Home » Spotting Scopes » Swarovski STR 80 Spotting Scope Review - MOA Reticle (49832)

Swarovski STR 80 Spotting Scope Review - MOA Reticle (49832)


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swarovski str 80 spotting scope with moa reticle
Image Credit - Swarovski Optik

Viewing Configuration: Straight
Magnification: 20-60X
Power Variability: Variable
Adjustable Eyepieces: Yes
Eyepiece included: No
Objective Diameter: 80 mm
Close Focus Distance: 19 feet
Length: 15.9 inches
Weight: 70.4 ounces
Field of View: 108-60 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: Not Listed/ 4.0-1.3 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Glass: Swarovski
Focus System: Collar/Single Focus
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Digiscope adaptable: Yes

Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation, Photography

Swarovski STR 80 Spotting Scope Review

This Swarovski STR 80 MOA spotting scope is fully weatherproof, has the straight design, and a reticle for long distance shooting and ranging.

You'll be hard-pressed to find many ratings online, or elsewhere online or that matter. These are very expensive scopes, and with outrageous prices like these right off the bat, the market is tiny.

But, as the most pimped out spotting scope that Swarovski has to offer, I expect to see the best of the best of everything since it's in a class of its own. And, I'm all too eager to get all the dirt on this one.

But, what kind of reticles does it have and is it really worth the gross price that we expect it will have? Find out with our Q&A!

Pros:

  • Reticle
  • Interchangeable eyepieces
  • Digiscope adaptable
  • Submersible
  • High quality

Cons:

  • Single focus

STR 80 Scope Q&A:

Does Swarovski's STR 80 spotting scope have a reticle?

It not only has one reticle, it has two! You can get the MOA reticle or the MRAD reticle.

The cross hairs are red, which are excellent to see during low light conditions and against dark and shadowy backdrops.

It can be activated or deactivated at pleasure.

Spotting scopes with reticles provide a measuring system of distances and even an approximate size of your target.

YouTube video

What is the MRAD reticle?

MRAD is short for Milliradian, and each segment of the cross hair is typically measured in .1 mils per click.

The MRAD measuring system is indicative of a European style turret system and is measured in meters, and it's also an excellent reticle for tactical use as well.

What is the MOA reticle?

MOA is an acronym for Minute of Angle, and each segment of the cross hair is typically measured in 1/4 minute clicks.

The MOA measuring system is indicative of an American style turret system and is measured in yards, and it's an excellent reticle for hunting activities.

What is the Swarovski STR 80 scope's power source?

The battery for this STR 80 mm spotting scope is a CR123A battery

Is the STR 80 spotting scope convenient to take on a hunt?

With a reticle, exceptional Swaro glass, and long zoom range with either the 25-50X eyepiece or the 20-60X eyepiece, it can be quite the ideal hunting spotting scope.

But, the best scopes should be a little lighter to hunt on-the-move. Unfortunately, these scopes are gigantic.

Without the battery with the 25-50X eyepiece, it weighs a whopping 71.6 ounces - that's almost 5 pounds!

Surprisingly, without the battery with the 20-60X eyepiece, it weighs just a mere lighter 70.4 ounces. Still, when every pound matters while you're out in the field, and toting around a tripod plus all the other hunting equipment you have, it can be hefty.

Is there an angled STR scope?

There isn't. The only available model of this STR is the straight design.

How much does it cost for the Swarovski STR 80 scope system?

This is a $4400 (approx.) scope for the entire system, direct from Swarovski. You might be able to save a few hundred bucks by buying online.

Just the STR 80 mm body alone is retailing for around $3400 online. And, the eyepieces are the same units that are compatible with the ATS/STS scope system. So, add another $500-$800 and you've got yourself a $4000-ish scope.

Does the STR 80 have SwaroVision?

Surprisingly, it doesn't! The only "Swaro" technology it has is the awesome SwaroClean.

But, for $4400 and for the most expensive spotting scope Swarovski has to offer, I would've expected to see excellence when it comes to optical quality.

Although the glass is of premium grade and quality, knowing that Swaro has the technology and the coatings to give, it's disappointing to see this amazing STR without it. Boo!

Another handy feature would've been the SwaroBright and perhaps even the SwaroAim to give it that extra oomph. But, then again, that could easily be a $6000 scope! And, then no-one would be buying it!

What about the CTC/CTS Swarovski scopes?

If you're disappointed that I've only covered three of Swarovski's spotting scopes instead of four, you're about to get my explanation.

The CTC/CTS spotting scopes were of the extendable or collapsible kind. Nifty as it may sound, they're no longer manufactured and offered by Swaro or most retailers - they've been discontinued.

Noteworthy Features:

  • SwaroClean Technology for ultimate lens protection
  • Submersion tight to 13 feet below water with inert gas filling for fogproof-ability
  • Available with either the MOA or MRAD reticles
  • Reticle can be on/off for convenience
  • Backed by Swarovski's Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Verdict On Swarovski's STR 80 Spotting Scope

The scoop on the scope is, the Swarovski STR 80 MOA spotting scope is all jacked-up with premium features. It probably has more than that what you'd ever need for the hunt. While it does sport a built-in reticle, it can be deactivated for use with birding or photography. This Swarovski has no limitations!

But, if you really don't need all the fancy trappings of the STR 80, just check out the Swarovski ATS 65 spotting scope. It will serve you just fine out in the field, but it'll still carry a hefty price tag - duh, it's a Swaro.

If all the Swarovski scopes are just straight-up out of your budget, check out what Zeiss has to offer. The Conquest Gavia 30-60X85 includes the eyepiece in the price. But, Zeiss isn't a write-off brand compared to Swarovski. They're still as top-notch as every other A-class brand.

Swaro is the best there is. It's right up there as the best in its class all over the world. If you want the best of the best, plus you want to earn "big boy" status with the guys, this is a no-brainer - Swaro it is!

Further Reading

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Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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