December 09, 2025

EP 276 - Kite APC 60 ED: World’s First Image Stabilized Spotting Scope – Game Changer or Gimmick?

17 minutes

Sale on hunts with Mindful Hunter Outfitting. Get up to $750 off per person. Email https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ and get automatically entered to win a Sig Oscar 6 Image-Stabilising Spotting Scope!

In this deep dive, we put the Kite Optics APC 60 through a rigorous field test to see if it lives up to the hype. With built-in image stabilization, compact form factor, and claims of premium optics, this scope targets serious backcountry hunters and wildlife spotters looking for performance without the bulk. But does it deliver?

We break down real-world performance across vibration control, handheld use, optical clarity, and mirage resistance—plus we’ve got TWO gear giveaways including a Swaro ATX and the Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x binoculars!

📌 Chapters

0:00 – Intro: What is the Kite APC 60 & why it matters

2:10 – Caveats: Honest thoughts before you buy

4:31 – Vibration Test: Does the stabilization actually work?

6:35 – Handheld Test: Can you glass steady without a tripod?

8:02 – Optical Quality Test: Contrast, color, edge-to-edge sharpness

8:58 – Mirage Test: Can the APC 60 cut through atmospheric distortion?

10:58 – Recap: What stood out and what didn’t

12:29 – Swaro ATX Giveaway: How to enter

13:16 – Conclusion & Recommendations: Who is this scope for?

14:59 – Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x Binocular Giveaway: Second prize details

🔥 Whether you’re hunting high-alpine mule deer or scouting elk from windy ridgelines, this review will help you decide if the APC 60 belongs in your pack—or if you’re better off saving your cash.

📢 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more honest, no-BS reviews of the best optics and gear in the hunting world.

#KiteOptics #APC60 #SpottingScopeReview #BackcountryHunting #ImageStabilizedOptics #HuntingGearReview #LongRangeGlass #SwarovskiATX #SigSauerZulu #OpticsShootout #MindfulHunter

🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope.

0:00 – Intro

2:10 – Caveats

4:31 – Vibration Test

6:35 – Handheld Test

8:02 – Optical Quality Test

8:58 – Mirage Test

10:58 – Recap

12:29 – Swaro ATX Giveaway

13:16 – Conclusion & Recommendations

14:59 – Sig Sauer Zule 10 15x Binocular Giveaway

Jay Nichol

[email protected]

https://www.mindful-reviews.com/

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Forged In The Backcountry

https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

Merch

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop

Newsletter

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact

https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/

Podcast

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

No purchase required. Contest begins on February 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) 1 previously owned Swarovski ATX 85mm Spotting Scope (approximate retail value $5,900.00 CAD). Skill testing question required. This Contest is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland, who are legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence (19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS, and 18 in all remaining U.S. states, The District of Columbia and Canada, 16 in United Kingdom, 20 in New Zealand, 16 in Finland, 15 in France, and 18 in Switzerland), who are age of majority in their province or territory of residence at time of entry. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No entry limit. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/swarovski-atx-85mm-spotting-scope-giveaway💥 Plus, I’m giving away a Swarovski TAX 85mm! Stay tuned for details!

...more

View all episodes

By Jay Nichol

4.9

9292 ratings