Kowa 553/554 vs Athlon Cronus G2 20-60x86 Dual Focus

IdahoHntr

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If you don’t want to read my ramblings, 3 questions are highlighted.

Lots of research and it seems like these are 2 of the better options around $1000 (Kowa used, Athlon new). I know Kowa’s reputation, but is the old 553/554 optically equal or better than the larger objective and increased magnification of the Athlon Cronus?

The Cronus has a few good reviews but not many from people I put very much trust in, so not sure what to think on it. Anybody have any good time with the Cronus?

Any other viable options around $1000? Optical quality being number 1, other specs not as important.


My Experience and Use Needs:

Looking to upgrade from an Athlon Ares 15-45x65 first generation which I have liked and has served me well, but the upper end of the magnification is not super usable and the low light performance is poor. Not a huge fan of the barrel focus either. Both of these scopes seem like they would be a decent upgrade.

I don’t care about weight really. I’m going to carry a spotting scope when I need a spotting scope and the weight difference doesn’t matter. Optical quality is my only concern.

I don’t glass through a spotting scope. I use it to get a closer look at things I’ve spotted through my binos, assess trophy quality, and getting footage of animals. I have quality binos and now I’m looking to at least do a slight upgrade on the spotting scope.

Thanks for the help. Lots of knowledgeable opinions here that I do trust.
 
I’ve had both and still have the Kowa. These two choices could not be more different! The Cronus punches way above its PRICE CLASS but is HEAVY! If you are looking for a great scope for the truck or the range, I doubt you can beat it for value. The Kowa punches way above its WEIGHT CLASS. It is a ridiculously good choice if you focus on backpacking and use it “some” from the truck or at the range. If you only want one scope, get the Kowa… it will live in your pack and serve you with many more hours in the field than you will likely carry the Athlon.
If weight is truly not an issue than you may appreciate the extra magnification of the Athlon but you will likely not enjoy the barrel focus as it is difficult to refine focus without moving off image. I have kept my Kowa and don’t regret the loss of mag range.
 
Of those two, not much of a competition to my eyes. Definitely go with the Kowa.
While my binos and many scopes are Swarovski, I use a Maven spotter.
 
I’ve had both and still have the Kowa. These two choices could not be more different! The Cronus punches way above its PRICE CLASS but is HEAVY! If you are looking for a great scope for the truck or the range, I doubt you can beat it for value. The Kowa punches way above its WEIGHT CLASS. It is a ridiculously good choice if you focus on backpacking and use it “some” from the truck or at the range. If you only want one scope, get the Kowa… it will live in your pack and serve you with many more hours in the field than you will likely carry the Athlon.
If weight is truly not an issue than you may appreciate the extra magnification of the Athlon but you will likely not enjoy the barrel focus as it is difficult to refine focus without moving off image. I have kept my Kowa and don’t regret the loss of mag range.
Thanks so much for this! It’s nice to hear from someone who has looked through both. I understand they are very different and not a very normal comparison for most people. I’m not an ounce counter and really do want the optic that is going to perform better.

Couple follow up questions. How usable is the upper end of the Cronus magnification? Specifically the 45-60 power?

Does it change your opinion at all that Athlon now has the Cronus G2 with the dual focus like the Kowa? I would only be looking at the dual focus version as I really don’t like the barrel focus on my current Athlon Ares.
 
Thanks so much for this! It’s nice to hear from someone who has looked through both. I understand they are very different and not a very normal comparison for most people. I’m not an ounce counter and really do want the optic that is going to perform better.

Couple follow up questions. How usable is the upper end of the Cronus magnification? Specifically the 45-60 power?

Does it change your opinion at all that Athlon now has the Cronus G2 with the dual focus like the Kowa? I would only be looking at the dual focus version as I really don’t like the barrel focus on my current Athlon Ares.
I did not notice any issue in the upper mag ranges… spotting bullet holes in cardboard at 500yds was a regular duty for my cronus and was very doable. I think that would be even better with dual focus. I am an ounce counter and that was one of the primary reasons for consolidation to the Kowa. The Kowa will be clearer but it is not a stunning amount of difference… the 45-65 definitely shines in target identification and the 86mm objective is a light gathering magnet.
 
I did not notice any issue in the upper mag ranges… spotting bullet holes in cardboard at 500yds was a regular duty for my cronus and was very doable. I think that would be even better with dual focus. I am an ounce counter and that was one of the primary reasons for consolidation to the Kowa. The Kowa will be clearer but it is not a stunning amount of difference… the 45-65 definitely shines in target identification and the 86mm objective is a light gathering magnet.
It is a stunning amount of difference. The Kowa is every bit the glass that swaro is.
 
I’ve had both and still have the Kowa. These two choices could not be more different! The Cronus punches way above its PRICE CLASS but is HEAVY! If you are looking for a great scope for the truck or the range, I doubt you can beat it for value. The Kowa punches way above its WEIGHT CLASS. It is a ridiculously good choice if you focus on backpacking and use it “some” from the truck or at the range. If you only want one scope, get the Kowa… it will live in your pack and serve you with many more hours in the field than you will likely carry the Athlon.
If weight is truly not an issue than you may appreciate the extra magnification of the Athlon but you will likely not enjoy the barrel focus as it is difficult to refine focus without moving off image. I have kept my Kowa and don’t regret the loss of mag range.
I do agree with you, however, I am assuming you owned the older 1 touch focus Cronus vs the newer 2 touch focus Cronus. The new, non-barrel, 2 touch focus makes the Cronus the superior answer for his needs assuming the weight is indeed not an issue. The eyebox on the Cronus is also more generous
 
I do agree with you, however, I am assuming you owned the older 1 touch focus Cronus vs the newer 2 touch focus Cronus. The new, non-barrel, 2 touch focus makes the Cronus the superior answer for his needs assuming the weight is indeed not an issue. The eyebox on the Cronus is also more generous
Yes, I had the older version and felt it was a great scope for the money. I am sure the dual focus is an improvement and would carry it myself if weight was not a factor.
 
Agree with Predatorslayer, Kowa is the better glass no question. Sure you can get more light w/ larger objective around dusk time on Chronus but if all you care about is image quality, go Kowa.
 
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