Compact Spotters for under $1k?

[TimberHunter]

Selling my razor 65mm because I don’t pack it with me due to the weight/size.

For under $1k what smallish spotter would you guys recommend? Originally was thinking maven


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Antares]

If you can bump your budget up to $1200-1300, I'd look for a used Kowa 553/554.

 

[huntnful]

If you can bump your budget up to $1200-1300, I'd look for a used Kowa 553/554.

Ditto this. A used 553 or 554 will be worth the price.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

The Maven S.2 absolutely surprised me how good it is. Crystal clear.

 

[HOT ROD]

Nikon ED 50 or a Nikon Ed III 20-60x60.....

 

[TimberHunter]

Anyone familiar with the warranty on used Kowa spotters?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DenimChicken]

Nikon ED 50 or a Nikon Ed III 20-60x60.....

After being in a similar spot to the OP and doing a ton of research, I've almost convinced myself that the ED50 is what I'm going to do.

 

[Valumpessa]

I was in the same boat a few months ago. Ended up selling my 65mm Razor and going with a barely used Kowa 554 for $1200.

 

[TimberHunter]

I was in the same boat a few months ago. Ended up selling my 65mm Razor and going with a barely used Kowa 554 for $1200.

How is the image quality between the razor and the small Kowa?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Valumpessa]

Slightly more crisp on the Kowa. I mainly like that I kept the fine focus, like on the first gen razor, while shedding 20 ounces. Narrower fov but I only use it for getting a better look at things I glass up with my binos. Well worth it.

 

[CorbLand]

How is the image quality between the razor and the small Kowa?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My buddy has the KOWA and I have an ATS 65. I was over at his place comparing the two the other day and that little KOWA held it’s own to the end. The swaro still beats it but I was extremely surprised at how well that KOWA did.

 

[stdeb11]

Nikon ED50 with MCII eyepiece is really tough to beat for size, weight, and price

 

[Barrettscarvings]

I’ve wondered about selling my vortex to get into a kowa. The midsize was only 28 oz and I hear they are awesome

 

[thinhorn_AK]

There’s nothing good for less than a thousand dollars. Too choices are the kowa and the 65mm swarovski. Nothing even comes close to those two.

 

[Barrettscarvings]

buy once cry once?

 

[Highlands Hunter]

Kowa 663 or 664 with a fixed 30x eyepiece is really nice