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Message: <blockquote data-quote="upettersson" data-source="post: 3588261" data-attributes="member: 142943">I just realized I had missed the big thread about the upcoming Kowa 553 scope and how it looks like it turns out not that great in the end. The Kowa was the thing I was postponing my decisions on.I ranted about weight vs use in my last post, and how maybe I should upgrade my current Nikon 8x42 binoculars, but there's no replacing a good "hatchet" in the end. Optics is difficult if you aren't into it. It must take years to follow all the manufacturers, releases and specs. A real visual art.I narrowed it down to the Opticron MM4 60ED+SDLv2 (15-45x) and ATS65HD+25-50xW.Price and weight/size decided it for me and I just ordered the Opticron MM4 with a good set of head and tripod, for what I find, travel friendly use and weight.Now I'll get to try it out just in time for my summer expedition; canoeing around Grövelsjön and climbing up Storvätteshågna for more than a week. As soon as I open my tent, no Lagopus muta, Vulpes lagopus, Bubo scandiacus, Strix nebulosa or Rangifer tarandus (among others) can escape me now <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />One thing I'm worried about is if I get a "lemon" and me being new to spotting scopes not being experienced enough to notice the flaws. I'd really appreciate some advice on easy tests to perform. I do have 20/20 vision, or atleast the military review told me, so I should be off to a good start <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></blockquote>

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