Same here--cannot tell HD difference until using to take photos through. A family member has been a Swarovski dealer for decades and when I was shopping, went non-HD since I wanted it for a hunting scope. Same reason I went with the 65mm over the 80mm. Did all I needed and lighter and more packable.
Originally think the bodies for the STS 65 were higher, but when the magnesium bodies and HD glass came out Swarovski had special pricing and many of the online dealers had the bodies for $1000-$1200, then the cost of the eye-piece.
Have seen several ATS and STS 65's with 20-60 eyepiece in the $1200-$1400 range. If in good shape, $1,200 is a steal for that scope. I have one if the fitted Swarovski cases on our scopes--silly exoensive at first blush, but bomb proof and great protection in the field.
