Kowa 553 vs swaro ats/atx 65

[Mwoody]

Yup it is, just get a 3/8 to 1/4-20 adapter and screw it on

View attachment 89404

How is that set up as far as stability with the spotter on it. I have the bipod and was thinking of getting the tripod adapter. How is the head on that tripod? I already have and extra outdoorsmans planner sitting on the shelf.

 

[MuleyFever]

Sold my 65hd swaro after picking up a 601
Kowa , 20x60x 60mm great lightweight spotter

What do you feel is the max usable magnification on that scope in low light and also before the image degrades in good light?

 

[coues32]

What do you feel is the max usable magnification on that scope in low light and also before the image degrades in good light?

The Swarovski was easier to get into view wise, but close enough to send swaro down the road for weight savings. Clarity is good.
I know what I'm looking for in a frame, or tines , I've used it all the way at 60 but can't comment on comparison between the 2 in low light.
Overlooked scope for sure

 

[tdhanses]

How is that set up as far as stability with the spotter on it. I have the bipod and was thinking of getting the tripod adapter. How is the head on that tripod? I already have and extra outdoorsmans planner sitting on the shelf.

Stability is fine, there is a string so you can add weight if needed, mainly when windy. I’m not sure about how the bipod to tripod setup will work but if the cost is about the same I would just get the tripod. The head is a ball head which I’m not a fan of any ball heads but it works good for what it is, panner really improves it.

 

[MuleyFever]

The Swarovski was easier to get into view wise, but close enough to send swaro down the road for weight savings. Clarity is good.
I know what I'm looking for in a frame, or tines , I've used it all the way at 60 but can't comment on comparison between the 2 in low light.
Overlooked scope for sure

I was thinking the 601 with a wide angle eye piece would be nice.

 

[mcseal2]

It is the 33”, yeah it’s perfect for sitting.

I ordered that same set-up after talking to you. I think it might be just right for the times I don't want to pack my Promaster and Outdoormans pan head. That might be mostly scouting since I rifle hunt and really like their shooting rest on my tripod when I can't go prone. I'm going to see how stable I can get the KDC with the Outdoorsmans rifle rest on that panner too, maybe that will be an option.

 

[mcseal2]

Do you use the 15's and the Kowa together? I've been debating getting a spotter but since I have the 15's already it seems like I'd need a huge one to get any justifiable advantage.

I often do pack both. I seem to find game better with 15's on a tripod than anything else. I sometimes save weight and pack only my 10x42 Leica Geovid HD's with a tripod adapter and the Kowa. Even then I do most of my game locating with the binos.

I definitely pack the 15's more now that I have such a light spotter. I think that makes me more effective at locating game which is the first step to getting it shot. I don't think I'd ever leave the 15's at home on a muley hunt. I don't pack them for elk. Antelope it's a sometimes prospect. Even for whitetail I usually take them.

The Kowa has a smaller field of view and touchier eye relief than the Swaro 65 or 80 spotters I had. If I spent a whole lot of time behind it trying to locate game this might bother me. For what I'm doing it doesn't at all.

The Kowa stays clear all the way to max power and it's really nice for judging an animal I already found. Even in surprisingly low light it works up to 30x. I had it side by side with the Swaro ATS80HD and while it didn't match it the difference was shockingly slight. It was slight enough I sold the ATS80. I do a lot of scouting from a window mount for whitetail and even then the Kowa does what I need it to. When it's to dark for the Kowa I can see as much with the 15's as I can with any of the spotters it seems like.

Back to your initial question, I'd say it depends a lot of what you expect from your optics. If all you care about is a good frame on a deer for example and don't care much about a broken point or cheater. the 15's are great. If you are glassing a long way and do care about the fine detail the spotter is nice to have.

 

[coues32]

I was thinking the 601 with a wide angle eye piece would be nice.

I just have the 20x60 variable , I only use a spotter to see details closer. Glass with 12 els

 

[trslabaugh]

Coming from a Razor 11-33x50, I am currently trying to make this decision. I've read this thread like 3 times!

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Big spotting scope sale this week so it's a great time to give a call, 516-217-1000