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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,380 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,380 Likes: 1 |
Last year I did a bit of side by side by side testing of spotters that I had on hand. It was mostly old glass to see how they held up to the newer glass. I got to look critically at a couple of scope mentioned here. I will say this. The Leupold Compact Spotting scope (rubber armored ones) doesn't hold up. They didn't hold up well 30 years ago when I did a side by side with an old B&L Balscope Sr, and they definitely don't resolve as well as today's decent glass.
The 50mm Nikon usually comes up when folks talk about a compact packable scope. My experience is that it is full of compromises and doesn't keep up with a good 66mm scope. I upgraded the eyepiece to what everyone says makes this scope pop. Still didn't allow this scope to match up. I've been tempted to pop for a 55mm Kowa, but for my expectations I've decided it's a fools errand. I won't buy one unless I get to try one first. For now I decided I'll pay the weight (not much) and space (significant) toll and pack the 661.
There was one scope in the 50mm class that was amazing. Ironically it was probably the oldest scope that I was comparing and it's vintage and unobtanium today (it was unobtanium 30 years ago too). The Unertal 54mm MgFl scope isn't something you'd throw in your pack, but it's proof to me that a small objective can deliver excellent resolution in spite of my experiences with the other 50's.
] Thank you, this post is quite helpful for my search for a spotting system.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,660
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,660 |
I have been using a kowa tsn-553 15-45x55 instead of the Swarovski 20-60x65mm I used that past 10 years. So far it has been a good optic not 100% of what the Swarovski was but close enough plus the size and weight difference makes it a winner.
Ted
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,380 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,380 Likes: 1 |
Quick question, how does the Kowa TSN 501 stack up against the TSN 553? Are they a world apart and the 501 not worthy of consideration even with it's small size and 14oz weight? I would give some up for size and weight, but not go into a completely lower category optic for it..
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 638
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 638 |
For packing, I've always liked the older Leupold 25x or 30X straight compact spotter. You can still find them in the $175-$250 price range regularly and they are really great glass IMO. If you are patient, you can find them with the original cover that protects them in the pack and can stay on while using on a tripod...
However, it would be hard to beat the Kowa for your uses if it is in your budget....
Bob The leupold 25 X is what I have. I bought a "ScopeCoat' for it to ride in my pack.
Texas
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 13,389
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 13,389 |
Quick question, how does the Kowa TSN 501 stack up against the TSN 553? Are they a world apart and the 501 not worthy of consideration even with it's small size and 14oz weight? I would give some up for size and weight, but not go into a completely lower category optic for it.. There is a substantial difference. The 501 is a good optic but not in the 553 class at all
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,760
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,760 |
Another vote for the old fixed Leupold spotters. I have a 20x50 that has huge eye relief. The view from that little scope always amazes me.
A true sportsman counts his achievements in proportion to the effort involved and fairness of the sport. - S. Pope
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 591
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 591 |
After reading this thread and the one below about a sale https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...ands-founders-birthday-sale#Post14029989I talked to Neal and Doug, got a great deal, and a Kowa 554 is on the way! Thanks for the responses and advice, everyone.
NRA Benefactor Life Member
NAHC Life Member
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,660
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,660 |
That is a nice tripod. I have found that I can go even lighter and still be pretty happy. Im at 3 pounds on the nose for spotter AND tripod. Which tripod did you go with? I am using the same spotter but still using my old heavy tripod.
Last edited by old_willys; 08/08/19.
Ted
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