Backpack Spotter

If you're looking for a quality lightweight spotting scope, take a look at the Kowa 553 and 554.

There are great comparison reviews on S&S Archery and RS.

Just wanted to give a heads-up to others that are looking since it's a relatively unknown name in the hunting arena.

I picked one up last week and am blown away by it. I suspect it'll replace my 88mm spotter 80-90% of the time.

Grizzly

Good to know. How would you compare it to the Nikon ED 50? Can you get a wide angle eyepiece for it?

"That's a special feeling, Lloyd"

www.cloverleafrifles.com

https://youtu.be/l3xHt-xeNYw

LAST EDITED ON Feb-07-18 AT 01:28PM (MST)[p]The reviews I have read say the ED50 isn't even in the same ballpark optically. That the Kowa 55 surpasses the Razor in leaps and bounds and is most comparable to the Swarovski 65.

My brother has the Razor so I can confirm the Vortex isn't in the same league as the Kowa.

I just replaced my Swaro 80 with the Kowa 88 so I know the Kowa is optically better amongst those scopes, but I haven't been able to compare the Swaro 65 to the Kowa 55 personally.

Take a look at the reviews on S&S Archery and RS for their more in-depth comparisons. No reason to take my word for it when those guys did full reviews/comparisons.

http://www.rokslide.com/kowa-tsn-553-prominar-review/

http://blog.sandsarchery.com/kowa-tsn-550-55mm-fluorite-crystal-spotting-scope-review/

***Also, I just noticed that BH Photo as a killer deal on the 554 (straight scope) right now.

Grizzly

I have both the 66mm and 88mm Kowa spotters and they are great. I sold an 80mm Swarovski and replaced it with the 88mm Kowa and I have absolutely no regrets. If you read reviews by the birders Kowa spotters always rank right up there as some of the best. I'm surprised they don't have more of a loyal following from hunters.

Is it the 10 year warranty that shy people away.

I've looked through enough vortex spotters to know that they are not top shelf.


"That's a special feeling, Lloyd"

www.cloverleafrifles.com

https://youtu.be/l3xHt-xeNYw

I run one of these kowas and wow.... it has replaced my big spotter 75% of the time or more. Honestly one of my favorite scopes I have looked through and owned.