Looking for opinions!

 

[BBob]

I own a 65 HD STM and agree it’s a great all around compromise for optical quality and weight but you can’t buy them unless you find a used one and they don’t seem to come up very often. X’s indeed are great and better optically than the S’s (and M’s) but heavy. I’m intrigued by the new C series. I’m waiting for one to come in so we can check it out and see how it does against my 65 HD STM. A spotter is no substitute for 15’s, you’re fooling yourself if you think one will be as effective as a binocular.

 

[Ltsheets]

I own a 65 HD STM and agree it’s a great all around compromise for optical quality and weight but you can’t buy them unless you find a used one and they don’t seem to come up very often. X’s indeed are great and better optically than the S’s (and M’s) but heavy. I’m intrigued by the new C series. I’m waiting for one to come in so we can check it out and see how it does against my 65 HD STM. A spotter is no substitute for 15’s, you’re fooling yourself if you think one will be as effective as a binocular.

Oh I know an STC won’t replace 15s for overall glassing. I live in NC now though and can’t justify 15s with how rarely I get to use them so I’ll primarily use 10s on a tripod and a spotter.

 

[Ltsheets]

I own a 65 HD STM and agree it’s a great all around compromise for optical quality and weight but you can’t buy them unless you find a used one and they don’t seem to come up very often. X’s indeed are great and better optically than the S’s (and M’s) but heavy. I’m intrigued by the new C series. I’m waiting for one to come in so we can check it out and see how it does against my 65 HD STM. A spotter is no substitute for 15’s, you’re fooling yourself if you think one will be as effective as a binocular.

Also, do you really think the STX is noticably better optically?

 

[BBob]

Also, do you really think the STX is noticably better optically?

Side by side absolutely, mby not huge but it’s noticeable. Similar to but greater than the difference between an HD and a non HD in the S series, certainly noticeable. How much would it matter to you? Hard to say but when I’m trying to keep pack size and weight down I grab the STM every time and take the compromise. It still does very well IMO. Actually the STM is the only 65 I have anymore, I sold the 65X objective because I hardly used it.

 

[Ltsheets]

Side by side absolutely, mby not huge but it’s noticeable. Similar to but greater than the difference between an HD and a non HD in the S series, certainly noticeable. How much would it matter to you? Hard to say but when I’m trying to keep pack size and weight down I grab the STM every time and take the compromise. It still does very well IMO. Actually the STM is the only 65 I have anymore, I sold the 65X objective because I hardly used it.

Sounds like we think alike

 

[BBob]

FYI an STM 65 HD 25-50 popped up in the classifieds.

WTS - Swarovski STM HD 65MM 25-50X W

Swarovski 65MM STM HD 25-50X W Eyepiece. Selling this lightweight scope. It has literally been sitting in my safe. I have had a scope skin case on it since I’ve had it. No blemishes or scratches on glass. No scuffs or scratches on body. Very well kept. The scope is magnesium body and is ultra...

www.rokslide.com

 

[Ltsheets]

FYI an STM 65 HD 25-50 popped up in the classifieds.

WTS - Swarovski STM HD 65MM 25-50X W

Swarovski 65MM STM HD 25-50X W Eyepiece. Selling this lightweight scope. It has literally been sitting in my safe. I have had a scope skin case on it since I’ve had it. No blemishes or scratches on glass. No scuffs or scratches on body. Very well kept. The scope is magnesium body and is ultra...

www.rokslide.com

Thanks. I saw it. I’m tempted but I have someone else potentially going to sell me a 20-60 STM

 

[BBob]

Trust me, you’ll like the 25-50 better than the 20-60 especially on a 65. Even on my 80 I preferred the 25-50. Is just a better lens.