Spotting scope objective lens: 56mm vs 85mm for backpack hunting?

[MightyWhitey]

I don't have much real field time behind a spotting scope. But I've owned a very cheap 65mm, a Kowa 554, and now have the STC.
I bought the Kowa after using the cheap 65 on a caribou hunt and was pretty unimpressed with the Kowa. I also broke down a bought a set of 10x42 NL pures and was extremely impressed. Shortly after I bought the Kowa they came out with the STC, so I sold the Kowa hoping the STC would be a higher mag version of the NL pures.
I just used my 10x42s and STC on a ridge top moose hunt and I considered burying that fkn STC and leaving it there so nobody else had to be so disappointed. When I look through the 10x42s on a tripod I think, hell yeah, that's what $2k+ looks like. When I look through the STC I think, I wouldn't give you $200 for this POS. I know this is an unpopular opinion and I think I may be expecting too much out of spotting scopes in general. Trust me, I want to love this light little packable unit, but I do not.
I got to compare it with a Kowa 77 and 88 a few days after my hunt with some friends that were shooting at 1000yrd rifle range. They were definitely brighter but not to a level that I'd carry that size and weight. Doubt this helps but that's my .02.

 

[DenimChicken]

I don't have much real field time behind a spotting scope. But I've owned a very cheap 65mm, a Kowa 554, and now have the STC.
I bought the Kowa after using the cheap 65 on a caribou hunt and was pretty unimpressed with the Kowa. I also broke down a bought a set of 10x42 NL pures and was extremely impressed. Shortly after I bought the Kowa they came out with the STC, so I sold the Kowa hoping the STC would be a higher mag version of the NL pures.
I just used my 10x42s and STC on a ridge top moose hunt and I considered burying that fkn STC and leaving it there so nobody else had to be so disappointed. When I look through the 10x42s on a tripod I think, hell yeah, that's what $2k+ looks like. When I look through the STC I think, I wouldn't give you $200 for this POS. I know this is an unpopular opinion and I think I may be expecting too much out of spotting scopes in general. Trust me, I want to love this light little packable unit, but I do not.
I got to compare it with a Kowa 77 and 88 a few days after my hunt with some friends that were shooting at 1000yrd rifle range. They were definitely brighter but not to a level that I'd carry that size and weight. Doubt this helps but that's my .02.

How does the STC compare to the 554?

 

[Kurts86]

How does the STC compare to the 554?

The STC has a significantly wider field of view over the Kowa 554. Everything else is very similar between the scopes otherwise optically.

 

[MightyWhitey]

I agree with the above comment. Of the two I prefer the STC, but I still think they both suck.

 

[DenimChicken]

I agree with the above comment. Of the two I prefer the STC, but I still think they both suck.

Yeah I was debating upgrading the 554 to the STC but I think I'd be underwhelmed. The 554 certainly fills a niche roll for me, so I suppose I'll keep it until they come out with a featherweight 65mm.

 

[MightyWhitey]

The STC is definitely not worth another 1k IMO.

 

[mtg]

Get quality glass and a 56mm scope will be more than enough, and easier to pack.

 

[Ynothunt41]

I just got the new Kowa 55S. It is an amazing little scope and perfect for how I hunt. No way I leave this at the truck for just 2lbs.

 

[MuleDeerMike]

The Kowa 77 is the perfect medium for backpack hunting and all around use IMO. Almost an 80mm objective with the body size of a 65mm. Love mine.

 

[Steve O]

Sell both of your vortex spotters and get a used swaro 65 hd.

Best answer. Insert top end Kowa, Zeiss, or Leica depending on which you find. All will be a big improvement.

Shouldn’t take much work on your end to set both of yours up together and realize the little one is a waste of time and effort.

 

[fatrascal]

Another fan of a 65mm scope. My choice is Swaro but you can choose one of the brands up above which are all equal.
I realize you are too close to your hunt to sell both of your vortex scopes and upgrade to something else so my vote goes to the 56mm. It will let you look at and evaluate what you find with your bino's. You are in great shape so if you have to you can always get closer to check out a deer or elk to see if its something you like. Fatrascal.