Swarovski STR 80 Spotting Scope Review
As we move out to 1025 yards on this rock bluff , it was sure great for the shooter and the spotter to be able to measure the size of the aim point. Then the spotter is able to relay the exact distance in MOA a hit was from point of aim. I will offer two pics here on different powers to show how the first focal plane reticle stays in relation to target image.
Swarovski STR 80 spotting scopes are available at The Long Range Hunting Store - HERE.
Illumination is easy to adjust to light conditions with the generous sized knob right above the eyepiece. As seen, even in bright sun you can adjust the illuminated reticle to stand out as much as you wish.
The eyepiece we used was the 25 ~ 50 X and is a very versatile offering with wide field of view as you can see in the pics.
But how is it past a mile? This rock has absorbed lead from almost every shooter I have ever dragged up here. The rock is at 1805 yards. Again my picture does not do justice, but as you can see spotting hits or misses is not an issue and the reticle is right there to offer a dial in correction to the trigger man.
In summary, it was a great day in the field with a great new piece of equipment. To nitpick, I could only say I found the size of housing for the illuminated reticle a bit large and cumbersome. But the reality is this door is now open to what many of us have waited for some time. So all in all, I give the Swarovski STR 80 a big thumbs up. And as we all have come to know, when we see Swarovski on the side of an optic, the chances of a smile during use is very high.
But wait! We are not done. We decided to offer yet more field use and perception on this spotter. So I sent it off to Len and Andy Backus to use as they helped teach Shooting Classes with Non-Typical Outfitters in Wyoming for some more testing and evaluation.
Andy Backus Writes of his Experience with the STR 80:
I was excited to try the new Swarovski STR 80 spotting scope this past summer during our LRH Shooting Classes with Non-Typical Outfitters. Classes take place in the rugged and beautiful mountains of Western Wyoming. We offer three long-weekend classes in early August with eight to ten students in each class. Spotting for multiple shooters during class can be challenging and giving precise correction information quickly to each shooter is critical.
Andy with the STR-80 during class
With a typical spotting scope with no reticle the only way to measure how far a shot missed the target is to first know the size of the target and then guesstimate the point of impact relative to the target size. For example, let's say we are shooting at a 12" x 12" square steel target and it is located 600 yards from the shooter. The bullet hits the steel target high and to the right of center. To make this example simple let's say the impact was half way between the center of the target and the right edge of the target and halfway between the center of the target and the top edge of the target. I would divide the 12" target by 4 to get 3". The hit was 3" right and 3" high, or 1/2 minute right and 1/2 minute high.
The example above works quite well and many guys will say they don't need a spotter with a reticle because they do exactly what I just described and don't see a need. During our shooting classes, however we shoot at many different sized and shaped targets that are not always at nice, round distances. Some of our targets are circles, some are animal shapes, some are rectangles, etc. Knowing exactly how many inches off the shot was and then converting to MOA can get pretty tricky. We also shoot at rocks where we don't know the size. Spotting for multiple shooters who are shooting at many different sized and shaped targets at different distances can get pretty challenging and mistakes can be made. I was really looking forward to spotting for the classes using the reticle in the new Swarovski STR 80 to simplify everything and make correction calls quicker and more accurate.
The STR 80 has the choice of a 25-50 power eyepiece or a 20-60 power. The unit that Jeff and I used had the 25-50 power eyepiece. I found the 50 power to be plenty for spotting hits out to 1200 yards. It is available with a MRAD reticle or MOA. We personally use MOA rifle scopes, and the vast majority of our students do as well, so we were happy to test the MOA reticle. There are a few other spotting scopes on the market that offer reticles, but they are all in MRAD and the reticle is always in view. The combination of an MOA reticle and the ability to turn the reticle on and off was very appealing to me.
Robb Wiley of Non-Typical Outfitters using the STR-80 during class
The first opportunity I had to use the STR 80 was during the afternoon of our first class day when we were validating students' dope out to 700 yards. We had various sized and shaped steel targets set out in 100 yard increments from 300 to 700 yards on the mountainside across a small valley. Two shooters lay prone in front of me and I was calling the hits for both shooters as they took turns shooting. The first thing I should mention is that the glass quality is absolutely outstanding. I was easily able to see hits on steel at 700 yards and to watch trace out that far as well. I could also see great detail in the thin grass that I was using to call the wind. I would be looking through this glass for many, many hours over the next three weekends and I was extremely pleased with the view.
As the students alternated shots, the targets they were engaging began to change. As one student made good hits at a given distance and was ready to move on to the next, the other student was still fine tuning his shots at the previous distance. I had to move back and forth between different targets at different distances and give quick, accurate calls. The STR 80 absolutely excelled at this. No matter the distance or the shape and size of the target, I was able to quickly and easily tell exactly how many minutes off each shot was and quickly and confidently relay the information to each shooter. The STR 80 reticle works similar to a first focal plane rifle scope in that the MOA spacing (subtensions) stay true no matter what power the scope is on. I could zoom in for long shots and zoom back out for shorter shots or to see trace or mirage better, and the MOA spacing stayed the same for all.
