STS or STX

[ssgjpd]

I am looking at getting a new spotter and was curious what is the difference in the two outside of the module for the STX? If you had to choose one which would it be?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

The STX is a much finer optical quality eyepiece compared to the available 20-60 or 25-50 for the STS. You'll also have the ability to use 4 different objectives with the STX (65mm, 85mm, 95mm & 115mm) as well as access to the BTX if you decide to go that way.
It's our pleasure to discuss this with you if you'd like to give a call, 516-217-1000.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

STX biggest advantage is modularity. If you decide you want a larger exit pupil, you swap the lens. If you want a bino or angled eyepiece you swap the eyepiece. Optical quality is a little better on them but IMO not significant at all. There’s more of a difference going from 65mm to 80mm in the same line than there is between the two lines as far as image goes.

If it's in the budget the STX with the biggest lens you're willing to pay for and tote around is the way to go, but either way you can't go wrong. I would just know that you want and straight spotter for sure if going the STS route and the 25-50 eyepiece is better all around for FOV and image IMO.

Personally my next spotter with be the ATC. They're sweet little things.

 

[6.5x284]

If you don't need a massive objective or the modularity, I would get a STS or a Kowa. I have slowly moved all my BTX, ATX, STX eye pieces and objectives and just gone to dedicated spotters. In the STS the 25-50 is the ticket.

 

[ssgjpd]

Thanks for the input, I really don't need the modularity as I don't imagine going over 65 or 85mm. I didn't know if one offered a better view than the other.

 

[BBob]

Thanks for the input, I really don't need the modularity as I don't imagine going over 65 or 85mm. I didn't know if one offered a better view than the other.

At least in the 65mm objective I think you'll find reports of the S series 65's to be better and brighter optically than the X series in a 65. Check out S&S Archery test with the ATS and ATX 65's. I was once going to give up my STM 65 25-50 for an X series 65 but after talking with a couple of people here on RS and then comparing I kept the S and still use it often. The S's are a fair bit lighter and a touch more compact too.

 

[6.5x284]

At least in the 65mm objective I think you'll find reports of the S series 65's to be better and brighter optically than the X series in a 65. Check out S&S Archery test with the ATS and ATX 65's. I was once going to give up my STM 65 25-50 for an X series 65 but after talking with a couple of people here on RS and then comparing I kept the S and still use it often. The S's are a fair bit lighter and a touch more compact too.

I agree. I had a 65 obj for my STX and moved it very quickly for an 85. The ATX/STX line shines IMO for the 95 and 115 obj, and if you need the modularity. A STX with 95 is awesome viewing. I would love to see it with a 115 in fading light! I prefer the Kowa 88S to the 85 STX. For the price/size/weight the STS 80 and 65 is a great scope.

 

[WMDM]

I just started a thread to warn others about assuming the X line is better than the S. Wish I'd have researched. My old 80 HD STS was better than my new 95 STX.

Frankly I'm not impressed with the 95 but was with the 80. Is there something to the fact there is no "HD" on the X series? Both Swarovision but I'm suspicious. Solid step backwards optically by my eye.

 

[BBob]

Frankly I'm not impressed with the 95 but was with the 80. Is there something to the fact there is no "HD" on the X series? Both Swarovision but I'm suspicious. Solid step backwards optically by my eye.

My guess is there are more lens elements in the X series due to the modularity. Mby @SomeJackassOnAForum can comment. He’s probably the most informed around here about such things.

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

My guess is there are more lens elements in the X series due to the modularity. Mby @SomeJackassOnAForum can comment. He’s probably the most informed around here about such things.

as far as I know the reason the ATS has "HD" on it and the X-line doesn't is that there used to be non-HD models of the ATS/STS/ATM/STM. I personally prefer the ATX models.

 

[WRO]

as far as I know the reason the ATS has "HD" on it and the X-line doesn't is that there used to be non-HD models of the ATS/STS/ATM/STM. I personally prefer the ATX models.

Swarovski ended using the HD descriptor 7 years ago as it really means nothing anymore.

X series has the EL glass with field flatteners.

S series has the SLC glass without field flatteners.

 

[dreamingWest]

This was my understanding as well. Just as some hunters prefer SLCs to EL, some may prefer S spotter vs X. Given it's always on a tripod for a super stable image, I think the edge-to-edge flat field is very nice in my ATX. I've never looked through an ATS.

 

[WMDM]

Intresting