Spotting scope advice

[BenHankins]

There’s a reason you haven’t read a bad review on swaros. Buy once, cry once. I was slow to learn this lesson on glass. I’d rather skimp on anything else than glass.

What binos are you using? If you’re less worried about score and more on frame then I say put your money in great (Swaro) binos with a tripod first

I’m not familiar with Kowa but for that price I’d buy a used Swaro or at least a Leica

Super disappointed in the Razor compared to what their 10x binos can be. If you go Vortex I suggest the best deal on a used one you can find. I want to like Vortex but it seems they are the Taurus of the glass world. The idea is great but in the end you’ll be using the warranty and wishing you’d paid for the Smith and Wesson In the first place

I’m not familiar with that model of Zeiss but anything Conquest above smokes Vortex Razor.

Man I feel you. I have a pair of vortex razor Binos 10x50s I put on my Siru tripod, they work good. I’m constantly having to use the focus wheel it seems like. Other than that I like them just fine. I’ve found some sts swaros in the $1700 range but they all have the 20-60 zoom. I would prefer an ATS and the 25-50.


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[blkqi]

I'd go with a used Vortex for a trip or two and figure out what your preferences are in terms of weight, size, quality, adjustability. You won't lose any value on it and the warranty is top notch.

If you can find one a Minox MD 50 would be a great start too, since you will be backpacking with it.

The 80 class scopes are a great size for elk and mule deer, but it's a big rig to be hauling around the backcountry.

Don't forget to budget for tripod gear.

 

[BenHankins]

I'd go with a used Vortex for a trip or two and figure out what your preferences are in terms of weight, size, quality, adjustability. You won't lose any value on it and the warranty is top notch.

If you can find one a Minox MD 50 would be a great start too, since you will be backpacking with it.

The 80 class scopes are a great size for elk and mule deer, but it's a big rig to be hauling around the backcountry.

Don't forget to budget for tripod gear.

I’ve got a good sirui tripod with the VA5 head, it is awesome. I used it last year with my razor 10x50s. Thanks for the advice.


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[TBass]

Someone previously mentioned renting before buying... which is good advice. But after a couple of years of humping a big spotting scope around, I elected to simply buy a pair of 15x binos. The 15x binos can be used in a pinch without a tripod, they pack more easily in a pack, and I find them far less fatiguing that using a single ocular spotting scope.

All that being said - for the money I would go with the Vortex for a couple of reasons:
1) they have a phenomenal no BS warranty (and the stand behind it)
2) If you change your mind down the road you could probably sell the Vortex for what you bought it for.

 

[chasewild]

I used a $300 burris for a while. Made me realize how great it is to have a spotter -- it makes you feel like you're actually hunting for a greater time by extending the distance you are considering animals.

So I upgraded to the Leupold Gold Ring. It was light, about $700, and I was told by many that it was the best buy for a backpacking spotter.

I sold it after one season and bought an ATS HD 65 20-60. Game changer. Opened my eyes to why good glass is important.

I now have the ATM HD 25-50 65mm. It is the holy grail, but I'd be lying if I haven't SERIOUSLY considered selling it and going for the Kowa 773. For $1709 at S&S Archery, I don't think you can get a better deal.

Stop over thinking it, and drop the coin on the Kowa. None of the other brands will hold a candle to it other than the swaro.

 

[Peaks&Creeks]

I’ve looked through Vortex Viper, Swaro STS 65, Maven S1, and a plethora of random other spotting scopes that we won’t waste our time on here. I guide elk and mule deer hunters in the fall so I get to look through fellow guides and clients scopes a lot. I’ve always liked the Swaro ATS/STS the best everything considered, so that was my benchmark for me. Saying all that, I bought a Kowa 553 and I’m not looking back at all. Like you, I mainly hunt muleys and elk and this scope handles everything the ATS 65 can, minus the smaller field of view, which doesn’t bother me as I use it to check size after I spot with binos on a tripod. When it comes to binoculars the Swaro SLC are my choice. Have not got a chance to look through the Kowa 773, but have heard great things. Have looked through the 883 and that is one exceptional scope and one I’ll be saving for down the line when I get closer to drawing my sheep and goat tags.

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[BenHankins]

I’ve looked through Vortex Viper, Swaro STS 65, Maven S1, and a plethora of random other spotting scopes that we won’t waste our time on here. I guide elk and mule deer hunters in the fall so I get to look through fellow guides and clients scopes a lot. I’ve always liked the Swaro ATS/STS the best everything considered, so that was my benchmark for me. Saying all that, I bought a Kowa 553 and I’m not looking back at all. Like you, I mainly hunt muleys and elk and this scope handles everything the ATS 65 can, minus the smaller field of view, which doesn’t bother me as I use it to check size after I spot with binos on a tripod. When it comes to binoculars the Swaro SLC are my choice. Have not got a chance to look through the Kowa 773, but have heard great things. Have looked through the 883 and that is one exceptional scope and one I’ll be saving for down the line when Inget closer to drawing my sheep and goat tags.

