Swarovski ATC/STC Spotting Scope

[amo16]

It looks like Swarovski just released a couple new 17-40×56 spotters that look pretty appealing for a mountain hunter. I've already got a Kowa TSN-553 as well as a Swarovski ATX 65/95, but would consider upgrading the Kowa if there is a real world performance difference between the two. I know it's brand new and probably a long shot, but has anyone actually been able to get their hands on one of the new Swaros, or even better yet, do a comparison with the Kowa?

 

[WNC2500]

Following up on this, did you @amo16 get one?

Anyone else on HT using one?

 

[Dsnow9]

 

[Trial153]

I have both. Just sold my 553. The ATC has way way better eye relief and much wider Field of view. Image wise they are about the same.
The ATC is Much more user friendly, not much comparison for me between the two

 

[WNC2500]

@Trial153 what do you use for binos? Did ATC replace your large magnification ones?

@Dsnow9 Did the ATC replace a huge spotter, or do you have/use both? Large magnification binos and the ATC? or did it replace.

 

[Trial153]

@Trial153 what do you use for binos? Did ATC replace your large magnification ones?

@Dsnow9 Did the ATC replace a huge spotter, or do you have/use both? Large magnification binos and the ATC? or did it replace

I have 12x, 10 and 8x Els. I don’t think it will replace any of them. However what I am thinking about is selling my 65mm STX because the ATC compared very favorably to it with less weight and bulk. I will most likely get a 95mm or maybe 85 kowa at some point for times when I am not packing in.

 

[Dsnow9]

@Trial153 what do you use for binos? Did ATC replace your large magnification ones?

@Dsnow9 Did the ATC replace a huge spotter, or do you have/use both? Large magnification binos and the ATC? or did it replace.

It replaced my razor 85. Well really my nl pure 12s replaced my spotter but that is besides the point. The other spotter rarely left the truck. This will not leave my pack. Can’t beat the weight vs quality ratio of this spotter. Can’t see myself getting another spotter unless I was going to go full bore and get a btx with the double eye piece for scouting.

 

[WNC2500]

It replaced my razor 85. Well really my nl pure 12s replaced my spotter but that is besides the point. The other spotter rarely left the truck. This will not leave my pack. Can’t beat the weight vs quality ratio of this spotter. Can’t see myself getting another spotter unless I was going to go full bore and get a btx with the double eye piece for scouting.

I know what you mean @Dsnow9, I never used my Razor 85 much and the person I sold to on here used on an Alaska Bear hunt so I was glad. I am blown away by the clarity of the Pures.

 

[Aj10x]

@Dsnow9 would you say the glass improvement going from the 85mm razor to the Swarovski stc 56mm made up for the smaller objective?

 

[Dsnow9]

Absolutely. Had some side by side comparison days after I got the new one and it wasn’t close. Honestly my nl pures were more effective than the vortex

 

[Aj10x]

Thanks for the reply Dsnow9. I had a chance to pick up a stc used for a great price, just couldn’t justify having two scopes and not sure if I’d regret ditching the large vortex. So far in the overcast conditions I have today comparing side by side I feel like I made the right choice. Very impressive how well the stc does with brightness and clarity all the way maxed at 40x. The 85mm razor is a little brighter at that magnification but considering how much different the objective sizes are it’s amazing how close they are.

 

[Dsnow9]

Thanks for the reply Dsnow9. I had a chance to pick up a stc used for a great price, just couldn’t justify having two scopes and not sure if I’d regret ditching the large vortex. So far in the overcast conditions I have today comparing side by side I feel like I made the right choice. Very impressive how well the stc does with brightness and clarity all the way maxed at 40x. The 85mm razor is a little brighter at that magnification but considering how much different the objective sizes are it’s amazing how close they are.

Glass into the sun, that will seal the deal for you