Swarovski CTC 30x75 single draw spotting scope

[webley701]

The current Swarovski single draw spotting scope is the CTC 30x75. The model prior to that (produced in the 1980’s to whatever date) was also a single draw 30x75 but differed in appearance by having a black & silver banded section to the eyepiece focus ring - I don’t know what other changes there’s been between the two models.

Does anyone have experience with either the current CTC or the previous model? Naturally I’d be especially interested in comments from anyone with experience of both models.

I’m considering buying a new one but I’m also wondering if I’d be giving up anything in either optical quality or inherent durability by looking for an example of the older model.

 

[Greenmist]

I have a current one, as expected, exceptionally clear optics and image quality, as its 30x you really need a steady rest to get the best from it

 

[Freeforester]

The current Swarovski single draw spotting scope is the CTC 30x75. The model prior to that (produced in the 1980’s to whatever date) was also a single draw 30x75 but differed in appearance by having a black & silver banded section to the eyepiece focus ring - I don’t know what other changes there’s been between the two models.

Does anyone have experience with either the current CTC or the previous model? Naturally I’d be especially interested in comments from anyone with experience of both models.

I’m considering buying a new one but I’m also wondering if I’d be giving up anything in either optical quality or inherent durability by looking for an example of the older model.

Have available an mint/as new CTS 75, the one with removable/interchangeable eyepiece, on the one I have it’s 30xww fixed, pm if interested for pics, etc, still waxy new rubber coating, perfect lenses, always been covered as shown, and cased - I’ve also another one which I use regularly, this one was bought as a backup when I was doing more, but the carry case has seen use with my other glass.

 

[webley701]

Thanks to all for the useful advice.

 

[User00040]

Glass good but that's about it. Heavy and need to send back if dust/moisture ingress. Got rid of mine

 

[webley701]

Glass good but that's about it. Heavy and need to send back if dust/moisture ingress. Got rid of mine

Both are fair points & worthy of consideration - in reality my particular use will be more sedentary than typical hill duty (I’ve got the Ross for that).

 

[Mick9abf]

I’ll be honest having had both, the Ziess field spotter variable telescope (no draw) is superior optically and also is a sealed unit so no worries of condensation unless your heart is set on a draw scope.

 

[Heym SR20]

They are optically very good. But

They are too short to be easily supported like a traditional Ross or Greys stalking scope. These are long enough that even on high magnification you lie on your back using a knee as a tripod. Means much less to carry.

With Greys and Ross you can easily disassembled and dry them out. Swarovski you cannot.

A small proper spotting scope on a short lightweight tripod would be the other way to go. And a decent 60mm objective size will be more than bright enough to allow extended glassing.

 

[404Shooter]

I really liked mine and enjoyed the detail it offered, but mainly while bird or wildlife spotting. I carried it in a Maxpedition case and mounted a Spartan g-clamp on the quad sticks which was really effective (I could shoot off the sticks with the spotting scope in place).

Sadly, neither the wife nor the dog shared my patience so I sold it to fund another scope. If I was looking again I would consider the newer Swaro STC which is more like the Zeiss Field Spotter.