Swaro STC vs Gen 1 Razor 65mm

[TheCougar]

The STC and the newer Kowa 55 are in a completely different class than your vortex. Kinda like asking, “I’ve got a 2012 Nissan Altima, but I’m curious if a 2025 BMW 3 series would be an upgrade?”

I see what you’re saying, but the razor has a bigger objective and more zoom. That matters. What I’m trying to figure out is if the swaro has such high image quality that even with the smaller objective and zoom, it is still brighter and more useful at 40x than the Razor. I’m guessing it is, based on my Swaro experiences, but I figured I would ask.

 

[TheCougar]

The new baby Kowa are on my list for that. Definitely a use for it there.

I can’t wait to get back to AK.

I’m lazy so I’ll ask - I found a thread comparing the old Kowa 55 to the STC, but is there a thread that compares the new Kowa 55 to the STC?

 

[TheCougar]

The new baby Kowa are on my list for that. Definitely a use for it there.

I can’t wait to get back to AK.

Once you go…

 

[hereinaz]

I see what you’re saying, but the razor has a bigger objective and more zoom. That matters. What I’m trying to figure out is if the swaro has such high image quality that even with the smaller objective and zoom, it is still brighter and more useful at 40x than the Razor. I’m guessing it is, based on my Swaro experiences, but I figured I would ask.

My experience is that the increased clarity improves light transmission and depth of field on the smaller spotters. The larger objective that doesn’t make up for light transmission and image quality of worse glass.

 

[TheCougar]

My experience is that the increased clarity improves light transmission and depth of field on the smaller spotters. The larger objective that doesn’t make up for light transmission and image quality of worse glass.

Why the Kowa vs STC/ATC?

 

[hereinaz]

It’s a bit lighter and I liked the one I had. The colors looked better to me, and better cost/value.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Why the Kowa vs STC/ATC?

I looked through both and went with the Kowa. Optically it’s probably a wash, but the dual focus is better. S&S also had a sale recently, stacked with another code, the Kowa could be had for almost 1k less than the ATC.

 

[Hunt30]

I’m lazy so I’ll ask - I found a thread comparing the old Kowa 55 to the STC, but is there a thread that compares the new Kowa 55 to the STC?

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[Tahoe1305]

Here is my comparison (with help from others) mentioned above.

Post in thread 'Crowd Sourced Optics Comparison (CO area) ***Updated 3/9/24***'

Feb 17, 2024

Well the good news is…it happened and we had a good turn out. “Maybe” the bad news is we ended up with more optics than probably reasonable to handle (I bet we had 20-30) and compare objectively. But we will compile what we found and do our best.

Thanks to those who made it out. For the others my goal is to consolidate and try and have something out by end of the month.

• Tahoe1305

• 
• 

FWIW I’ve looked thru them all. I own a mix of swaro and vortex still including the gen I 16-48 and the newer mini razor. No where near as smooth and refined as the ATC, but IMO really good for what it is.

 

[TheGDog]

Long story shorter? Went thru same deliberation. Just couldn't yet quite justify that sum for the STC.

Picked up a used Maven S.2 and have been very pleased with it!

EDIT: I started out with 50mm Razor, then bought a ZEISS Dialyt, like that but too heavy for mountain stuff, so got the Maven.

 

[Bluumoon]

Oh yeah?! Well I have a couple of aggressively mediocre tags that really don’t justify my stupid over priced European glass on, but I’ll use them to wade through the army of rag horns for the most spectacular, barely legal 2.5 year old bull!

Where I hunt in CO I need to make sure that rag horn is legal, hence the extra magnification.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Where I hunt in CO I need to make sure that rag horn is legal, hence the extra magnification.

Same

 

[svivian]

I have the ATC, atx65 and an ATX 85.


The ATC has completely removed the need for the ATX 65 for me.

 

[Steve O]

I have the ATC, atx65 and an ATX 85.


The ATC has completely removed the need for the ATX 65 for me.

Same except I had 65/95 ATX/BTX setup. ATC replaced 65mm. I would take the ATC/STC over any Vortex every time. Every time.

 

[Tahoe1305]

@TheCougar you should check out the S/ATC. It really is sweet. I think best deal on here (approx price) is $1900 or so.

 

[Kcardwell]

I love my arc for being a compact spotter it definitely give other brands 65mm a run for there money if not beating them out completely