Swarovski vs Kowa - The focusing system

[Wyominal]

I have narrowed my spotting scope search down to Kowa and Swaro. I don’t have any shops nearby that carry Kowa. I have seen a lot of reviews and it seems that the Kowa dual focus is highly praised and the fine focus can eek out a just a bit more resolution. This seems to be both about focus and the ability to avoid introducing as much shake at high mag. I have only seen one review that suggests the Swaro “snapped” into focus faster - perhaps more depth of field. I am not going to be looking at optical charts but I am also more interesting in observing animals for long periods of time and iphone digiscoping than I am in hunting/finding applications. Anyone have any experience or thoughts on the focusing. Thanks

 

[realunlucky]

The dual system is no question better. Does it make a difference day in and day out? Guess that really depends on who you ask and what scope they are using.

Kowa has better focus system and better glass.

Swarovski has rubber armor and better resale value and a more proven customer service program.

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[Wyominal]

Thanks. Do you think there is anything to the depth of field argurment?

 

[4th_point]

I have only seen one review that suggests the Swaro “snapped” into focus faster - perhaps more depth of field.

If the Swaro snapped into focus faster, it is due to better optical correction. And a well implemented focuser mechanism, as you can have a well corrected scope but poor focuser (not smooth, jumpy, etc.).

You can also have a poor or mediocre scope, in terms of correction, yet some people will clearly prefer the dual-knob focusers as it allows them to fiddle-fart around trying to achieve best focus. A simple test that you can perform is to use only the fast focus knob - can you achieve best focus with the course knob, or do you absolutely need the slow focus? That will tell you a lot, assuming the operator has decent dexterity - if you need to fiddle, I would suspect that the scope has optical issues regardless of the focuser design used.

Highest priority is a well corrected scope, regardless of focuser design. After that, it is personal preference assuming the focuser design is implemented correctly.

I prefer barrel or helical focus, mostly due to the fact that I can make adjustments with my gloves on and hand/wrist motion is easier to control than one finger when it's really cold out! That's assuming a well corrected scope and smooth focuser.

There has been speculation that barrel/helical is a more robust design compared to some dual-knob systems that use a belt system. But I have seen very few credible reports of a belt off track, jumping a pulley, etc. And not all dual knob systems have belts, as there can be something like a rack and pinion instead.

The knobs do stick out though, and people have bent the shafts - maybe stuffing the scope into a pack or light impact.

 

[realunlucky]

Here's a couple of Swarovski users trying out the Kowa 99. They share thier thoughts on the different focus systems

Tipsy Tuesday: Kowa 99 Review with Sal Soriano and Randon Timothy, Latest Draw News, Gear Reviews, Western Hunting News - Rokslide

Tipsy Tuesday: Seasoned guides Sal Soriano and Randon Timothy share their thoughts after comparing the Kowa 99 vs Swarovski 95 and Swarovski 115 head-to-head. These optics were tested using eye charts and actual scouting in the field. Josh Jensen from SKRE Gear tells us about the Hunt Club. This...

www.rokslide.com

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[Wyominal]

Thanks. 4th_point. Good insight. I guess I have been assuming the Kowa and Swaro will both have top notch build quality but I have noted that some scopes are just off even at the top and need some help.

I did see one review where the guy was zooming and focusing with the swaro at the same time. I tried that in the store but it wasnt on a tripod and pretty cumbersome. I’m curious if that works. Speed to optimal focus is part of my consideration.

Thanks for the review realunlucky. I hadn’t seen that one.

 

[4th_point]

I guess I have been assuming the Kowa and Swaro will both have top notch build quality but I have noted that some scopes are just off even at the top and need some help.

Lack of sharp focus at max zoom is an indicator of optical aberrations.

As a rule of thumb, try 1x per 1mm of objective diameter. Minimum.

So a 60mm should have good sharp focus at 60x with more and more detail as you approach the max. If it doesn't, then I would walk away but it would help to have a known reference to compare against.

Just note that some scopes don't allow you to readily test the upper limit. For example 60x for an 88mm isn't really pushing it.

 

[particleman14]

I have a kowa 88 and prefer the dual system especially the fine adjust. With just a light touch of my finger I can easily dial in the sharpness on the kowa. When I barrel adjust in my other scope it tends to introduce some wobble in my view and I have to hold everything tight with both hands.

 

[JNDEER]

I have owned a few Swaro and only one Kowa. I have had some very stiff focus rings on the Swaro that really pushed to enjoy a dual focus system or small nob focus (ED50, vortex razor gen1, Kowa 88). However my latest Swaro is an 80 and it is butter smooth. No real issues getting things into focus compared to the Kowa 88. However, for overal viewing pleasure and detailed viewing I prefer the Kowa over the Swaro.