Swarovski ATX vs Meopta S2 spotter

[Fjelljeger]

Planning on taking the plunge and getting a spotting scope. I have narrowed it down to either a Swaro or a Meopta. Has anyone heard of any problems with the modular design of the Swaro ATX body/eyepiece system? I read somewhere that in taking it apart in field conditions (say from inside your pack) condensation can form at the connection point. I like the idea of being able to use both a 65mm and an 85mm objective with the same modular eyepiece but if the interface can be compromised then that would be a big issue. I really like the idea of being able to use the 65mm when weight is more a concern and the 85mm for all other activities.
The Meopta S2 30-60x wide 82mm seems like a great scope at almost the ATX level and at a whole lot less money. The Meopta is pretty heavy though. It doesn't look like Meopta makes a 65mm scope.
What do you all think?

 

[Shrek]

The Meopta is a great scope and value but it's not an ATX. If money isn't really an issue the ATX is all that and a bag of chips but the Meopta S2 I owned was a very very nice scope. I'm working my way towards an ATX.

 

[HookUp]

I have never looked through the Meopta but picked up an ATX after owning a Leupold Gold Ring and Swaro STS. With the wide angle ATX I can find the object in my scope so fast I never have to use a site or look through twice for reference. Clarity is unmatched and I couldnt imagine using anything else. I'd wait and go the ATX route if money is an issue. Seems like all the almost as good as Alpha glass ends up getting replaced by the Alpha glass at some point. I live in a state that has 3 pt restrictions and other very restrictive antler restrictions. I can easily justify my money spent on optics knowing a game violation would be in the thousands.

 

[Fjelljeger]

For those that own the ATX has there been any issue with the two separate sections of the scope? As an example, consensation forming between the objective body and the eyepiece body?

 

[Ryan Avery]

Had my ATX for 3 years, its been in all kinds of rain/snow/dust with no issues. The Meopta is a damn nice scope, but its not on the same level as the ATX IMO.

 

[Fjelljeger]

Ok that is good info. With an ATX with the 65mm obj. would the slik 634 CF with Benro S2 micro pan head that s&s archery was suggesting on another thread be supportive enough or would a stronger setup be necessary to hold the weight of the scope? This will be my first scope/tripod purchase as I have only used binos in the past. As always the info gained on this site is invaluable.

 

[jmden]

Might want to look through a Kowa 883 before you decide:

http://www.kowaproducts.com/KowaTSN880SeriesSpottingScopes/KowaTSN-883SpottingScope/

Many birders and others say it is the best scope on the market, bar none. It is the only scope on the market to use pure fluorite glass in the objective lens, which will do a better job at reducing chromatic abberation than HD, XD, ED, etc., etc., etc. glass.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I think you would enjoy either. The meostar S2 would have the edge over the ATX w/ the 65 objective (optically), but would be larger and heavier. The ATX 85 would edge out the S2, but they are really quite close. The Kowa 88 is also very close, but the best optically. However it lacks rubber armor, which I find advantageous in the field, especially with swings in temps.

The good news is, these are all very good options.

 

[Shrek]

I had my Meopta S2 beside a Kowa 883 in some less than forgiving veiling haze conditions and the Kowa was less than impressive. The Meopta was noticeably clearer looking towards the sun. I've gotten very good performance in similar situations with my Swarovski ATS 80 HD also. Maybe Matt could comment on his experiences with scopes dealing with less than ideal conditions like looking towards a rising or setting sun. After my experience with the Kowa I don't think of the Kowa as equal to to the Swarovski nor the Meopta in those conditions. I may have just been looking through a bad example from Kowa but if I was it doesn't say much for QC. Either way I wasn't impressed under real hunting conditions with the Kowa 883.

 

[Fjelljeger]

If the sticker shock wasn't so great the Swaros would have been bought already. I have read tons of great stuff about the Meoptas and the Kowas and the Swaros sell themselves....if one can afford it. It's one thing looking through them in a store or right in the parking lot and quite another doing a real trial run at 5:30am high up in the mountains. That is why those that have used them are such a great resource. I think it was Bitterroot Bulls review of the Meoptas that got me really looking at them as an option. Every low end scope has left me just using by binos. So it seems it comes down to price/modularity/weight.

