kowa 663/664 vs swaro 65 sts/ats

[Bowfinn]

Im considering getting a new spotting scope and I’m trying to decide between the Swarovski 65 sts/ats or the Kowa 664/663. My plan is to use the 20-60x eye piece. It looks like the current prices on the Kowas are a bit cheaper than the Swarovski. Would I be fine with the cheaper Kowa or should I go with the Swarovski? Any input is appreciated.

 

[WormSportsman]

I’m tagging along as I am looking into the same ones. I’ve noticed a lot of STS/ ATS hitting the classifieds lately though so wondering what people are moving to and why? Wish I could find a Kowa to look through but are much harder to find in person than Swaro. STS sure seems like a sweet spot to land though for an overall spotter.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

It's the Kowa 66A/66S that is the one to go with

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Im considering getting a new spotting scope and I’m trying to decide between the Swarovski 65 sts/ats or the Kowa 664/663. My plan is to use the 20-60x eye piece. It looks like the current prices on the Kowas are a bit cheaper than the Swarovski. Would I be fine with the cheaper Kowa or should I go with the Swarovski? Any input is appreciated.

You’d be more than fine. The Kowa 66a is the finest optic in its class. Side by side, there is an obvious difference when compared to the ATS 65 in both resolution and field of view.

 

[JGRaider]

It's the Kowa 66A/66S that is the one to go with

What's the difference in these and the 663-664?

 

[Tahoe1305]

I had a 66a and sold it in favor of STM65.

I agree that the 66a was awesome. But got such a good deal used in the STM and with it being almost half a pound lighter it was worth it. I could barely tell the difference between the two objectively comparing over many hours.

The comparison is below and the thread talks about my progression going to the STM. The test was with the 25-50 eyepiece. Once I got the 20-60 I decided to stay with it. I prefer the 20-60, for me it resolved more and made it closer to the Kowa. Many others prefer the 25-50.

Both are really good. I prefer the Kowa focus the most.

The Rokslide Members' GIANT Optics Review

In this giant optics review, a group of Rokslide members got together to compare a long list of optics in real field conditions.

www.rokslide.com

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

What's the difference in these and the 663-664?

$1k vs $3k spotter. The 663 was not part of their top tier Prominar line with flourite glass. It also has an inferior eyepiece, less fov etc.

 

[Tahoe1305]

OP. I think most of us are assuming you meant 66a/s compared to ATS65 because that’s a good comparison.

If you meant what you wrote on 663/4 the swaro is the better choice.