Any hands on experience with the Kowa 553?

[Timberdog]

Who has played with one and what's your opinion

[mburrows]

I’ve only looked through one on a handful of a occasions but I thought it was a pretty nice little spotter. Was crazy light too.

[zwickeyman]

I had one for a bit. Never hunted it though

My take

A decent spotter for the price and especially weight

I sold mine after comparing it to my 80MM Swaro and old 50mm Gold Ring. I bought it mainly for Elk when I dont want to carry the 80MM. It was a little better than my old Gold Ring but not enough to justify keeping it. If I didnt have the Gold Ring I probably would have kept it

[Stein]

Tagging along, seriously giving it a look myself but haven't laid hands on one yet.

[Lightning_Rider]

I bought one this fall and am in love with it. It's definitely made for backpack hunting. I sold my swaro hd 65 and bought mine, not one regret. Magnification is perfect, crystal clear all the way through. Not quite as much light transmission early morning and before dark.

[Timberdog]

Thanks for the input. Do any stores carry them so a guy can put his hands on one

[Tbar]

Maybe wild birds unlimited in gig harbor.

[MtnMuley]

Its the best mini spotter on the market these days and has been since it came out a few years back in my opinion. I have no complaints with mine except I wished I'd owned one back in the day when chasing muleys in the high country here was worth it.