Hey, I tested on official server and you are correct that the town is in fog, I was not aware that the community server had increased view distance.
And I definitely am crouched in the first video, not standing - I tested that again as well and the sway when standing was much more extreme than what is shown in video #1.

In T164664#2304859, @raxto wrote:

@Jaakael videos are from 1.17 vanilla server, or it's CommunityOfflineMode ? Are you modify fog some way ?

In T164369#2304857, @Wrigster wrote:

can I at least get a response on this? Major issue for me and it's ignored

In T164664#2304745, @ParanoiaLP wrote:

I think what the devs try to implement is an advantage among the possible players possitions, standing, crouch or laying on the ground. The sway of the scope is reduced if your body is closer to the ground.

In T164664#2304650, @ParanoiaLP wrote:

Pro tip, if you do not want the swing, use binoculars or range finders to scope the area. Or you even can use the scope in your hand.

Agree 100%, was surprised to see this wasn't an option. I often do this on accident when clearing buildings as you quickly raise your weapon when checking a corner, and then immediately lower it when you see no one is there, which happens so fast that you unintentionally right click and get stuck in ADS, would go a long way to reduce the clunkiness of the game.