Best Spotting Scope??

[smokingfire]

Taking the price factor out of it, what is the best spotting scope and why? Size 60-90.

 

[Maddog58]

Swarovski is the best, Vortex isn’t even close

 

[Nicaburns]

Taking the price factor out of it, what is the best spotting scope and why? Size 60-90.

Money no object?? Swarovski

 

[Maddog58]

I have both a Swarovski and Vortex. Side by side there is no comparison on the clarity. And when you get above 40x it’s way more apparent. I gave the Vortex away to my son

 

[Jake Larsen]

Swaros are awesome. I actually had a swaro, and replaced it with a Kowa. Side by side, in the size I wanted, the Kowa was better. Depends very much on your needs/size you’re after


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[Maddog58]

Swaros are awesome. I actually had a swaro, and replaced it with a Kowa. Side by side, in the size I wanted, the Kowa was better. Depends very much on your needs/size you’re after


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I will agree that Kowa is a nice scope too

 

[neil.hansford]

Id be looking at the Kowa TSN 88 for the size range you listed.

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[Jake Larsen]

I will agree that Kowa is a nice scope too

The TSN line is amazing. Magnesium bodies now as well, so saves significant weight compared to others. I’ve had the 66 and 88 side by side with comparable Swaro ATX line, and I’d chose Kowa over either. The finish on the outside of the Swaro is the only thing that’s superior IMO.

I run a Kowa 66. Stupid lightweight for its size, and the best glass I’ve looked through in that size of scope. It’s good enough I couldn’t justify the weight of going up to a 77 or 88


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[dtrkyman]

I looked through Kowa and Swaro side by side, my eyes did not see the difference. I bought a Kowa.

 

[Article 4]

I run a Zeiss Victory Harpia 85mm that I really like. IME if you go with Zeiss, Swaro, or Leica - you will never regret it. Buy once, cry once.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

The eye is the judge between the Swarovski Spotters and the Kowa Spotting Scopes, there are none others in this class, and these 2 brands make the absolute best. You cannot go wrong with either brand. It's our pleasure to discuss the differences and available opportunities with you. Please feel free to give a call, 516-217-1000
Thanks
Doug

 

[smokingfire]

Swaros are awesome. I actually had a swaro, and replaced it with a Kowa. Side by side, in the size I wanted, the Kowa was better. Depends very much on your needs/size you’re after


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Your comment has peaked my interest! Where does the Kowa beat the Swarovski in your opinion? Which Swarovski did you have and which Kowa did you get?

 

[Jake Larsen]

Your comment has peaked my interest! Where does the Kowa beat the Swarovski in your opinion? Which Swarovski did you have and which Kowa did you get?

Got the Kowa 66. Had the 65 ATX. Slightly better low light transmission, equal or mayyybe slightly better edge to edge clarity on the glass, lighter weight. Both have very true color


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[Brian Fahs]

Kowa 88

 

[mlevimadden]

Yep given the size range you listed, Kowa 88 is the best. It will beat the ATX 85 in weight, cost, and performance.

 

[smokingfire]

Very helpful information thank you! I’m going to need to look into Kowa more. The thing I like about the Swarovski lineup is you can switch out for different sizes. But, weight is definitely a factor for an apples to apples scope and it seems like Kowa has that.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Very helpful information thank you! I’m going to need to look into Kowa more. The thing I like about the Swarovski lineup is you can switch out for different sizes. But, weight is definitely a factor for an apples to apples scope and it seems like Kowa has that.

The Kowa TSN-55, 66, 88 and 99 all use the same TE-11WZ eyepiece

 

[smokingfire]

The Kowa TSN-55, 66, 88 and 99 all use the same TE-11WZ eyepiece

So they can be swapped out like Swarovski?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

So they can be swapped out like Swarovski?

Yup, 1 eyepiece works with the 4 tube sizes

 

[Tahoe1305]

Compared Kowa and Swaro 65s. Agree they are very close. I think the focus mechanism preference is the biggest difference folks should consider.