Kowa 66a or Leica APO 65

[Grassymike]

Anyone have experience with both of these scopes ? I am considering buying my last spotter and have narrowed it down to these two. Mainly because I personally love the two step focus . I find higher magnification useless without the ability to focus fast and precisely. I know the Kowa recieves plenty of high marks but can find little info on the Leica. Mostly what impresses me is the build/rubber armour. Price wise they are very close (both are expensive). Looking for relevant experience with these two spotters, thanks in advance.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Kowa is the predominant name in spotting scopes in the market today. Leica has not supported their spotting scope line for over a decade. I think if this is gonna be your last spotting scope, it would be in your best interest to stick with Kowa. The quality is there and the service is there and Kowa is the spotting scope to get. It would be my pleasure to discuss this with you if you’d like to give us a call tomorrow at 516-217-1000 will be in all day.

 

[eaglemountainman]

I have no experience with Leica spotters. I have 3 Kowas. A TSN-554, TSN-66s and a TSN-884. All are spectacular and none are going anywhere. But, if I could have only one, the 66s is the sweet spot.
Call Doug (CameraLand) and he'll hook you up.

 

[bakyrd831]

The mindfull hunter did a review on both on YouTube and he had both almost ranked the same. Me personally I have owned a ATS and ATX 65 and I prefer the Leica to both of the swaros for my eyes

 

[Grassymike]

Looks like it will be a year or so until more feedback on the new Leicas gets out. I almost bought a pair of leica binos back in the day but ended up with Swarovski EL 's instead. I realy want to get "hands on" experience with any new spotter before I plunk down any money. I will check out this review, thanks for the heads up.

 

[Brian Fahs]

Kowa is my spotter of choice.

Swaro nl and el for binos.

 

[tipsntails7]

You should try and look through them. They both are top of the heap to be honest.

I prefer Leica glass, and have it top to bottom, bino’s, 82mm spotter, rangefinder etc.

I find it easier to spot game with Leica glass. Unsure if it’s their coatings or what but I feel game stand out or “pops” better to my eye.

Kowa I think is the most true to life color of any spotter, and their eye piece is very very good.

Theres zero info about the new Leica’s, but their previous APO was arguably the best of the bunch until Kowa’s 66.

Leicas also overhauled their CS and warranty’s, recently.

You can’t really go wrong, if you can’t look through them pick one and enjoy.