ATX Regrets? Considering upgrade

[grappling_hook]

I'm glad you posted this as I'm completely torn on a 1 spotter option (Kowa 77 vs. ATX 65/85) for Alaska. I've also looked through the ATS 65 and while impressive, it would be nice to either have a slightly bigger objective (77mm) and WA eyepiece or the ability to swap from the 65 to 85 based on the type of hunt...torn I tell you.

Any idea what the true weights (w/scope caps) of the ATX 65 and Kowa 77 are?

My ATX 65mm without caps is 56.4oz.

With the caps on it's 57.8oz.

 

[AKborn87]

My ATX 65mm without caps is 56.4oz.

With the caps on it's 57.8oz.

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Thanks for posting this. Any regrets with this scope as a do-everything spotter in AK?

 

[grappling_hook]

Thanks for posting this. Any regrets with this scope as a do-everything spotter in AK?

So far I've mostly just been watching and photographing birds, and taking celestial photos. But no regrets so far! I've done a couple of backpacking trips with it in the last three weeks while trout fishing and poking around for grouse, and I think it will work great once it's time to scout for mountain goats and alpine deer hunt.

 

[tdot]

For the guys asking about balance. I tried a 140mm plate, 100mm plate and a 70mm plate. I found the 100mm plate was probably the best all round size. I had enough for/aft movement to balance anything up to the BTX/65, which is probably the most out of balance combination in the system.

 

[Brix06]

For the guys asking about balance. I tried a 140mm plate, 100mm plate and a 70mm plate. I found the 100mm plate was probably the best all round size. I had enough for/aft movement to balance anything up to the BTX/65, which is probably the most out of balance combination in the system.

Thanks tdot, Yeah it looks like the whole system is a bit back heavy with the exception of the 95mm objective. Sounds like you can get it balanced pretty easily with the right plate/tripod head.

 

[tdot]

Thanks tdot, Yeah it looks like the whole system is a bit back heavy with the exception of the 95mm objective. Sounds like you can get it balanced pretty easily with the right plate/tripod head.

My lightest head is the Really Right Stuff BPC16, it's something like 5 ounces, $150 and with the balance plates it balances every Combination I have. So it definitely doesnt take a huge head.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

When counting grams/oz like for sheep, granted it might seem silly when I carry the 95mm, but still worth noting, that the ATX objectives all have Arca-Swiss compatible feet on the scope itself, so can run it directly to the tripod head if also Arca-Swiss. When I went away from my old manfrotto, still have it for back up, to a Gitzo, I haven't messed with plates even once for the scope. Have for cameras, but that cute little swaro foot fits right into the head.

 

[nrh6.7]

My ATX 65mm without caps is 56.4oz.

With the caps on it's 57.8oz.

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As someone currently on the keto diet...I'd appreciate you not posting pics of blueberry muffins anymore!

Nice spotter btw

 

[Brix06]

As someone currently on the keto diet...I'd appreciate you not posting pics of blueberry muffins anymore!

Nice spotter btw

I was gonna say, the ATX 65 looks good but those Muffins look fantastic

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Cant believe the chocolate muffins to the right get no attention. As someone whose been without added sugars since 2016--killing me with both.

 

[Brix06]

Anybody on this thread actually using the STX Eyepiece, if so how is it? Seems like the vast majority of "X Series owners" run the ATX Eyepiece and or BTX. I have been considering going to a straight eyepiece simply for ease of switching between binos and spotter with almost no tripod adjustment...

 

[RS3579]

Pm sent

 

[Hunterturbo]

I used to have the ATX 95. I sold it!!! It was hard to get a fine focus at distance with no lower gear ratio. It drove me crazy! Then the field of view was poor vs. the competition. I since bought the Zeiss Harpia 95 and cant believe the difference. Field of view is unbelievable. Fine focus is like butter. Then the higher power light capabilities are amazing. I have tried the BTX as well which was comfortable using both eyes. Having zero ability to zoom in or out doesn't make me want it either. Go take a look at them side by side and you will see right away what I am talking about.