Is downsizing to better glass worth it?

[powds]

I’m thinking about upgrading my spotter glass from a gen 1 vortex razor 65mm to a swaro or Kowa but prices are wild these days so toying with the idea of going to a mini either the Kowa 55 or swaro ATC. I know the glass would be better but wondering if I’d be giving up a lot more in terms of zoom and FOV going smaller or if the upgrade in glass quality itself is worth it. I use it backpacking for the weight savings is nice and am looking to judge mule deer and identify goats, not necessarily looking to age sheep with it anytime soon

 

[nm.otter]

For me, 55mm spotter < 56mm binoculars. A lot.

 

[Macintosh]

I went from a vortex razor hd gen 2 85mm spotter, to an stc. At 17x the stc is WAY clearer than the vortex, but at 45x it might be a wash. For sure though I was not bringing the spotter at all due to the size, so I think this will be a lot more useable just by virtue of having it with me. Theres a thread I started here on exactly this topic that might help you:

M

Thread 'You traded in a big spotter for a compact…your feedback please'

Sep 27, 2025

I just sold my razor hd 27-60x85 spotter, which is my benchmark. I use it at the range to spot bullet holes on paper out to a couple hundred yards, and I only occasionally use it hunting. I just don’t live in an area where spotting scopes are relevant, so it’s only every other year or so on a western hunt that it even gets considered. This one is just too big, too heavy, so I’m not using it even when I travel. I would like to get into a compact, lightweight spotter that maximizes value, i.e. best optics for the money. My goal is to be able to see deer antlers in a general sense out to...

• Macintosh
• Replies: 50
• Forum: Optics

 

[powds]

I went from a vortex razor hd gen 2 85mm spotter, to an stc. At 17x the stc is WAY clearer than the vortex, but at 45x it might be a wash. For sure though I was not bringing the spotter at all due to the size, so I think this will be a lot more useable just by virtue of having it with me. Theres a thread I started here on exactly this topic that might help you:

M

Thread 'You traded in a big spotter for a compact…your feedback please'

Sep 27, 2025

I just sold my razor hd 27-60x85 spotter, which is my benchmark. I use it at the range to spot bullet holes on paper out to a couple hundred yards, and I only occasionally use it hunting. I just don’t live in an area where spotting scopes are relevant, so it’s only every other year or so on a western hunt that it even gets considered. This one is just too big, too heavy, so I’m not using it even when I travel. I would like to get into a compact, lightweight spotter that maximizes value, i.e. best optics for the money. My goal is to be able to see deer antlers in a general sense out to...

• Macintosh
• Replies: 50
• Forum: Optics

oh thanks that's kind of what I'm looking for. I seem to never carry the 65 so was thinking having a smaller scope with me is better than not.