For the serious backcountry hunter, every ounce counts. You need gear that performs without weighing you down. Enter the Kowa TSN-55A, a spotting scope that delivers high-end optics in a lightweight, compact package. In this Kowa 55mm review, we’re taking a hard look at why this spotter might just be the ultimate tool for backcountry hunts where you’ve got to carry everything on your back and still need sharp, reliable glass to size up game.
Lightweight and Compact: Built for the Backcountry
When you’re miles deep into the backcountry, weight matters. The Kowa TSN-55A weighs in at just 34 ounces and stretches just over 10 inches long. It’s small, it’s light, and it’s built for the hunter on the move. Whether you’re glassing mountain ridges for elk or sizing up a mule deer across a valley, this scope won’t weigh you down. For those long, grueling hikes, it’s the perfect balance between performance and portability.
Fluorite Crystal Glass: Razor-Sharp Clarity
What really sets the Kowa 55mm apart is the fluorite crystal objective lens. This isn’t your average glass—it’s lab-grown and designed to minimize chromatic aberration. What does that mean for you? Cleaner, sharper images when you need to judge points or identify fine details, even in challenging lighting. Whether it’s at dawn, dusk, or in the midday sun, you’re going to get clear, crisp visuals that help you make decisions in the field.
Wide-Angle Eyepiece: See More, Do More
With the TE-11WZ wide-angle eyepiece, this spotting scope gives you a field of view that’s 50% larger than its predecessor. And when you compare it to other scopes in the same class, it offers 10-12% more field of view, giving you the upper hand when you’re scanning wide-open terrain. Whether you’re glassing large areas or zeroing in on a specific target, the wider field of view lets you cover more ground faster and more efficiently—exactly what you need on a backcountry hunt.
Dual Focus Knobs: Precision Dialed In
Precision matters when you’re trying to pick out that trophy animal or ensure a clean shot. Kowa’s dual focus knobs are game-changers, allowing for both fine and coarse adjustments. With these, you can get tack-sharp focus without the frustrating image shake or delay you get from other single-focus systems. It’s smooth and easy, giving you complete control of your glassing experience.
Improved Design for the Field
Kowa didn’t just slap great glass into this spotter and call it a day. They’ve made smart, hunter-friendly improvements. The ridged sunshade helps you quickly line up your view, especially if you prefer an angled scope, and the upgraded mounting plate keeps your scope locked in place, even on rough terrain. Sure, it’s not Arca Swiss compatible, but the larger footprint and anti-spin design give it a solid advantage.
Field-Tested and Hunter Approved
I’ve had this scope out on some rugged hunts, from Idaho’s backcountry to the thick forests of the Pacific Northwest, and it performs. The Kowa 55mm handled everything I threw at it. Whether I was glassing through thick timber for elk or scanning wide-open meadows for muleys, the scope was easy to carry and even easier to use. It holds up in the rain, fog, and whatever else Mother Nature throws at you.
Who Is the Kowa 55mm For?
This scope is made for the hardcore backcountry hunter who demands top-notch performance in a lightweight package. If you’re the type of hunter who’s willing to hike the extra mile, cut weight from your pack, and still need top-tier performance, the Kowa 55mm is built for you. It’s not just another compact scope—it’s a purpose-built tool that gives you the edge in the field.
Final Thoughts
The Kowa TSN-55A is a serious piece of gear for serious hunters. It’s compact, lightweight, and packs in some of the best optics on the market today. Whether you’re glassing for game deep in the mountains or scanning wide-open prairies, this spotter delivers. It might not have every bell and whistle, but what it does offer is a clear, sharp view that can make all the difference when you’re out in the wild.
If you’re looking for a spotting scope that won’t hold you back, the Kowa TSN-55 is the one to get. Backcountry hunters, this one’s for you.
For more details on the Kowa 55mm, head over to S&S Archery, where you can find expert advice and free shipping.