Over the three weekends of classes I used the STR 80 a TON in many different locations all over the mountains and I was always extremely impressed with it. The MOA reticle was a godsend spotting for so many different people with so many different types and sizes of targets. As a group of instructors, we found that whenever the STR 80 spotter was available, it was the one that everyone wanted to use. When others were spotting with their traditional spotting scopes and someone was using the STR 80, the person using the STR 80 always was quicker and more confident in their calls.
The STR 80's reticle is completely illuminated when it is turned on so the ability to adjust the brightness was crucial. Depending on the time of day and whether it was sunny or overcast, I found myself adjusting the brightness occasionally throughout the day. The adjustment could not be easier using the large dial on the body of the scope. I also found that there were occasions where I preferred not to have the reticle displayed at all, and it was great to be able to turn it off. I would turn it off to have a clear view of mirage or vegetation for making wind calls for example.
For a long range hunter, the ability to choose between having the reticle turned on or off is significant. You can glass for hours with no reticle and then turn it on at the moment of truth so your spotter can accurately call corrections for you if needed. Or you can own a single spotting scope with a reticle for practice and no reticle for hunting. As Jeff mentioned, the body of the scope is a bit larger than normal which makes it a little tougher to fit in a pack. I did not find it to be much of a problem as I packed the STR 80 all over the mountain. When you decide to pack any 80mm spotter very far you have already accepted the fact that you are willing to pack the extra size and weight in exchange for the excellent view.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Swarovski STR 80 spotting scope, especially to long range hunters and shooters, and it is hard for me to imagine next summer's shooting classes without one.
____________________________________________
About The Authors:
Jeff Brozovich is a long time big game hunter who has become proficient at long range hunting, shooting and training. He also has a passion for ELR and is often stretching the distances well over 2000 yards. If Jeff is not out shooting you will often find him in his reloading room setting up a long range rifle, fine tuning a precision load or testing bullets. Jeff enjoys hunting with family and friends as well as riding horses in the beautiful mountains of Montana.
Andy Backus is a husband and father of two little girls. He grew up hunting whitetail deer in Wisconsin with gun and bow and over the years has been fortunate to hunt and explore most of the Western US states and Alaska. He plays soccer to stay in shape and also enjoys most other sports and outdoor activities. Andy is the Field Editor for Long Range Hunting Online Magazine and also manages the Long Range Hunting Store.
Swarovski STR 80 spotting scopes are available at The Long Range Hunting Store - HERE.
Illumination is easy to adjust to light conditions with the generous sized knob right above the eyepiece. As seen, even in bright sun you can adjust the illuminated reticle to stand out as much as you wish.
The eyepiece we used was the 25 ~ 50 X and is a very versatile offering with wide field of view as you can see in the pics.
But how is it past a mile? This rock has absorbed lead from almost every shooter I have ever dragged up here. The rock is at 1805 yards. Again my picture does not do justice, but as you can see spotting hits or misses is not an issue and the reticle is right there to offer a dial in correction to the trigger man.
In summary, it was a great day in the field with a great new piece of equipment. To nitpick, I could only say I found the size of housing for the illuminated reticle a bit large and cumbersome. But the reality is this door is now open to what many of us have waited for some time. So all in all, I give the Swarovski STR 80 a big thumbs up. And as we all have come to know, when we see Swarovski on the side of an optic, the chances of a smile during use is very high.
But wait! We are not done. We decided to offer yet more field use and perception on this spotter. So I sent it off to Len and Andy Backus to use as they helped teach Shooting Classes with Non-Typical Outfitters in Wyoming for some more testing and evaluation.
Andy Backus Writes of his Experience with the STR 80:
I was excited to try the new Swarovski STR 80 spotting scope this past summer during our LRH Shooting Classes with Non-Typical Outfitters. Classes take place in the rugged and beautiful mountains of Western Wyoming. We offer three long-weekend classes in early August with eight to ten students in each class. Spotting for multiple shooters during class can be challenging and giving precise correction information quickly to each shooter is critical.
Andy with the STR-80 during class
With a typical spotting scope with no reticle the only way to measure how far a shot missed the target is to first know the size of the target and then guesstimate the point of impact relative to the target size. For example, let's say we are shooting at a 12" x 12" square steel target and it is located 600 yards from the shooter. The bullet hits the steel target high and to the right of center. To make this example simple let's say the impact was half way between the center of the target and the right edge of the target and halfway between the center of the target and the top edge of the target. I would divide the 12" target by 4 to get 3". The hit was 3" right and 3" high, or 1/2 minute right and 1/2 minute high.
