Swarovski ATS 65mm 20-60X Review, by Brock Akers

[robby denning]

Rokslide staff writer, Brock Akers, pounded the Idaho mountains last year in search of a good buck. Not only did he find one of those, he learned why thousands of hunters trust Swarovski's workhorse for the backcountry, the Swarovski ATS 65mm 20-60X

See his review here:

Swarovski ATS 65mm Review

 

[Blockcaver]

Good review! I have the magnesium housing version of the scope tested I bought in 2011 and agree with all the reviewer's coments. It has served me very well and I am not looking to switch out to something else.

 

[Tony Trietch]

Great review Brock, I have been considering downsizing from the 80mm Swaro to the 65 for my backpack hunts. Did you ever get to run it next to the new ATX? I am guessing the ATX will be an upgrade in optical quality but it weighs a quite bit more.
Thanks for the solid review!

 

[Steve O]

Really good stuff. It is hard to get the point across just how good the Leica/Zeiss/Swarovski (and Kowa/Metopa I've read) really are. Some don't want to believe it but man it is just a joy to behold what they put in front of your eyes. I love pulling out the tripod and putting the bino or scope on.

I've got a 15 year old 65mm Zeiss Diascope I'm going to compare to a new borrowed 82mm Leica Televid in the next couple weeks. I'm hoping I don't see a huge difference

 

[robby denning]

I've got a 15 year old 65mm Zeiss Diascope I'm going to compare to a new borrowed 82mm Leica Televid in the next couple weeks. I'm hoping I don't see a huge difference

Looking forward to that one!!!!



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[justin davis]

Surprised it hasn't been reviewed prior. One of the best spotters out there. Great weight wise

 

[Brock A]

Surprised it hasn't been reviewed prior. One of the best spotters out there. Great weight wise

Agreed!

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[luke moffat]

While I love my Zeiss Diascope 85mm, I still am sad I sent my Swaro ATM 65mm HD at times. Great spotter or the size and weight!! Nice review Brock!

 

[Muley Buck]

Really good stuff. It is hard to get the point across just how good the Leica/Zeiss/Swarovski (and Kowa/Metopa I've read) really are. Some don't want to believe it but man it is just a joy to behold what they put in front of your eyes. I love pulling out the tripod and putting the bino or scope on.

I cannot agree more with this sentiment.

 

[Muley Buck]

I've got a 15 year old 65mm Zeiss Diascope I'm going to compare to a new borrowed 82mm Leica Televid in the next couple weeks. I'm hoping I don't see a huge difference

Oh come on now, are you really hoping not to see a difference? You know if it does, new toys are surely coming your way in the future.

 

[Muley Buck]

Good review Brock. I hope to have a similarly positive experience as you have had with the ATS with my STS. It will be my first year with it, as I was also previously using Vortex spotters. I can hardly wait for solid scouting trips. They are coming soon!

 

[Justin Crossley]

Good review Brock. As you already know I think the ATS is a great spotter and agree with your assessment.

 

[handwerk]

Thanks for the write up, I've had my STS for years and been very happy with it.

 

[Brock A]

Great review Brock, I have been considering downsizing from the 80mm Swaro to the 65 for my backpack hunts. Did you ever get to run it next to the new ATX? I am guessing the ATX will be an upgrade in optical quality but it weighs a quite bit more.
Thanks for the solid review!

I have looked through an ATX but it was too far between to really give any side by side comparison.

 

[aorams]

Agreed!

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I came across this review as I’m currently in the market for this scope. I wanted to ask the author if he would still recommend this scope two years later or if I should opt for the 80mm objective lens instead? This would be for all my hunts which vary from long backpacking trips to shorter logging road walks in the PNW. Thank you!

Thank you

 

[Brock A]

I came across this review as I’m currently in the market for this scope. I wanted to ask the author if he would still recommend this scope two years later or if I should opt for the 80mm objective lens instead? This would be for all my hunts which vary from long backpacking trips to shorter logging road walks in the PNW. Thank you!

Thank you

Yep! Still recommend the 65 vs an 80mm for sure. I have yet to be in the situation where I needed more scope

 

[Nolan_]

is the wide angle 25-50 eyepiece the way to go? I imagine the 65mm objective struggles above 50x...

 

[robby denning]

is the wide angle 25-50 eyepiece the way to go? I imagine the 65mm objective struggles above 50x...

I have both eyepieces and it's a tough call! 60X is used less as it's darker and more prone to vibration, but when it's calm and light, ya, it's nice to have the extra 10X.

@Brock A have you used both?

 

[BBob]

is the wide angle 25-50 eyepiece the way to go? I imagine the 65mm objective struggles above 50x...

Absolutely. I've owned both and have sold off the 20-60's even for the 80mm scope. The wide angle, clarity and brightness is worth it especially on the 65.

 

[Brock A]

is the wide angle 25-50 eyepiece the way to go? I imagine the 65mm objective struggles above 50x...

I have used both. The wide angle is pretty nice. Like Robby mentioned they both kind of have their place. However if I were to pick one, it would be the 25-50.


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