Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: Timberdog on April 14, 2022, 08:53:35 AM

Title: Any hands on experience with the Kowa 553?
Post by: Timberdog on April 14, 2022, 08:53:35 AM: Who has played with one and what's your opinion
Title: Re: Any hands on experience with the Kowa 553?
Post by: mburrows on April 14, 2022, 09:10:05 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Any hands on experience with the Kowa 553?
Post by: zwickeyman on April 14, 2022, 09:13:21 AM: 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
Title: Re: Any hands on experience with the Kowa 553?
Post by: Stein on April 14, 2022, 10:10:19 AM: Tagging along, seriously giving it a look myself but haven't laid hands on one yet.
Title: Re: Any hands on experience with the Kowa 553?
Post by: Lightning_Rider on April 14, 2022, 10:25:43 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Any hands on experience with the Kowa 553?
Post by: Timberdog on April 14, 2022, 11:59:47 AM: Thanks for the input. Do any stores carry them so a guy can put his hands on one
Title: Re: Any hands on experience with the Kowa 553?
Post by: Tbar on April 14, 2022, 12:15:09 PM: Maybe wild birds unlimited in gig harbor.
Title: Re: Any hands on experience with the Kowa 553?
Post by: MtnMuley on April 14, 2022, 12:44:36 PM: 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.