I have decided against the Vortex and am leaning to the Athlon Ares. I have read great things about the Kowa line. Here is a link to a good review on spotters:
https://backwoodspursuit.com/best-sp...e-for-hunting/
HuntingBC Champ
I have decided against the Vortex and am leaning to the Athlon Ares. I have read great things about the Kowa line. Here is a link to a good review on spotters:
https://backwoodspursuit.com/best-sp...e-for-hunting/
HuntingBC Champ
Brain is telling me Athlon Ares 15-45 x 65, heart is telling me Kowa 554 15-45x55 because of optic quality and extreme light weight (28ozs). Challenge is finding them to look through - kind of reluctant to spend $1000 - $2000 without having tried them. Reviews are very good for both, but being an eye glass wearer I want to confirm eye relief. Anyone have any experience with either of these two,and anyone on the south Island have either a guy might look through?
Not a HuntingBC Champ
What scope did you end up with? I am seriously considering the Kowa tsn 773. Patiently waiting for a sale...
R.I.P BiG Boar
HuntingBC Champ
Apparently the kowa 773 and 774 are now discontinuedOriginally Posted by BigBanger
HuntingBC Champ
After looking at a lot of scopes I ended up going with the Athlon Ares 15-45 x 65 in the angled version. I don't think there is a better option for the price - $995 taxes/delivery all in. Does it match the Swaro ATS 25-50 x 65, no but it is pretty good glass for the money. Took it on an elk/moose trip this fall and was very happy with it - unfortunately it allowed me to identify the bull elk at last light on the last day as a 5 x 5. I was able to determine a short 7th point on an Island elk at 800 yards in the evening when out wildlife viewing. If I was younger and still had mountain sheep hunts on the menu I would have gone for the alpha glass but this is very much adequate for my hunting and range work.
Not a HuntingBC Champ
Well, it sounds like a solid choice that worked out for you. Awesome, I appreciate the response. Thank you.After looking at a lot of scopes I ended up going with the Athlon Ares 15-45 x 65 in the angled version. I don't think there is a better option for the price - $995 taxes/delivery all in. Does it match the Swaro ATS 25-50 x 65, no but it is pretty good glass for the money. Took it on an elk/moose trip this fall and was very happy with it - unfortunately it allowed me to identify the bull elk at last light on the last day as a 5 x 5
R.I.P BiG Boar
Member
I have run a 773 for one year now. I have been extremely happy with it, as well as anyone who has looked through it. I was set on an ATS, but could not track one down. For the weight, and increase in objective it is great for what it is. A climb in price will likely give you some optical improvement, but I am super pleased with my decision. The new 663 would be a great choice, and the smaller 55 if you were not hunting sheep.
Last edited by DStewart; 11-10-2023 at 10:15 AM.
HuntingBC Champ
I've decided I need a spotting scope so time to fire this thread back up.
I travel a bunch to the states so I can buy something when I'm down there.
Anybody have experience with these?
https://www.opticsplanet.com/athlon-...06085HD-314001
The 4th Amigo!
I bought the self same spotter from the same outlet. The only place in Canada was Wolverine and they had no stock for months. 2 other US outlets wouldn't sell to a Canadian!! I tried to pay at OP online but they are only set up for zip code addresses. I was about to give up when a rep called me back and took all my details right there and then. Got the scope to my Sumas PO box in 3 days.
Great service and better scope. If you can swing it in person all the better, and you're 1st $800 is duty free if your down long enough!!
Take a kid hunting its more rewarding than shooting an animal yourself!!
HuntingBC Champ
Any spotting scope is only as good as the tripod
Dont cheap out on a tripod , you can thank me later .
Last edited by 358mag; 01-30-2024 at 09:47 PM.
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