55s vs STS

[tracker12]

Im looking at moving to a straight spotter. I currently have a mint ATS 65 that I have been very happy with. That being said I mostly use it on the range and find a straight spotter more user friendly for me. Trying to decide if I just change to a STS or look at the new Kowa 55s. Thoughts?

 

[WeiserBucks]

For range use simply grab whatever you can find at the best price. Backpacking and field use is a whole different discussion.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

The TSN-55S is extremely impressive. They've corrected the eyebox issue of the TSN-554 by using their TE11WZII Eyepiece in the newer unit. You're timing is great right now as they are on sale for $300.00 off.

 

[ljalberta]

I’ve had the Swaro ATS 65 up against the ATC and the new Kowa 55. Unless I was getting it specifically for the range or the truck, I’m taking the ATC/STC over the others. For me, it was the eye box that set the ATC ever so slightly above the Kowa and the ATS. If the range is your primary use though and you don’t pack it around at all, then I’d still go with the STS. I think on certain days with more limited light, the additional light gathering could provide a slight improvement.

Might be worth noting that I own the Kowa 66, and I really wanted to like the small Kowa over the small Swaro, but that just wasn’t the case for me personally.

As a final note, my side by side comparison experience had the 25-50WA eyepiece on the ATS.

 

[NDHUNTER24]

@ljalberta whats better with the ATS over the kowa 66?

 

[tracker12]

Well this spotter will not just be used for the range. I will hunt with on several trips a year.

 

[Tahoe1305]

I’ve compared and went with the full size. Can’t trump zoom….i prefer the 60x on the swaro. It can see more at distance.

The mini spotters are sweet, but if you are looking at longer distances I don’t want to wish I had more zoom.

 

[ljalberta]

@ljalberta whats better with the ATS over the kowa 66?

For me, only the eye piece comfort. I liked the Kowa 66 over the ATS overall and kept the Kowa 66. For the smaller spotters, I prefer the ATC overall the smaller Kowa.