Used Kowa TSN-553 & 15-45x Zoom Eyepiece
£999 The only one we have
Condition report
Checked in HarrogateLittle or no sign of use. Optics and sensor clean.
Our notes: Virtually like new cosmetic condition with no noticeable signs of use. Optics clean and free from defects. Focus and zoom both smooth. Mint
How we grade
- Like new
- Little or no sign of use. Optics and sensor clean.
- Excellent
- Light signs of careful use, only visible up close. Optics and sensor clean.
- Very good
- Some light marks or wear from normal use. Nothing that affects how it works or its pictures.
- Good
- Clearly used, with visible wear. Works properly and takes good pictures.
- Fair
- Heavy signs of use, or a flaw described in our notes. Fully working, priced to match.
Every item graded Fair or above is fully working and tested in our Harrogate shop. Any haze, fungus or marks on the glass are always written in the notes, and cap the grade at Fair.
- Testing
- Fully tested
- Warranty
- 12 months
- In the box
- Boxed complete inc. stay on case.
Order by 2pm for same-day dispatch
Insured UK delivery £5.99, or collect free from our Harrogate shop
Hassle-free returns
Open Mon–Sat, 9:30am–5pm
Questions about this one?
Ask the people who tested it. We’ll check any detail or send extra photos before you buy.
- 4.9 on GoogleFrom 137 reviews
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60+ yearsIndependent, in Harrogate
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Warranty includedUp to 12 months
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Secure checkoutPayments by Shopify
The details
At a glance: Kowa TSN-553 - compact 55mm fluorite spotting scope with 15-45x zoom eyepiece.
About this spotting scope
The Kowa TSN-553 is a compact 55mm fluorite-crystal spotting scope with an angled body, supplied here with its matched 15-45x zoom eyepiece. Kowa's Prominar fluorite glass keeps chromatic aberration very low for the size, making this one of the sharpest genuinely portable scopes available.
Build & handling
| Objective | 55mm Prominar pure fluorite crystal |
|---|---|
| Body | Angled |
| Eyepiece supplied | 15-45x zoom (matched to the 55mm body) |
| Magnification range | 15-45x |
| Close focus | Approx. 5m |
| Weight | Approx. 965g body only |
| Water/fog proof | Yes - nitrogen filled, waterproof |
Works with
- Kowa TSN-500 series eyepieces
- Kowa digiscoping adapters for the 500 series
- Standard 1/4in tripod mount
Best for
A travel and hiking spotting scope for birders who want fluorite-grade image quality without carrying an 80mm. Well suited to digiscoping and to long days on foot where an 80mm scope and heavy tripod are impractical. A 55mm gathers markedly less light than an 80mm, so it is at its best in reasonable light rather than deep dusk.
Frequently asked questions
How does the 553 differ from the 554?
Body angle only - the TSN-553 is the angled version and the TSN-554 is straight. Optics are identical. Angled bodies suit tripod use, shared viewing and looking upwards; straight bodies suit window mounts and following moving subjects.
Is a 55mm scope enough for serious birding?
For daytime birding, yes - the fluorite glass means resolution is excellent. If you regularly watch at dawn or dusk, or want maximum magnification for distant waders, an 80mm class scope will serve you better.
Why buy from Bass & Bligh
Bought from a real shop, not a warehouse.
Dispatched on the Monday… great service
Ordered a Panasonic four thirds lens dispatched on the Monday after purchase and delivered on the following Tuesday great service. Tried on the camera and initial thoughts are wow pin sharp and clear photos. Thank you
George P.Ordered a lens onlineA proper little treasure trove
3rd time I've been to this shop to treat myself to some new kit. Always very friendly and knowledgeable. Fairly priced too. I would highly recommend a visit if your nearby and looking for camera gear. I'd say if they don't have what your looking for, it's probably not possible to find anywhere. It's a proper little treasure trove.
Philip B.Third visit to the shopBrilliant advice with awesome customer service
Sure you can buy online and possibly save a few pounds.. but if you require and appreciate knowledge and brilliant advice with awesome customer service then it's a no brainer...This is a real camera shop like it used to be back int day..
Malcolm S.