Kowa TSN 66A vs Kowa TSN 773 Spotting Scopes - How Are They Different?

[@garrettsorensen3367]

Thanks for another great video! Seems like you always review products I am interested in. Love your channel.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate you following along and thanks for watching this one!

[@weekendwarrior8334]

Thank you for these comparisons. I think I’m going to stick with 773. I don’t see enough of a difference for me that makes the 66a worth significantly more money.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Yeah, I hear yeah on that. The weight savings and slightly better color contrast and resolution in the 66 are super nice, but there's not a significant difference. Thanks for watching!

[@tundak630]

Thanks for another great comparison video! I always enjoy watching them. I know you discussed it before, but could you tell me what tripods you're using in this video? I have a Kowa 883 and am currently using a Sirui but want something more 'thicker' in the legs. Thanks!

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

You bet, and thanks for watching! In this video we were using the Athlon Midas tripods. Super stout tripods that are great for heavy spotters and shooting off of. Not so great for packing around lol!

[@tundak630]

@BackwoodsPursuit Thanks! I'll definitely check out those tripods. I would love for you to do a comparison video on some high end binocs. I've always wanted a high end binoc and am leaning towards the Swaro NL Pure series, but if there's something better or comparable to that and less expensive that'd be worth considering. Thanks as always! 🤙

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@tundak630 you bet! We've actually done a bunch of bino comparisons recently.... check them out here in the channel! Here's one of them with the NL Pure...kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqaxg5WIotWmm8k.

[@tundak630]

@BackwoodsPursuit ah, ok I must've missed it! I'll definitely check it out. Thanks again! 🤙

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@tundak630 absolutely! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@joncavallo4391]

Not to get off the subject, but where is the final results review of the best cooler after so many days if I might enquire?

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! We just published the review article over on the website: backwoodspursuit.com/best-coolers-for-camping-hunting/ The video review will drop next week as well! Thanks for following along!

[@dcentral]

Nice, is this Kowa’s answer to Swarowski ATC 17?

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! No...I don't think it's meant to be compared to the ATC...that would be their 553. This 66 has been a long time coming for a 65mm class spotter in their premium line. This would be more of a comparibetween the ATS or ATX 65. Thanks for watching!

[@weekendwarrior8334]

How does the Kowa 66a compare to the Swarovski ATS 65? Thanks so much

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! I haven't had a chance to compare those two personally, so I can't say. Sorry!

[@br_ak7588]

I did this comparison recently. The 66A resolved more details for me in the shadows, glassing onto a rocky mountainside at 800 yards. The field of view is significantly better on the 66A vs the ATS with 20-60 eyepiece.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@br_ak7588 thanks for sharing you experience!

[@weekendwarrior8334]

@@br_ak7588 Thank you sir!!

[@weekendwarrior8334]

@@br_ak7588 Most people seem to really prefer the 25-50 Wide Angle eyepiece with the Swaro because the FOV is pretty narrow on the 20-60x.

[@joshbru8243]

Thoughts on kowa 66a vs tract Toric spotting scope. Is the kowa worth another $1k? Thanks!

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Yeah, I've had them side by side and the Kowa 66 is certainly a step or two about the Tract. The Tract is great for its price point, but edge to edge clarity leaves a bit to be desired on the Tract whereas the Kowa is nearly perfect. You can check out our full review on the Tract Toric spotter here in the channel for a full rundown! Thanks for watching!

[@joshbru8243]

@@BackwoodsPursuit thank you! Your videos are super helpful

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@joshbru8243 absolutely! I appreciate you following the channel and glad the videos are helpful.

[@davidpickens6916]

I was curious of the price of the 773 and I can’t find it. They must have discontinued it…. 11-21-23

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Yes, they discontinued the 77 shortly after the release of the 66. Thanks for watching!

[@user-mh5qg5jb7d]

Other reviewers who compared these two with a resolution chart at distance actually favor the resolution of the 66 over the 77, including in low light, despite the 77 being marginally brighter.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Yeah, the 77 definitely seemed brighter, but resolution was a touch better with the 66. Thanks for watching!

[@jimrice4699]

That is not what I picked up from Rob at S&S and I have not seen a better comparison than that one. I also happen to trust Rob and respect his judgment. He (and most of the team) felt the Kowa 77 was brighter. In terms of resolution, under bright light most felt that the 77 was slightly superior to the 66. In very low light surprisingly Rob had a very hard time telling a difference in resolution between the 66 and 77 but seemed to lean ever so slightly towards the 66 in low light. They were both better than the two Swarovskis. My reaction was that the 77 wins on price, brightness and effectively ties on resolution. But it is slightly heavier and larger. The 66 wins on size, weight, ties on resolution, but falls a bit short in low light and costs a LOT more. Essentially a tie except for the (significant) difference in cost, difference in size and weight, and small improvement in brightness with the 77. Choose the one that best fits your need and budget. But...that was when the 77 was still available and was on sale. Now you don't have a choice. LOL.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@jimrice4699 all good points! I know and trust Rob as well... he has some great insight and has participated with many of our optics reviews! Thanks for watching

[@ivanov9693]

​@@jimrice4699Scope makers usual sample variation would actually explain this. Kowa and Swaro have cherries and lemons scopes in their production. Comparing resolution, reviewers can get a cherry 66 and a lemon 77 or the other way around, it's impossible to know. I would think they are equal regarding resolution. Regarding Brightness, the 77 is better, that's for sure.

[@torreyintahoe]

A lot of guys trading in their Swarovskis for the 66.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

I can understand why! These are awesome! Thanks for watching.