Compact spotter - 553 or 65 ATS

[Echo]

looking for some advice from folks who’ve used one, or both of the Kowa 553 and Swarovski 65 ATS - primarily as a scope you pack for your hunts.

For some context, this would be my one and only spotting scope. I typically backpack hunt out west for deer and elk, so I want something that’s comfortable to carry and compact. Which has me leaning towards the Kowa - also it’s $1099 on B&H right now.

I’ve read a lot about these scopes in the forums and the consensus is that each offer amazing glass and great clarity. However, I’ve read quite a bit about the Kowa having a narrow FOV. I typically glass/scan with binos first and would use the spotting scope to get a closer look, which makes me think the FOV issue could be diminished. But I also want to buy once cry once.

Equally, I’ve read about the great glass quality and better FOV on the ats - but the heavier weight is something to consider vs the Kowa. Not to mention the higher cost (expecting $1900 to $2000 in the classifieds).

I guess the real questions are, how much of a factor is the FOV when using the Kowa?

And

Who has packed the ATS 65 on their hunts and how has it been?

Thanks all.

 

[Tahoe1305]

I’ve used both. Don’t think they are in the same league. If all you want is a scope to look real quick to count points or something, the Kowa will be able to pick out details a good ways out. But as you mentioned the view is a bit tough….but 100% useable for that.

If you want to scan, digiscope, and potentially have more zoom (be able to break out more further) plus have a better viewing experience, I’d go ATS. Yes they cost more but frankly hold value well so you can get $$ out of them (same with Kowa).

So the real cost is 1lb and about 30% larger pack size. To me it is well worth it. I normally hunt in pairs and I like one in the party to have a mini spotter but must have at least one with a full size.

Keep an eye out for the older magnesium ATM models too. They shave about 6oz off making it even closer.

 

[Echo]

I’ve used both. Don’t think they are in the same league. If all you want is a scope to look real quick to count points or something, the Kowa will be able to pick out details a good ways out. But as you mentioned the view is a bit tough….but 100% useable for that.

If you want to scan, digiscope, and potentially have more zoom (be able to break out more further) plus have a better viewing experience, I’d go ATS. Yes they cost more but frankly hold value well so you can get $$ out of them (same with Kowa).

So the real cost is 1lb and about 30% larger pack size. To me it is well worth it. I normally hunt in pairs and I like one in the party to have a mini spotter but must have at least one with a full size.

Keep an eye out for the older magnesium ATM models too. They shave about 6oz off making it even closer.

Thanks for the feedback, this is very helpful!

 

[Tahoe1305]

Thanks for the feedback, this is very helpful!

Crowd Sourced Optics Comparison (CO area) ***Updated 3/9/24***

So I guess I’m bored. But 5 years ago or so I invested a good chunk of $ to purchase (then resell) a dozen or so $1000 binos and then eventually a few of the same in spotters and wrote some bro level, objective as possible, comparisons. I know we see a lot of these online by folks who have way...

rokslide.com

I meant to post this. But we looked at both here and you can see some more objective data. That said, the 553 we had seemed off. I’ve messed with 3 of them and this one seemed more “tunnel vision” than the others.

 

[antlerz]

If you are going for the older Kowa - the 554 is easier to get onto the animal with the smaller FOV. Optics are stella. ATS is great if you can take the extra oz's

 

[Scoutfan]

Not what you asked,but you mentioned buy once cry once. A lot more cash but you may want to check out the swaroski atc and the kowa 555

 

[Tahoe1305]

Not what you asked,but you mentioned buy once cry once. A lot more cash but you may want to check out the swaroski atc and the kowa 555

Concur that the newer mini spotters are an improvement.

I will say I believe they still suffer for max zoom. But viewing experience is much improved. About same cost as ATS.

 

[antlerz]

I figure smallers spotters are for ID,ing (in your pack when a big one gets left behind) and bigger spotters are for everything else, increasing resolution at max magnification and even a long distance scan. I like that the old kowa goest to 45x and is sharp at that mag.