The example above works quite well and many guys will say they don't need a spotter with a reticle because they do exactly what I just described and don't see a need. During our shooting classes, however we shoot at many different sized and shaped targets that are not always at nice, round distances. Some of our targets are circles, some are animal shapes, some are rectangles, etc. Knowing exactly how many inches off the shot was and then converting to MOA can get pretty tricky. We also shoot at rocks where we don't know the size. Spotting for multiple shooters who are shooting at many different sized and shaped targets at different distances can get pretty challenging and mistakes can be made. I was really looking forward to spotting for the classes using the reticle in the new Swarovski STR 80 to simplify everything and make correction calls quicker and more accurate.
The STR 80 has the choice of a 25-50 power eyepiece or a 20-60 power. The unit that Jeff and I used had the 25-50 power eyepiece. I found the 50 power to be plenty for spotting hits out to 1200 yards. It is available with a MRAD reticle or MOA. We personally use MOA rifle scopes, and the vast majority of our students do as well, so we were happy to test the MOA reticle. There are a few other spotting scopes on the market that offer reticles, but they are all in MRAD and the reticle is always in view. The combination of an MOA reticle and the ability to turn the reticle on and off was very appealing to me.
Robb Wiley of Non-Typical Outfitters using the STR-80 during class
The first opportunity I had to use the STR 80 was during the afternoon of our first class day when we were validating students' dope out to 700 yards. We had various sized and shaped steel targets set out in 100 yard increments from 300 to 700 yards on the mountainside across a small valley. Two shooters lay prone in front of me and I was calling the hits for both shooters as they took turns shooting. The first thing I should mention is that the glass quality is absolutely outstanding. I was easily able to see hits on steel at 700 yards and to watch trace out that far as well. I could also see great detail in the thin grass that I was using to call the wind. I would be looking through this glass for many, many hours over the next three weekends and I was extremely pleased with the view.
As the students alternated shots, the targets they were engaging began to change. As one student made good hits at a given distance and was ready to move on to the next, the other student was still fine tuning his shots at the previous distance. I had to move back and forth between different targets at different distances and give quick, accurate calls. The STR 80 absolutely excelled at this. No matter the distance or the shape and size of the target, I was able to quickly and easily tell exactly how many minutes off each shot was and quickly and confidently relay the information to each shooter. The STR 80 reticle works similar to a first focal plane rifle scope in that the MOA spacing (subtensions) stay true no matter what power the scope is on. I could zoom in for long shots and zoom back out for shorter shots or to see trace or mirage better, and the MOA spacing stayed the same for all.
Over the three weekends of classes I used the STR 80 a TON in many different locations all over the mountains and I was always extremely impressed with it. The MOA reticle was a godsend spotting for so many different people with so many different types and sizes of targets. As a group of instructors, we found that whenever the STR 80 spotter was available, it was the one that everyone wanted to use. When others were spotting with their traditional spotting scopes and someone was using the STR 80, the person using the STR 80 always was quicker and more confident in their calls.
The STR 80's reticle is completely illuminated when it is turned on so the ability to adjust the brightness was crucial. Depending on the time of day and whether it was sunny or overcast, I found myself adjusting the brightness occasionally throughout the day. The adjustment could not be easier using the large dial on the body of the scope. I also found that there were occasions where I preferred not to have the reticle displayed at all, and it was great to be able to turn it off. I would turn it off to have a clear view of mirage or vegetation for making wind calls for example.
For a long range hunter, the ability to choose between having the reticle turned on or off is significant. You can glass for hours with no reticle and then turn it on at the moment of truth so your spotter can accurately call corrections for you if needed. Or you can own a single spotting scope with a reticle for practice and no reticle for hunting. As Jeff mentioned, the body of the scope is a bit larger than normal which makes it a little tougher to fit in a pack. I did not find it to be much of a problem as I packed the STR 80 all over the mountain. When you decide to pack any 80mm spotter very far you have already accepted the fact that you are willing to pack the extra size and weight in exchange for the excellent view.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Swarovski STR 80 spotting scope, especially to long range hunters and shooters, and it is hard for me to imagine next summer's shooting classes without one.
____________________________________________
About The Authors:
Jeff Brozovich is a long time big game hunter who has become proficient at long range hunting, shooting and training. He also has a passion for ELR and is often stretching the distances well over 2000 yards. If Jeff is not out shooting you will often find him in his reloading room setting up a long range rifle, fine tuning a precision load or testing bullets. Jeff enjoys hunting with family and friends as well as riding horses in the beautiful mountains of Montana.
Andy Backus is a husband and father of two little girls. He grew up hunting whitetail deer in Wisconsin with gun and bow and over the years has been fortunate to hunt and explore most of the Western US states and Alaska. He plays soccer to stay in shape and also enjoys most other sports and outdoor activities. Andy is the Field Editor for Long Range Hunting Online Magazine and also manages the Long Range Hunting Store.
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