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Thank you for the advice. With the 553 and 773 being the same price right now would you still go for the 553? I really like that black color. I’m just not found of kowa’s green color lol. Looks is not a big factor though.


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[Peaks&Creeks]

Call Doug at Cameraland, he still has some of the Anniversary edition Kowa 553 that comes with that neoprene scope cover like you see on my photos. Tell him you’re from Rokslide and he’ll do better than $1700. As far as going with the 773 over 553 I believe it’s preference. I am a lightweight kinda guy and being able to have the option to pack a 10oz KDC tripod and have a total package of less than 3 pounds is awesome to me. The 773 is more than twice the weight of the 553. I believe the quality of the optics will be awesome for both. The 773 does not have the Fluorite Crystal objective lens like the 553, but it does have the better eyepiece that comes in 25-60x Wide Angle. I think overall it comes down to weight and wether you can deal with a smaller field of view on the 553. If you like to scan with your spotter go with the 773, if you only use it to look at something your binos can’t quite make out, 553 gets the nod for me. The beauty of the Swaro 65 is that it’s kinda in the middle of both the Kowas in weight. Optically you won’t tell the difference of the 3.


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[blkqi]

Thank you for the advice. With the 553 and 773 being the same price right now would you still go for the 553? I really like that black color. I’m just not found of kowa’s green color lol. Looks is not a big factor though.


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If you're truly interested in digiscoping the 773 will serve you better. It has interchangeable eye pieces and accepts Kowa's excellent TSN digiscoping adapter.

 

[idahohikker]

I used a $300 burris for a while. Made me realize how great it is to have a spotter -- it makes you feel like you're actually hunting for a greater time by extending the distance you are considering animals.

So I upgraded to the Leupold Gold Ring. It was light, about $700, and I was told by many that it was the best buy for a backpacking spotter.

I sold it after one season and bought an ATS HD 65 20-60. Game changer. Opened my eyes to why good glass is important.

I now have the ATM HD 25-50 65mm. It is the holy grail, but I'd be lying if I haven't SERIOUSLY considered selling it and going for the Kowa 773. For $1709 at S&S Archery, I don't think you can get a better deal.

Stop over thinking it, and drop the coin on the Kowa. None of the other brands will hold a candle to it other than the swaro.

Agreed the Kowa will be awesome but can you actually say that the Ares wouldn't be very functional and in the ballpark in terms of glass quality? My experience is most guys who have the cash or are devoted to the idea of buying top end glass haven't seriously explored the mid range options today which are, to the surprise of many, very good. You're talking $1,200 difference for what I believe is an undefinable and marginal benefit.

 

[Researcher]

I had the viper 65, then razor 65, then Kowa 773, and now Swaro ATX 65.

Swaro and Kowa are virtually the same in my opinion. I may be selling the ATX and returning to the Kowa to save some money.

The biggest difference between the Kowa/Swaro and the Viper/Razor is the edge to edge clarity. It doesnt really effect my ability to spot game but I have noticed a large difference in eye strain. My eyes dont get tired with the Kowa or Swaro like they did with the vortex. It has to do with some effect where even though you are looking at the clear center your eye still registers the less clear edges and it can cause eye strain. If you dont spend a lot of time behind the spotter you wont notice or maybe you have tougher eyes than me and a few other people I know. The Kowa 773 can have an extender which is pretty cool for digiscoping.

If I was you Id buy a mid tier used spotter like the Ares or the Razor and see how it works for you. If you buy used you’ll probably be able to sell it for what you paid and you can bump up in spotter if you wanted to. Thats what I did.

 

[Researcher]

Kowa 773 @96x @500yards. Handheld no adapter.

 

[chasewild]

Agreed the Kowa will be awesome but can you actually say that the Ares wouldn't be very functional and in the ballpark in terms of glass quality? My experience is most guys who have the cash or are devoted to the idea of buying top end glass haven't seriously explored the mid range options today which are, to the surprise of many, very good. You're talking $1,200 difference for what I believe is an undefinable and marginal benefit.

I can't say from experience, no. But when I went through this exercise, the mid-range glass at the time always fell short -- always. So, it's about how much mental gymnastics you want to go through to justify your purchase. I don't have to compare the swaro to the ares -- it's the other way around.

 

[idahohikker]

I can't say from experience, no. But when I went through this exercise, the mid-range glass at the time always fell short -- always. So, it's about how much mental gymnastics you want to go through to justify your purchase. I don't have to compare the swaro to the ares -- it's the other way around.

It’s purchase justification like you say. But when I’m finding hundreds of animals to look at each year, many during hunting season, and in a variety of difficult glassing situations, it’s hard for me to listen to people automatically dismissing mid range and glorifying the alpha. Disagree on comparison. When there are good products for $500 and a little better for $1700, then the company that’s $3000+ needs to explain why. I sure wouldn’t be tempted to buy a Swaro spotter when the Kowas I’ve seen are excellent and people also love the S2 and Maven.