 

[Echo]

Crowd Sourced Optics Comparison (CO area) ***Updated 3/9/24***

So I guess I’m bored. But 5 years ago or so I invested a good chunk of $ to purchase (then resell) a dozen or so $1000 binos and then eventually a few of the same in spotters and wrote some bro level, objective as possible, comparisons. I know we see a lot of these online by folks who have way...

rokslide.com

I meant to post this. But we looked at both here and you can see some more objective data. That said, the 553 we had seemed off. I’ve messed with 3 of them and this one seemed more “tunnel vision” than the others.

This is great, thanks for putting it all together - and for sharing the outcomes. I had my eyes on the mini razor as well as the 553. But I have to say the ATC definitely has my attention now.

 

[Tahoe1305]

I run and STM (mag model) and a mini razor (shorter distances and friends use it). No regrets. The ATC would be “close” to best compromise to only own one. It was sweet.

 

[Echo]

I run and STM (mag model) and a mini razor (shorter distances and friends use it). No regrets. The ATC would be “close” to best compromise to only own one. It was sweet.

when you say mini razor, do you mean the newer 56mm? And, did you get a chance to compare it to the 553/554?

 

[Echo]

I should add that I almost always hunt with my brother and he runs an S2 82mm, so I figured if I get a compact we will have our bases covered.

 

[Tahoe1305]

when you say mini razor, do you mean the newer 56mm? And, did you get a chance to compare it to the 553/554?

The new 13-39. I did compare to 553. I personally preferred it because the fov and eye relief were better. The center resolution maybe not quite as good, but overall I liked it better. I will say many disagree, but if you look at the charts in that post you can see I compared them as objectively as you could. Again I wasn’t impressed with the sample of 553 we tested.

I preferred the ATC over both.

 

[Echo]

The new 13-39. I did compare to 553. I personally preferred it because the fov and eye relief were better. The center resolution maybe not quite as good, but overall I liked it better. I will say many disagree, but if you look at the charts in that post you can see I compared them as objectively as you could. Again I wasn’t impressed with the sample of 553 we tested.

I preferred the ATC over both.

Very helpful. Thanks again for all of the feedback - much appreciated!

 

[Doc Holliday]

I went from a STS HD 65 to a 554. At home during ideal conditions the 554 seemed sufficient, but once I went on a hunt and dealt with shadows, smoke, low light, etc. it became obvious I had taken a considerable step back. Sold it as soon as I got home.

If you are prioritizing light weight, I would go with the ATC or the new Kowa 55A, which is superior to the 553. If you are prioritizing your experience, I would definitely get the ATS.

 

[Echo]

I went from a STS HD 65 to a 554. At home during ideal conditions the 554 seemed sufficient, but once I went on a hunt and dealt with shadows, smoke, low light, etc. it became obvious I had taken a considerable step back. Sold it as soon as I got home.

If you are prioritizing light weight, I would go with the ATC or the new Kowa 55A, which is superior to the 553. If you are prioritizing your experience, I would definitely get the ATS.

This is great first hand experience, thank you for sharing. Curious - what are you using for a spotter since selling the 554?

 

[Doc Holliday]

This is great first hand experience, thank you for sharing. Curious - what are you using for a spotter since selling the 554?

I’m actually spotter-less at the moment but am trying to decide between a ATS 65 or 80. Def getting the 25-50x eyepiece though

 

[Echo]

I’m actually spotter-less at the moment but am trying to decide between a ATS 65 or 80. Def getting the 25-50x eyepiece though

Have you compared the 25-50x against the 20-60x? I haven’t looked through either but I’ve been curious to know the pros/cons of each.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Have you compared the 25-50x against the 20-60x? I haven’t looked through either but I’ve been curious to know the pros/cons of each.

Haven’t done any comparison side by side but I’ve looked through both. You can’t go wrong but there is a reason the 25-50 is more expensive, and why you see 20-60s lingering on the classifieds from where folks are switching to the 25-50

 

[Echo]

Haven’t done any comparison side by side but I’ve looked through both. You can’t go wrong but there is a reason the 25-50 is more expensive, and why you see 20-60s lingering on the classifieds from where folks are switching to the 25-50

Makes sense, the more I’ve looked into all of these spotters the more I’ve realized I want a good all around spotter. One I can use for verification but also for scanning. I can see how the wide angle eyepiece would help a lot with the latter.