Kowa 77mm Spotting Scope Comparison and Review

High-Performance Model with Superior Optics

A 77mm objective lens in a compact body. With the portability and compactness of a 60mm class scope and the optical performance of an 80mm class scope, this model will satisfy both experienced users and beginners.

77MM XD LENS
The PROMINAR models have an XD objective lens with low dispersion properties to diminish chromatic aberration. Like the TSN-880 Prominar models, the concave lens paired with the XD lens is made of glass with special dispersion properties to reduce the chromatic aberration to a further degree.

"PROMINAR" Lens 
One of the major causes of deterioration of viewing quality in optics is chromatic aberration (color blur). Chromatic aberration occurs due to the dispersion of light and the different wavelengths of light focusing on different positions, resulting in a red or purple fringing around the image. The optimum optical material to minimize chromatic aberration is fluorite crystal. 

This technology is the result of many years of optical design and has realized great reduction in chromatic aberration, while maintaining a large diameter lens and high contrast images when compared with conventional models. 

The XD lens used in our TSN-773/774 PROMINAR models has characteristics similar to those of fluorite crystal to significantly reduce the chromatic aberration. All lenses are environmentally friendly Eco-Glass. (Eco-Glass is an environmentally friendly glass that does not contain lead or other harmful substances.)

COMPACT SIZE
The adoption of the inner focus system keeps the prism box light and compact, realizing a large 77mm objective lens in a body length of a 60mm class scope.

MAGNESIUM ALLOY BODY
The magnesium alloy body decreases the weight of the scope while providing a rugged structure that can withstand the severest conditions.

DUAL FOCUS MECHANISM (QUICK & FINE FOCUSING)
The dual focus mechanism allows focusing in two revolutions and fine pinpoint accuracy in one system.

EYEPIECE LOCKING MECHANISM
The eyepiece locking mechanism secures the eyepiece to the scope body and prevents it from getting lost or falling off suddenly.

TRIPOD MOUNT
The addition of a brass insert to the tripod mount of the scope allows the scope to be secured to both 1/4 and 3/8 inch mount tripods.

WATERPROOF & FILLED WITH DRY NITROGEN GAS
The housing is waterproof to JIS* Protection Class 7** and filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent the lens from fogging.

 

SUGGESTED EYEPIECES

Model	TE-10Z (Discontinued)	TE-17W	TE-20H	TE-11WZ
Magnification	20~60X	30X,Wide	25X,LER	25-60
Real Field of View	2.2*~1.1*	2.4*	2.1*	2.4*-1.32*
Exit Pupil	4.4~1.5mm	2.9mm	3.5mm	3.1-1.3
Relative Brightness	19.4~2.3	8.4	12.3	9.5-1.6
Twilight Factor	42.0~72.7	51.4	46.9	43.9-67.9
Eye Relief	17.0~16.5mm	20.0mm	32.0mm	17mm
Field of view at 1000m/yds	38.4~19.3m/yds	41.9m/yds	36.7m/yds	42-23m

Front & Rear Caps

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Kowa Prominar TSN 773 Spotting Scope Review
http://ireviewgear.com

I have been using the Kowa Prominar TSN 773 Angled Spotting Scope since Sept 1st of 2015. During this time I have looked through the spotting scope every day, and some days for many hours at a time. (yes I am still married)
My first extensive use of the Kowa 773 came in mid September. I spent 5 days hunting elk in Idaho with my bow. The early morning and late evenings were spent spotting elk from long distances, and planning the hunt for the day. During this time I averaged about 2 hours of spotting through the scope each day. My average distance of spotting was about 1 mile. At this distance heat waves, bad air etc, can really impact your ability to pick up animals. I was fortunate that my time of spotting occurred before the heat and in an area with great clean air.

My second extensive use of the Kowa 773 occurred in early November in the State of Utah. I was helping a friend on a late elk hunt in the Wasatch Mountains. During this time I spent about 1 hour per day looking at elk at distances of about 700-1000 yards. The air again was clean and crisp! On this trip I spent lots of time taking photos through the scope with a Phone Scope. The 5 guys that helped me on this hunt were all very very jealous of my ability to see so clearly, see at such early and late hours, and my ability to take great long distance photos.

My third extensive use of the scope is happening every day. I spend 30 minutes to 1 hour per day looking through this outstanding scope from my front door. I am lucky to face the mountains in Utah, and I am even more lucky that it is loaded with deer.
So, in Summary, I am a POWER USER of the Kowa 773 spotting scope .

Overall Thoughts:
Like I stated earlier. WOW. The quailyt of this scope in my opinion is second to none.
-The edge to edge clarity of this scope is outstanding. I share it regularly with those hunting with me, and without exception the comments are always the same. “there is great clarity across the entire view field”
-The scope, due to the large objective has unreal light gathering capabilities. I spot with people who have Swarovski, Leica, Vortex…, the Kowa 773 is unrivaled in its ability to gather light, when compared to like objective spotting scopes. Great job Kowa!
-The size of this scope is perfect. I like to rate spotting scopes on the ability to see compared to size. This scope is the clear leader in this area. There is not another scope this small that has the clarity, and overall quality of this scope.
-Clarity through the zoom range. Let’s be honest, there are spotting scopes out there that work well at 15-25 power, and very few that work well above 30 power. You will be thrilled with the Kowa 773 at any power. I have been using this scope and eyepiece combination at 60 power more than any other scope I have every owned. GREAT JOB again Kowa.

Summary:
If you are in the market for a top end spotting scope, you have go to consider a Kowa. The overall quality, clarity, and light gathering is just outstanding. It certainly equals the functionality of the big 3: Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss. In fact I actually prefer this to my Swarovski scope!
The claims made about Chromatic aberration reduction are absolutely true. This is a well made, and just an outstanding product:
What they could do better:
Get the word out to the hunting community
Slight improvement in the fine focus wheel is needed, it is still not quite fine enough.
GREAT SCOPE!!