If more guys seriously tried the Ares and some of the top mid range, many wouldn’t be buying Swaro. But once you’ve bought it you want to justify the purchase. That all said, if you have the cash on hand and are cool with spending big money on Swaro, you’ll get a quality product. To each his own and all good.

 

[ianpadron]

Since you're newer to Western hunting, and likely have/will have more gear to add, I'd pick up a Gen 1 Razor for $699 at Sportsman's Warehouse and be done with it. 48 ounces, same exact glass as the Gen 2 Razors. Differences are no armor, different focus set-up, and narrower FOV. Glass is still very good for the price point.

For the money, especially $500 off what they were 3 years ago, you're not going to beat it.

Just don't look through a buddy's Swaro/Leica/Zeiss/Meopta and you'll be set for a long long time.

 

[eaglemountainman]

I’ve looked through Vortex Viper, Swaro STS 65, Maven S1, and a plethora of random other spotting scopes that we won’t waste our time on here. I guide elk and mule deer hunters in the fall so I get to look through fellow guides and clients scopes a lot. I’ve always liked the Swaro ATS/STS the best everything considered, so that was my benchmark for me. Saying all that, I bought a Kowa 553 and I’m not looking back at all. Like you, I mainly hunt muleys and elk and this scope handles everything the ATS 65 can, minus the smaller field of view, which doesn’t bother me as I use it to check size after I spot with binos on a tripod. When it comes to binoculars the Swaro SLC are my choice. Have not got a chance to look through the Kowa 773, but have heard great things. Have looked through the 883 and that is one exceptional scope and one I’ll be saving for down the line when I get closer to drawing my sheep and goat tags.

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BenHankins,

I agree wholeheartedly with Peaks&Creeks. In fact, I could add so much more, that the prospect of all that typing makes my brain hurt. So, I'll just advise you to give the Kowa 553/4 serious consideration for it's weight, not-to-be-believed world class optics and cost savings... all things you appear to be looking for. Can't speak to the digiscoping, however, since I don't use a spotter for that.

Also, the black is a limited anniversary addition (so don't wait too long) for the same price as the standard green and comes with the black neoprene cover. The standard model does not include a cover.

BTW, what I saved over the Swaro 65 and eyepiece, paid for a new Kimber Montana.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[Peaks&Creeks]

I just read so many mixed reviews, I can’t ever tell if a person is legit or not. Some say the Kowa is the best scope ever, some say it’s just a fad. Some say the razors are not very good, etc... one thing about it, I’ve never read a bad review on the swaro lol. I just don’t want to drop 2k!


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Btw, go look at some of the birding forums, you’ll realize quickly that Kowa is not a fad. The birders have been into Kowa for a lot longer than us hunters have. Same goes for Meopta and some other brands that I’ve never seen come up in the hunting forums. The long range shooter forums also. Hunters get stuck on Swarovski as the end all be all. Most haven’t tried other optics.


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[BenHankins]

I appreciate all the advice. I’m sure there are many scopes out there that will get the job done. In addition to this forum question, I called Rob at S&S and based on my wants he recommended the Kowa 773. I believe I will take advantage of the deal and go with the 773. I just wish it was black, the Kowa green has to be one of the ugliest spotters on the market lol. I do wish I could compare the 773 and the 553 side by side.


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[Peaks&Creeks]

Glad we could help. Throw a cover on it and you won’t have to worry about its looks. It’s what’s inside that matters after all. That wide angle eyepiece on that scope is awesome. I wish Kowa would have thrown it on the 553, but I’m not an optical engineer so I’m sure they had their reasons.


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[menhaden_man]

It’s purchase justification like you say. But when I’m finding hundreds of animals to look at each year, many during hunting season, and in a variety of difficult glassing situations, it’s hard for me to listen to people automatically dismissing mid range and glorifying the alpha. Disagree on comparison. When there are good products for $500 and a little better for $1700, then the company that’s $3000+ needs to explain why. I sure wouldn’t be tempted to buy a Swaro spotter when the Kowas I’ve seen are excellent and people also love the S2 and Maven.

If more guys seriously tried the Ares and some of the top mid range, many wouldn’t be buying Swaro. But once you’ve bought it you want to justify the purchase. That all said, if you have the cash on hand and are cool with spending big money on Swaro, you’ll get a quality product. To each his own and all good.

I’ve got the Ares spotter and think it’s great... I can afford the top-end stuff, just don’t feel the need to make that jump. Used mine is some terrible conditions last fall and it was excellent.

I always say that I can tell the difference between a $2 bottle and a $10 bottle of wine, but my tastebuds aren’t sophisticated enough to tell the difference between a $10 and a $40 bottle. I feel the same way about optics, rifles, and other gear. The proven mid-range stuff is great - just search all the love festivals on Tikka rifles and SWFA scopes on here if you need proof.