Kowa used recomendations (1 Viewer)

[painfindinganame]

hiya, I just looking for some input with regard to the best-used Kowa scopes that I'm likely to find on eBay.
what would be the best recommendation, please?

~S

 

[benjsham]

Although I’m not an optics expert I know a little bit about used Kowas on eBay. I recently purchased a Kowa spotting scope from eBay and have been keeping an eye on what’s available recently on eBay for my brother who is interested in buying a used scope as well.

Others on this forum can give better advice, but general consensus seems to be that you should go for an ED model scope. In Kowa, ED (or XD as they call them) scopes are signified by the last number in the name. xx3/xx4 scopes will be ED (or fluorite in the highest end models). xx1/xx2 will be standard glass. Older models should not be written off. TSN-3/4, -603/604, -663/664 (earlier non “M” models), and -823/824 should all be considered. The older zoom eyepieces are not the best but many newer Kowa zoom eyepieces can either be adapted for or may fit straight in. Older wide angle fixed eyepieces are supposedly pretty good still.

Re eBay: I’d recommend looking at a lightly used Kowa 663/664 or 773/774. If you are patient you could get one for between $600 - $750 and $900 - $1,100 USD, respectively. 883/884 can often be had for around $2,200 with the TE-11wz eyepiece. eBay has a very good scam protection policy so that’s nothing to worry about. I actually ended up buying a scope I thought could have been a scam (multiple other sellers had listed the same item). The sellers were drop shipping from Yahoo Japan. If they can’t get the item to you they will source another one of the same model (which they did for me) or will refund you. The only worry is that it is impossible to test optical quality with an online purchase. Caveat emptor.

 

[NCstaccato]

I have been looking for a used 773 for a while and can't find one anywhere. Any idea where to look other than Ebay?

 

[KC Foggin]

Can't help you with your search but I did want to offer a warm welcome to you! I hope you enjoy your time sith us

 

[NCstaccato]

Thank you for the warm welcome !

 

[benjsham]

I have been looking for a used 773 for a while and can't find one anywhere. Any idea where to look other than Ebay?

773s seem more uncommon (and pricier) on eBay than 774s. I also wanted a 773 but "settled" for a 774 in the end. I know there have been some 773s for sale on the hunting forum Rokslide.

 

[NCstaccato]

773s seem more uncommon (and pricier) on eBay than 774s. I also wanted a 773 but "settled" for a 774 in the end. I know there have been some 773s for sale on the hunting forum Rokslide.

How do you like your 774? I'm about to do the same as you did. any regrets?

 

[ava_johnson]

Thank you all for the info)

 

[benjsham]

How do you like your 774? I'm about to do the same as you did. any regrets?

No regrets, it’s a lovely scope. I had to get a steadier tripod as the added height required by the straight scope made viewing too unstable in heavy winds. I’d been needing a new tripod anyways and found a Gitzo systematic for a good price on eBay.

 

[dipped]

The Kowa 823/824 with the Baader MkIV zoom makes a pretty good value combo. I've recently acquired the Baader for my 824 and it's pretty impressive.