Kowa Pure Fluorite Crystal Flagship Model with a Large 88mm Diameter Lens
In 2008 the Cornell Ornithology Lab conducted ScopeQuest, a detailed comparison test of 36 spotting scopes. Optics (ranging in price from $220.00 to $4500.00) were viewed side-by-side and rated according to sharpness, color fidelity, edge-to-edge focus, brightness, distortion, and general optical quality. The testing team also considered ease of handling/focus, and eye relief (scopes with longer eye relief are better for eyeglass wearers). Two of the finest spotting scopes AccurateShooter.com has used, the Zeiss Diascope 85 T FL, and the Swarovski APS 80 HD, performed very well as expected, and ended up near the top of the list. The TeleVue-85 APO, a very large refractor, received the highest ratings for image quality (both at 20X and 60X), but lost points for easy of use and general “feel”. The overall winner among the 36 spotting scopes tested was the Kowa TSN-883 Prominar, a new-generation spotter with a huge 88mm objective, dual focusing knobs, and spectacular flourite glass. The results of Cornell’s spotting scope test are found on the LivingBird.org website. Click the link below for a charrt ranking all 36 scopes according to their overall ratngs.
Spotting scope Test SummaryFor birders willing to take the plunge for the very best optics at whatever cost, the top choices, in my view, are either the Kowa 883/884 or 773/774 or the Swarovski HD 80mm or 65mm scopes. Any of these top scopes will give you years of pure birding pleasure.
Ken Rosenberg is director of Conservation Science at the Lab.
Kowa Pure Fluorite Crystal Flagship Model with a Large 88mm Diameter Lens
The flagship of Kowa spotting scopes with an extremely large 88mm objective lens. The enthusiasm behind Kowa’s 60 years of spotting scope development is manifested in this supreme model. Its optical performance and user friendliness leaves a satisfying impression on the user.
88MM FLUORITE CRYSTAL LENS
HIGH-END PROMINAR MODELS
The pure fluorite crystal used in these models is the optimum optical material for reducing chromatic aberration, providing the ultimate viewing experience.
"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.)
LARGE LENS, COMPACT SIZE
The inner focus system keeps the prism box light and compact while the large 88mm objective lens ensures overwhelming brightness.
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 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.
*JIS=Japanese Industrial Standard
**The Scope is not intended for use underwater
SPECIFICATION:
|
Model |
TSN-883 / Angled |
|
Objective Lens Diameter |
88mm |
|
Lens Type |
Fluorite Crystal Lens |
|
Minimum Focusing Distance |
5m (16.4feet) |
|
Length |
343mm (13.5in) |
|
Weight |
1520g (53.6oz) |
|
Filter Diameter* |
95mm |
|
|
*Filter can be attached to scope. |
In the Box
Kowa TSN-884 Straight 88mm Prominar Spotting Scope (Eyepiece TE-11WZ)
Push-On Objective CapRear Scope Cap (covers eyepiece connection end)Limited Lifetime Warranty
Suggeated 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 |
3.5-1.5 |
|
Relative Brightness |
19.4~2.3 |
8.4 |
12.3 |
12.4-2.2 |
|
Twilight Factor |
42.0~72.7 |
51.4 |
46.9 |
46.9-72.7 |
|
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 |
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