Spotters: One, Two, or ATX?

[mjspeers]

I’m just starting to shop around. I live in the Midwest and mostly deer/waterfowl hunt. I’m going to be getting into hunting out west which may or may not include backpack hunts. I’ve been building points.

My primary use for a spotter around here is from my truck whether it be for deer or waterfowl. Throwing it up on a window mount. I only have an older Razor which I need to upgrade.

I have in my head I should get a Kowa 554 that just always stays in my truck and I can throw up in the window if I need. I have a storage bin under my rear seat. Then get something like a 77 for if I ever need it for out west. 77 can be had for around 1900 with them being phased out. So May need to hop on it. Or something like an ATS65 that can do it all. Or an ATX with 65 to start with the option to add in the future. I obviously don’t know what I don’t know.

I’ve grown to learn the buy once route is cheaper in the long run. Any opinions? I can typically find these scopes for a couple hundred off depending on deals or companies offering prior military discount. ATX is obviously most expensive and typically heaviest.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

We’d be glad to discuss this with you if you’d like to give us a call 516-217-1000. Our extended July 4th sale runs through tomorrow night so now is a great time.

 

[rm90]

I’m just starting to shop around. I live in the Midwest and mostly deer/waterfowl hunt. I’m going to be getting into hunting out west which may or may not include backpack hunts. I’ve been building points.

My primary use for a spotter around here is from my truck whether it be for deer or waterfowl. Throwing it up on a window mount. I only have an older Razor which I need to upgrade.

I have in my head I should get a Kowa 554 that just always stays in my truck and I can throw up in the window if I need. I have a storage bin under my rear seat. Then get something like a 77 for if I ever need it for out west. 77 can be had for around 1900 with them being phased out. So May need to hop on it. Or something like an ATS65 that can do it all. Or an ATX with 65 to start with the option to add in the future. I obviously don’t know what I don’t know.

I’ve grown to learn the buy once route is cheaper in the long run. Any opinions? I can typically find these scopes for a couple hundred off depending on deals or companies offering prior military discount. ATX is obviously most expensive and typically heaviest.

I have a Kowa 554 I am looking to move LMK if intrested in Pristine Condition.

 

[cmahoney]

65’s suck for low light. I have an STX and a 65 objective. It’s awesome until it’s dark. I see better with my 15’s.

The 115 is outstanding for everything except for packing and throwing on a light tripod.


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[ZackP]

That 773 is a do it all spotter. There is hardly a difference in weight or footprint between it and the ATS. I much prefer the 773 over the ATS HD (even with a 25-50 eyepiece).

The thing is, you’re splitting hairs and chasing some of the best spotters in a big circle. You’ll be extremely happy with either choice and they won’t disappoint. You really just need to justify your uses and if the cost adds up to the time spent behind it.

I myself prefer the dual focus and not the collar. I also don’t believe I’ll ever want more than 1, but I don’t hunt enough to justify 2 spotters worth more than my pick up.

I’ll be chasing down a new 66 in the coming months (hopefully bonus hits by September) as a one and done, never again purchase.

 

[GetWestern]

Seems like you're best bet would be to get the 554 just to keep around and get the 77 for future hunts out west like you said. Kowa makes great glass and I don't think you would regret getting any spotter from them, as long as you wont always be wondering about Swarovski in the back of your head. If you think you may want to have Swarovski I would go with the ATX line up and have the 65mm and the 85mm for hunts out west. I upgraded from a razor 85mm to a ATX 95mm and plan on getting the 65mm for weight conscious hunts, they are worth every penny spent.

 

[cmahoney]

I’m just starting to shop around. I live in the Midwest and mostly deer/waterfowl hunt. I’m going to be getting into hunting out west which may or may not include backpack hunts. I’ve been building points.

My primary use for a spotter around here is from my truck whether it be for deer or waterfowl. Throwing it up on a window mount. I only have an older Razor which I need to upgrade.

I have in my head I should get a Kowa 554 that just always stays in my truck and I can throw up in the window if I need. I have a storage bin under my rear seat. Then get something like a 77 for if I ever need it for out west. 77 can be had for around 1900 with them being phased out. So May need to hop on it. Or something like an ATS65 that can do it all. Or an ATX with 65 to start with the option to add in the future. I obviously don’t know what I don’t know.

I’ve grown to learn the buy once route is cheaper in the long run. Any opinions? I can typically find these scopes for a couple hundred off depending on deals or companies offering prior military discount. ATX is obviously most expensive and typically heaviest.

What binos do you have?


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[mjspeers]

NL Pures, 12x

 

[cmahoney]

NL Pures, 12x

That’s great! Rarely do I find animals with my spotter, I use my 15’s all the time and can sit behind them all day.


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[AkMtnRunner]

First and foremost, the full size spotter should be the priority and the smaller option is really just a luxury niche item. If you're willing to just work a little harder brining in your full size spotter system, you'll be glad you did every time you look through it. I only bring my Kowa 55 when I am pinched for time and I need to go fast and solo. It's just to get a better look at something I've already found. But I could get by without it. I bet a pair of good 12x binos on a tripod is very nearly about as useful in that regard while being an awesome glassing tool to boot.

