Swarovski Optik's an Austrian family-owned company steeped in the tradition of producing superlative binoculars and telescopes. Their products are often icons of both optics and aesthetics, with the posh spotting scopes being hallmarks of the distinguished brand. The STM-65 HD Spotting Scope is the flagship compact model, featuring an objective element made with extra-low dispersion glass. This provides an even more remarkable image than the "normal" STS-65, with better edge resolution. In particular, color fringing is nearly eliminated. Intricately-patterned subjects will have more crisp delineation, something enthusiastic birders will greatly appreciate and the more refined color rendition can give an impression of enhanced brightness. However it is defined, it would be hard to conceive of a better view originating from a prismatic refractor telescope. And this is a scope which could accompany any tough hike without weighing you down.
The STM-65 HD also has Swarovski's latest external coatings for repelling moisture, dust and debris. They stay clean longer and clean easily. Furthermore and perhaps most importantly, the ATM/STM series features a fully magnesium housing construction, shaving a few precious drops of weight without giving up an ounce of rigidity. This is the straight version of Swarovski's 65mm scope-they've also got an angled viewing model. Generally speaking, straight scopes are better for viewing from elevated positions and unquestionably make it easier to initially locate your subject.
The STM-65 HD does have a side-mounted peepsight to additionally aid initial locating. Straight scopes require a taller tripod and are not as comfortable to share amongst a group as angled scopes. In the case of this STM-65 HD, it also shaves a bit off of the length and weight of the unit. The STM-65 has a focal length of 460mm. If you're using conventional 1.25" astronomy eyepieces with the optional #44010 Astronomy Eyepiece Adapter, divide 460mm by the focal length of your eyepiece to determine the effective magnification.
