Internal Debate: Swarovski ATX 65mm or the Swaro ATC?

[hunterbloxham]

I’m primarily a backpack mule deer hunter! Obviously ounces matter but I’m used to carrying the ATX 85mm and already have that scope, so the 65mm objective is my cheapest option rather than buying a whole new setup. But that ATC looks so sweet!

Not interested in the new AT Balance.

Backpack hunters, help me out! What should I do?

 

[Wheels]

Personally, I’d buy the 65mm objective since you already have the eyepiece.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Yeah hard call, what distances are you typically looking? Across a big drainage or across several ridgelines, I can make out animals, 2+ miles with the ATC, but it shines in showing detail at closer to a mile and under

 

[Half Nocked]

I mean, that is a tough call. I have the ATC and I love that thing. No real experience with the ATX. But I think the ounces matter, and is a side-by-side comparison with the ATS and the ATC. There isn't much of a difference that I can pick out.

 

[Svivian]

I own the ATX with 85 and 65 mm lenses as well as the ATC.

Just get the ATC. Just my .02

 

[npaden]

I have a ATS 65HD and just switched to a STC. Too many times the ATS stayed back at camp. The ATC weighs almost a pound less and is shorter and doesn't take up near as much room in the pack. I think it will join me much more frequently in the future.

 

[Svivian]

Just some numbers for context

An ATX 65 weighs 55.9 ounces
An ATS 80 Weighs 57.2 ounces
An ATX 85 weighs 67.4 ounces
An ATC weighs 34.2 ounces

Youll save 21.7 ounces over the ATX 65 by going with the ATC and 33.2 ounces over your ATX 85. Thats double the weight savings you would get from going ATX 85 to 65.

The ATC has the same exact eyepiece as the ATX, it just doesn't separate. The ATC fits inside an EXO k4 lid with room to add battery packs, headlamps, snacks, etc....

Rarely do you really get to benefit the zoom past 45x.

 

[Steve O]

I had an ATX with a 95 and 65. I found my ATC superior to the 65 side by side. Sold the 65 objective.

 

[Steve O]

No pics with the 65 objective but you can see just the eyepiece is the size of the ATC. It’s a spectacular little piece of glass.

 

[Steve O]

 

[Marty]

I think the 65mm is right in the middle- this could be a good or bad thing from one's perspective.

IMO, given that you already have an ATX 85, I'd push towards the ATC (or STC). The 65mm isn't a big enough weight and size savings compared to the 85mm. If you're going to add another arrow to your optics quiver, I think the ATC is the appropriate jump.

 

[Brado16]

OP great post, I too have an STX 85 and am wondering if I should get the 65mm objective or go the route of the ATC for an Alaska Sheep hunt this fall. I had an ATC a few years ago that I used on a moose hunt in AK, and there were several times I wish I had more Zoom, therefore, I purchased the STX 85 after the hunt but have not used it yet as its much bigger and heavier than I was expecting. I feel that ATC is good out to 1,000 yards, but anything further than that, I wish it had more zoom. I am more so leaning towards the 65 objective vs the ATC for my sheep hunt this fall....

 

[IdahoHntr]

Not enough weight difference between the 65 and 85 for me. Especially for mule deer where I value optical quality. I’d add the ATC if it’s an option. That way you have a true lightweight option to carry when you’d normally not carry a scope and the 85 when you want to reach out.

 

[WRO]

Buy the stc it’s way better imo from an ergonomics standpoint than the ATC and I’ve run both in the field. The stc has the same hinge point as binoculars on a tripod so it’s super easy to get target acquisition with. And the benefits of the atc for angled are not appearent. I run big angled scopes for reference.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[handwerk]

As has been said before, the size and optics of the STC help it to land in my pack every day of the hunt, while my 65 STS is reserved for special occasions.

 

[eamyrick]

Photo below was taken through my ATC at over 2 miles away. Watching the Elk herd I could clearly tell there was a good bull in the group. For the hunting I do it always goes in the lid of my pack. I had ATS 65 and rarely found that the top zoom was functional.