 

[Steve O]

First and foremost, the full size spotter should be the priority and the smaller option is really just a luxury niche item. If you're willing to just work a little harder brining in your full size spotter system, you'll be glad you did every time you look through it. I only bring my Kowa 55 when I am pinched for time and I need to go fast and solo. It's just to get a better look at something I've already found. But I could get by without it. I bet a pair of good 12x binos on a tripod is very nearly about as useful in that regard while being an awesome glassing tool to boot.

Very good advice.

Full size is better 99% of the time. I’d lean to the 77mm plus for what you describe.

I’ve got a pretty solid stable of optics and I found the 65mm objective for my ATX lacking enough that I sold it and put that towards an ATC, as my 95mm objective is far superior for almost all other uses than the backpack hunt.

 

[mjspeers]

First and foremost, the full size spotter should be the priority and the smaller option is really just a luxury niche item. If you're willing to just work a little harder brining in your full size spotter system, you'll be glad you did every time you look through it. I only bring my Kowa 55 when I am pinched for time and I need to go fast and solo. It's just to get a better look at something I've already found. But I could get by without it. I bet a pair of good 12x binos on a tripod is very nearly about as useful in that regard while being an awesome glassing tool to boot.

My concern is that almost everything I do here in the Midwest would be the latter. As in I’m not sitting and glassing, just throwing up a spotter in my truck window to get a better look. I don’t have a western hunt on the books this fall, but likely next fall. So I’m not sitting and glassing for periods of time yet. Would I be best served by a 554 first or jump straight into a full size?

I have not used an angled eyepiece yet. I’ve gathered that is the way to go for a full size spotter, but I’m concerned about use on a window mount?

 

[venado mula]

I believe your Razor is fine for western hunting. A spotter should be used to further examine (animal or terrain) that your binos can't reach or are less defined. I run an angled 16-48x65 it weighs 3 lbs and it's packable. I use it mostly hand held or I swap the binos on the tripod with the spotter if I need to see farther. Most guys run glass that is overkill and unneeded (like their scope choices). Keep the Razor and have a good pair of binos (8x, 10x or 12x is all that is needed) and you will be good for 90% of any western hunt. Hope this helps.

 

[cmahoney]

I’ve had both, straight is better for the window but the main reason I have a STX now is switching back and forth from binos to spotter on my tripod.

Angled is more comfortable and stabler in the wind if you are spending a ton of time on the spotter.


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[dreamingWest]

I have an ATX with 65mm and really like it. I've always planned to buy a 95 objective.

But just to further confuse you, I used another hunter's 15x56 SLCs on a Yukon moose hunt last year. After that experience, I can't imagine needing a spotter for anything short of counting rings on a ram.

 

[mjspeers]

Oh I know, I've read that too. Need to just buy everything. But my original thought was the 12x Pures are great and can be used on the tripod. So I can keep them in my chest and do everything from handheld to tripod. Then just have a spotter.

The more I think on it and look around, the more I'm gravitating to an STS65. Not huge, not heavy, probably best to leave in a truck to throw in a window to get a good look at a buck or identify waterfowl way off. Adequate to digiscope from. The other reality is that when I start going west, I'll be after decent animals and not trophy hunting such that a huge spotter is necessary. My 10 year plan includes a sheep hunt, but I'm sure a guide would have the glass necessary for that.

 

[cmahoney]

I agree with the other guys that getting something close to 80mm is the way to go. There are a lot of animals I wouldn’t have gotten a look at if I was using my 65mm.


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[mjspeers]

Kowa 774 is few hundred cheaper than ATS/STS. 9ish ounces heavier. Roughly the same size. Anyone think I could go wrong with the 774 while it can still be had?

 

[dreamingWest]

Oh I know, I've read that too. Need to just buy everything. But my original thought was the 12x Pures are great and can be used on the tripod. So I can keep them in my chest and do everything from handheld to tripod. Then just have a spotter.

The more I think on it and look around, the more I'm gravitating to an STS65. Not huge, not heavy, probably best to leave in a truck to throw in a window to get a good look at a buck or identify waterfowl way off. Adequate to digiscope from. The other reality is that when I start going west, I'll be after decent animals and not trophy hunting such that a huge spotter is necessary. My 10 year plan includes a sheep hunt, but I'm sure a guide would have the glass necessary for that.

Oh okay, I just read you have 12X NLs. In that case I'll recommend getting the 85 mm ATX. Might as well stay with the best.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Grab the 77x before they're gone and then the 55x at a later date (can often find under $1400).

One issue with only have a larger spotting scope: they tend to be left behind due to size/weight which is one area (plus the view) that the 55x shines.

Full Disclosure - I have the Kowa 554 and STX 65/95 and grab what makes the most sense for all my hunts.