Coues79 Report post Posted June 30, 2010 I think youre going to find that most people on the hunting forums are going to have swaro spotters moreso than Kowa. Like I said earlier, I have personally looked through both and I felt the Kowa edged out the swaro. The crispness and edge to edge clarity was unbelievable. If I were to be a glasser that glassed through a spotting scope, I would own the Kowa and I am partial to Swaro products. They are both going to be phenomenal glass without a huge difference between the two. With as big of a purchase as it is, you should view them first. You will always be wondering if you made the correct decision otherwise. Either way, you are going to arguably have the best spotter on the market. Good luck with the purchase and post up some pics when you finally get them in hand. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SuperiorBowHunter Report post Posted June 30, 2010 As i said earlier thanks again you guys are amazing! But have the new swarovision made a huge difference because all the reviews i have seen have been for the 08 version! All the reviews say that the Kowa were the better glass because the finer focus knob but is the new swarovision made to answer the question between the 2? Because they had to have done something to warant the huge jump in price for the 2010 models. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
youngbuck Report post Posted June 30, 2010 As i said earlier thanks again you guys are amazing! But have the new swarovision made a huge difference because all the reviews i have seen have been for the 08 version! All the reviews say that the Kowa were the better glass because the finer focus knob but is the new swarovision made to answer the question between the 2? Because they had to have done something to warant the huge jump in price for the 2010 models. The big jump I believe is due to the magnesium body and being"hd". Any above brand mentioned will be top notch, there are more differences in peoples' eyes than clarity in the best spotters. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted June 30, 2010 The new Swaro spotters have a magnesium body instead of aluminum (saving only about 2 oz) and improved lense coatings. The "swarovision" applies to the binoculars. http://swarovskioptik.com/en_us/press-releases/168 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
outdoor rush Report post Posted June 30, 2010 I'd go with the Kowa just to be a little different. I hate spotting scopes though so i am no expert, nut the Kowa are awesome to look through super clear and bright. jake Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SuperiorBowHunter Report post Posted June 30, 2010 So guys let me get this straight there is no difference in glass between the STS80mm and the STM80mm the only difference is the weight right? And that new scratch fog proof coating on the glass right? Because although money is not a problem i could save myself about 500 buck roughly by carrying around about 2 more ounces if i buy the STS instead of the STM? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigWave Report post Posted July 1, 2010 So guys let me get this straight there is no difference in glass between the STS80mm and the STM80mm the only difference is the weight right? And that new scratch fog proof coating on the glass right? Because although money is not a problem i could save myself about 500 buck roughly by carrying around about 2 more ounces if i buy the STS instead of the STM? Thats the way that it was explained to me also about the STS/STM. Just a little bit of weight. I spoke with the Outdoorsmans yesterday about the Kowa/Swaro difference. I'll be ordering the Kowa TSN 664 ED Straight 66mm. Just what I'm wanting. The guy I spoke with yesterday told me that the quality of the Kowa Prominar lens is equivelent to the Swaro HD glass. I know that all of this can be argued as everyones eye and perception may differ. The good part is that the Kowa TSN 664 (Prominar glass) can be had with the eyepeice for about $1300. Thats friggin awesome right there! I have a buddy that has had all of the best glass over the years and he only uses his Kowa Prominar 88. It's pretty good stuff! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted July 1, 2010 Three words..."Fine Focus Knob"....Dunno why Leica and Kowa (even Pentax and Nikon) have figured this out but Swaro still hasn't. That one feature will do more for you than lense coatings or magnesium body. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SuperiorBowHunter Report post Posted July 1, 2010 Like you all have said that second fine focus knob is amazing and I dont know what Swarovski is thinking not developing something like that! And like I said the more and more I read and the more I learn I am leaning towards Kowa! But everything that I owe is Swarovski an I very loyal to them and I feel like i am cheating on them just for considering another! LoL... I know it sounds dumb but you guys know how it is! Fact, Facts Facts!!! That is what i have to base my decision on! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertDweller Report post Posted July 1, 2010 Take an afternoon and go to the Outdoorsmans and check them out... it how they work for YOU and YOUR EYES! Your time and gas money will be well spent when making this large of an investment... MHO Also, I'd check out the Leica spotting scopes also... the folks on the bird forums rate them above the Swaro and depending who you talk to higher than the Kowa... the bird folks are a lot pickier than big game hunters when it comes to spotting scopes. The same differences applies for the Leicas, the older Televid 77 or 62 is a bit heavier than the new Televid 85 or 65. But you can save a bunch of $$$ if you find one and don't mind a few extra ounces. You are on the right path when it comes to purchasing optics, buy the best you can and you won't be sorry! "Buy once - cry once!" D.D. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SuperiorBowHunter Report post Posted July 2, 2010 Well guys after talking with the guys at bear basin.com and from what I have read I made a decision! I have found that the Rugged casing, the light weight body and also Swarovski being Swarovski! I am going to stay loyal to them! After looking throu them you cant really tell a solid difference between the 2! The Swarovski spotter just looks and feels like a better put together product! Also I took into consideration if I ever had to selll them God forbid there is a bigger demand for Swarovski! I really hope to never have to sell these babies, but I had to think over every option. But like i said to me it just seemed tht Swarovski had the better product! So thanks a ton guys for al lof our support and advice Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Broken Wheels Report post Posted July 2, 2010 Well guys after talking with the guys at bear basin.com and from what I have read I made a decision! I have found that the Rugged casing, the light weight body and also Swarovski being Swarovski! I am going to stay loyal to them! After looking throu them you cant really tell a solid difference between the 2! The Swarovski spotter just looks and feels like a better put together product! Also I took into consideration if I ever had to selll them God forbid there is a bigger demand for Swarovski! I really hope to never have to sell these babies, but I had to think over every option. But like i said to me it just seemed tht Swarovski had the better product! So thanks a ton guys for al lof our support and advice Too bad you are not interested in the ATS-80 by Swarovski as I have one that I will sell for quite a bit less then shops and I am not trying to take away business from anyone, just trying to sell mine and save a fellow hunter some serious cash when its all said and done. See my post in the classifieds if interested pm me! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SuperiorBowHunter Report post Posted July 3, 2010 I would really be interested in them but I really want the HD spotter because if I did buy that one it would bother me later when i thought about the difference! And since the spotter is being replaced by the insurance company, money really isnt an option. But thanks for looking out! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catclaw Report post Posted July 3, 2010 I just saw this. The Kowa is head and shoulders sharper than even the HD model made by Swarovski. The only thing that will compare with the 88mm Kowa is the $4000 Leica spotter. The Swarovski is a fantastic scope and you won't be disappointed but if you really want to know which one is sharper- the Kowa wins hands down. The Vortex ED model is pretty comparable to the Swaro with the fine focus feature. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SuperiorBowHunter Report post Posted July 6, 2010 Wow guys i hate to say it but you all that thought the Kowa Spotter was as good or better than the Swarovski are smoking some of that funny stuff! i just got back from the Outdoorsmans and sat out on the patio with the guys for like 2 1/2hrs. The Swaro blow the Kowa out of the water! Not only was the Swaros clearer but they were more durable looking and feeling!! The kowa felt like glass if i were to drop those it would do some serious damage!! Even the non HD spotter was nicer! To be honest with you it was hard for me to find a difference between the HD and non HD spotter! I sat there looking at those hikers back there for hours hiking up those hills back there! Swarovski is seriously the way to go! Sorry I doubted you ohhhh Swaros!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
