Investment in glass
- Thread starter coug_nurse
- Start date
I sold my Swaro STM65 and bought a Kowa 55mm spotter. I have not regretted it yet, it is awesome glass at 28oz with it's Outdoorsmans adapter. It does not have the field of view that the bigger spotter did but the clarity is excellent and low light performance is better than expected. I also have a Swaro ATS80 HD spotter for use when weight isn't a factor, but when it is I'll take the Kowa.
I got mine from S&S archery with a discount code for a price I felt was reasonable for what it is.
I primarily use a spotter for evaluating game I already found with binos. I love binos off a tripod and will pack 15x Swaros a lot when I feel like I want more than my 10x. I have a hard time going back to trying to locate game with the spotter after putting time behind the 15x binos, I just feel like I'm more effective. That may be part of the reason I don't mind the smaller field of view of the Kowa 55. Going lighter the 10x Leicas and 55mm Kowa spotter darn near always go with or without the 15x. I would consider going to a 12x50 bino and getting rid of my 10x and 15x binos if Leica or Swaro made one with a good rangefinder and excellent glass. I hope someday they do!
I got mine from S&S archery with a discount code for a price I felt was reasonable for what it is.
I primarily use a spotter for evaluating game I already found with binos. I love binos off a tripod and will pack 15x Swaros a lot when I feel like I want more than my 10x. I have a hard time going back to trying to locate game with the spotter after putting time behind the 15x binos, I just feel like I'm more effective. That may be part of the reason I don't mind the smaller field of view of the Kowa 55. Going lighter the 10x Leicas and 55mm Kowa spotter darn near always go with or without the 15x. I would consider going to a 12x50 bino and getting rid of my 10x and 15x binos if Leica or Swaro made one with a good rangefinder and excellent glass. I hope someday they do!
luckynv
Active Member
I have the Leica 65mm angled and I have compared side by side with Swaro non HD. I prefer the Leica in low light and can almost see at night through it. Not sure how it would stack up against the HD glass. as others have said buy the best you can afford. otherwise you may have a couple of others laying around and still spend the money later because the cheap ones were not all that. Good luck and God bless
Well I went and pulled the trigger on the Vortex Razor HD 22-48x65 and I couldn't be happier. Crystal clear viewing even in low light, nice bright image, and the helical focus makes fine adjustments a breeze. Super happy with it. I thought of your guys input as I hit the purchase button and you guys definitely didn't lead me astray.
sneakypete
Veteran member
If you're leaning owards the angled vortex either the 50 or 65 you'll Want and ball head for your tripod. Guys who haven't used a ball head are missing how fast you can scan a ridge. I learned it while moose hunting in northern BC and my guide was a sheep guide and taught me how to glass properly. Good luck. I'll pm you.
mallardsx2
Veteran member
- Jul 8, 2015
- 3,921
- 3,240
Any issues with the Vortex adjustment dials freezing up in cold weather? This is the only thing that has me worried.