I like the Kowa TSN-55x - am I alone? (1 Viewer)

[birdcat]

B&H had the Kowa TSN-553 for $1299 yesterday. I couldn't resist and will compare this to my Swarovski ATS 20-60x65 shortly.

 

[Tringa45]

B&H had the Kowa TSN-553 for $1299 yesterday. I couldn't resist and will compare this to my Swarovski ATS 20-60x65 shortly.

Must admit to also having made curiosity purchases in the past and have not always been disappointed.
In view of a going price here around €1800, I can understand that temptation won out.

John

 

[fazalmajid]

B&H had the Kowa TSN-553 for $1299 yesterday. I couldn't resist and will compare this to my Swarovski ATS 20-60x65 shortly.

I was sorely tempted, but got a TSN-503 as a stocking stuffer impulse buy a month ago, so I was able to resist.

For heads, I think a gimbal head makes most sense for a spotting scope. You can balance the scope's center of gravity precisely and make turning it effortless, they are designed for heavy camera telephoto lenses. I myself use a ProMediaGear Katana Jr mounted on Gitzo Traveler legs with my Meopta Meostar S2 82 HD scope, it's at least as stable as my Gitzo 2 Series systematic with a Manfrotto 128RC fluid pan-tilt head.

 

[Tringa45]

I myself use a ProMediaGear Katana Jr mounted on Gitzo Traveler legs with my Meopta Meostar S2 82 HD scope,

Couldn't find anything on the Katana Jr. and I'm reluctant to use the word "overkill" for tripods or heads, but isn't that a lot of bulk and weight for an 810 g Kowa 553?

John

 

[birdcat]

Kowa TSN-553: It's no ATS 65.

The Kowa TSN-553 is definitely a cool little scope, but I'm hard pressed to say I would give up my Swarovski ATS 20-60x65mm (2021). Aside from the Kowa feeling less robust, I can just plain see things more easily at a distance with the Swarovski ATS at the same magnification.

Now if you start talking about using lighter weight heads and tripods, that's a different story.

I am going to investigate using an Outdoorsmans Pan Head vs the Swarovski CTH head that I have now, and will report back.

Still evaluating for now...

 

[birdcat]

Just to update - not convinced my TSN-553 is 100% after further evaluation and noted chromatic aberration. After discussion with vendor (not B&H), Kowa is sending another copy. Will respond to this thread when it arrives.