 

[Shrek]

Since price does matter to you I'd buy a Meopta without hesitation. Matt made it more clear than I did when he said there isn't much of a difference in the two scopes. There is an edge to the Swarovski ATX but it's not a big one. I could be perfectly happy with a Meopta and I don't think that the difference will find a single animal more or resolve anything more on an antler that would matter in any decisions.

 

[stephen b]

The Meopta S2 / (and Cabelas Euro version ) spotting scope is indeed a great spotter. Compares very favorably to the Swaro ATS/STS (and M's); and even does well when compared to the ATX Swaros and best Kowa has to offer. And that is saying something- especially with the price point.

I currently have a Cabelas angled Euro that I bought on sale last month, and have spent over 3 weeks comparing it to a Swarovski STM 80 20-60x HD; and also compared to a Nikon Fieldscope 82 ED 25-75x. The Cabelas does compare very well. I am still trying to decide whether to keep it over what I have. The Nikon Fieldscope sample that I have is outstanding; sharp as could be and good in low light and challenging light. FOV could be better with it, but it's view is sharp to the edge and sharp in good conditions right up to 75x.

I compared all (3) of these in all times of day and lighting conditions, from 30 yards to 3 miles. Tested for sharpness ( perceived resolution of details); low light; color fidelity, and color bias; edge sharpness; and overall mechanics. Most important to me is sharpness; low light ability; and then probably color and ease of use/ focus etc.

Some here may be somewhat surprised ( as was I a bit) which one was consistently the sharpest and was the brightest in low light. I kept on reaffirming the result, and it was consistent.

 

[flyinsquirel]

Stephen - you've fondled more glass than I can shake a stick at. My guess is you're keeping the Nikon.

 

[Fjelljeger]

So which tripod/pan head do you all run for either a 65mm or 82/85mm spotter. I would be getting an angled eyepiece with either the Meopta or the Swaro. Uses would be backpack backcountry hunting and some off season "birding"....I know...right...yes birding...the wife drags me around to identify every duck/hawk/wren/warbler/sparrow she can find. Would rather just get one tripod/pan head setup if possible. The wife isn't that tall so the overall height doesn't need to extend that much. In hunting mode I would be sitting most of the time with an occasional kneeling/stand use.

 

[Fjelljeger]

Lets narrow the tripod/pan head options to the ATX 65mm.....since I just took the plunge and bought it. 1shotgear said that it should be delivered early next week so the anticipation starts now!

 

[HuntHarder]

Nikon ED82 is a very nice scope and can be had for a great buy. I have compared side by side with STM HD's and Leica's, and the Nikon holds it own very well.

 

[5MilesBack]

The only complaint I would have is the overall weight of the S2 at 67oz. But as for quality it's top notch. I had a Swaro 65mm HD before this scope and I like the S2 better. And given their military discount (which is second to none) it's an absolute no-brainer.

 

[stephen b]

Weight that I got on my digital scale for these spotters:

Swarovski STM 20-60x80 HD - 55.75 oz ( with EP and obj. glass covers)

Nikon 25-75x82 ED Fieldscope ( straight) - 61.65 oz (with glass covers)

Cabelas Euro instinct 20-70x82 ( angled)- 65.65 oz (with glass covers)

 

[jmden]

The only complaint I would have is the overall weight of the S2 at 67oz. But as for quality it's top notch. I had a Swaro 65mm HD before this scope and I like the S2 better. And given their military discount (which is second to none) it's an absolute no-brainer.

That's one reason why I went with the Kowa 664 with 20-60x eyepiece--44 oz.

 

[jmden]

Lets narrow the tripod/pan head options to the ATX 65mm.....since I just took the plunge and bought it. 1shotgear said that it should be delivered early next week so the anticipation starts now!

Sirui T-025X Carbon Fiber Tripod with C-10S Ball Head: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/917559-REG/sirui_bsrt025x_t_025x_carbon_fiber_tripod.html