Disclaimer: This review is very unscientific, conducted by me and my fellow shooters.
Since my Kowa TSN1 is fixed at 25X all testing was completed at this power to provide a fair comparison.
Initial resolution and color was done at 100yds. During the course of our day of shooting we used each spotter to 600yds.
The winner by a VERY small margin was the Leupold MK4. Second the Kowa, and the Athlon third.
Please keep in mind the Kowa is 30 years old and has lived a rough life.
The color and the clarity of the MK4 is just a fuzz better than the Kowa. The MK4 has the advantage with a reticle which is
helpful with a good spotter on the eyepiece.
The Athlon we all agreed was very difficult to use because the fast focus ring is so small and difficult to manipulate.
If it protruded further it would be a lot easier to grasp. Also we all found that having 1 focus knob was quicker and easier
to use VS a course (or fast) focus then having to fine tune with the second knob.
Attached are a few pictures taken the day of the comparison.
The first picture is the 100yd target used for resolving.
Respectfully submitted,
Chet
Since my Kowa TSN1 is fixed at 25X all testing was completed at this power to provide a fair comparison.
Initial resolution and color was done at 100yds. During the course of our day of shooting we used each spotter to 600yds.
The winner by a VERY small margin was the Leupold MK4. Second the Kowa, and the Athlon third.
Please keep in mind the Kowa is 30 years old and has lived a rough life.
The color and the clarity of the MK4 is just a fuzz better than the Kowa. The MK4 has the advantage with a reticle which is
helpful with a good spotter on the eyepiece.
The Athlon we all agreed was very difficult to use because the fast focus ring is so small and difficult to manipulate.
If it protruded further it would be a lot easier to grasp. Also we all found that having 1 focus knob was quicker and easier
to use VS a course (or fast) focus then having to fine tune with the second knob.
Attached are a few pictures taken the day of the comparison.
The first picture is the 100yd target used for resolving.
Respectfully submitted,
Chet
