Hi guys. I have been using a kowa 883 this season. Absolutely love the thing. The reason for going with this scope was that it was to serve multiple purposes; range duty, hunting and photography. It has checked off all the boxes, except for one. Overall weight. When I include my tripod with panhead (about 3.5 pounds), I'm lugging 7 pounds around. Not the end of the world on a day hike, although it comes into to play when it is time to lug an animal out. However, if I am also carrying shelter and food, it becomes a legit concern.
I am curious if you all own a couple spotters, with one being a smaller lighter model that you can haul anywhere. I have been considering the Kowa 550 and maybe also couple it with a small light ballhead for my Sirui tripod. It is a serious chunk of change to shell out, so I am torn.
I could also consider trying to shed weight with my tripod, I am not sure that is the place to drop weight.
Also, am I giving up a lot of performance by dropping down from the 88 to a 55? Just suck it up and deal with the weight?
This hunting out west thing is getting expensive.
Looking forward to the comments. In the meantime, we are off to Yellowstone Park for the day with the spotter to take some wildlife pics....hopefully
Thx. Pete
I am curious if you all own a couple spotters, with one being a smaller lighter model that you can haul anywhere. I have been considering the Kowa 550 and maybe also couple it with a small light ballhead for my Sirui tripod. It is a serious chunk of change to shell out, so I am torn.
I could also consider trying to shed weight with my tripod, I am not sure that is the place to drop weight.
Also, am I giving up a lot of performance by dropping down from the 88 to a 55? Just suck it up and deal with the weight?
This hunting out west thing is getting expensive.
Looking forward to the comments. In the meantime, we are off to Yellowstone Park for the day with the spotter to take some wildlife pics....hopefully
Thx. Pete