KOWA Prominar TSN-99A & TE-80XW Eyepiece Review

Product Highlights

45° Angled Viewing
Scope Body Only—Eyepiece Required
Massive 99mm Objective Lens System
Fluorite Crystal & ED Glass Elements
Nitrogen-Filled, Water and Fogproof
Durable and Lightweight Magnesium Body
Dual 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 Tripod Mount
Rotating Tripod Collar
Fine and Coarse Dual Focus
Twist-Out Sunshade with Aiming Sight

Representing the largest objective in their flagship series, the 45° angled viewing Kowa TSN-99A Prominar Spotting Scope utilizes a combination of extra low-dispersion and pure fluorite crystal glass, coupled with optical lens coatings, to produce views free from chromatic aberrations, high light transmission, and improved color rendition, resolution, contrast, and clarity. Additional design elements include a specially designed ring and bayonet mount that allows the use of a suite of accessories and eyepieces to enhance your user experience and expand the capabilities of your scope. This version of the TSN-99A is offered here without an eyepiece, so you can choose the one that's right for you and pick it up separately.

Optical Performance

Spotting scope only, optional eyepiece required for proper use—compatible with TE-80XW & TE-11WZ II eyepieces
Front XD lens is made of extremely low-dispersion glass and the secondary is made of fluorite crystal glass, creating an optical path free from chromatic aberrations at even high magnification with high contrast and crisp clarity
99mm objective lens delivers outstanding low-light performance with exceptional detail
Anti-reflection fully multicoated lenses maximize light transmission and improve color rendition, resolution, contrast, and clarity
Proprietary KR coating on the exterior of the lens actively repels dirt, moisture, and dust from collecting on its surface to ensure clear views

Use and Handling

Eyepiece socket is set at a 45° angle to the body, putting the user's head in a comfortable viewing position whether they are standing, sitting, or lying prone
Dual-focus system: Quick (coarse) focus allows for fast action to bring your subject in to detail in just a few smooth revolutions and Fine focus gives pin-point, finger-tip control offering precise focusing accuracy with minute adjustments possible, even when wearing gloves—increasing performance for applications such as digiscoping when accurate focus is critical
Eyepiece quick release button allows the eyepiece to be removed smoothly for quick eyepiece or adapter changes without compromising on a secure connection to the scope body
Tripod mount has a removable screw that allows the spotting scope to be attached to either 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 heads and quick release plates
The orientation of the scope can be changed with the release of a locking button for precise eyepiece placement to improve viewing comfort
An easily accessible collar on the eyepiece mount allows for quick connection of current Kowa System accessories, including adapters for digiscoping and a 1.6x extender
105mm objective filter thread allows for a protective or UV filter to be added—the sunshade can still be used even with a filter installed
Lens hood has a built-in aiming sight as a visual aid to assist in finding a subject more rapidly

Construction Details

Compact design measures under 15" long
Lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant magnesium alloy chassis
Nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to protect from the elements—chassis is resistant to internal fogging in extreme conditions and waterproof
Smooth ergonomics make it comfortable and easy to use out in the field for long periods of time
Smooth twist-out sunshade helps to eliminate glare from the sun and reduces exposure of the objective lens to elements such as moisture, grit, and sand

In the Box

Kowa TSN-99A Prominar Spotting Scope (Angled Viewing, Eyepiece Required)
Objective Lens Cap
Cleaning Cloth
Limited 10-Year Warranty, Extendable with Registration

FAQ:

Q: Is the TSN-99A compatible with Kowa accessories?

A: Yes. The scope is 100% compatible with all of the Kowa system accessories. This means that you can use interchangeable eyepieces, such as the TE-80XW 40x extreme wide angle eyepiece or TE-11WZ II 30-70x Wide Zoom Eyepiece as well as other accessories that can be attached to the bayonet mount of the spotting scope body.

Q: Can I digiscope with the TSN-99A?

A: Yes you can. You simply need to purchase a Kowa digiscoping adapter that will allow you to attach your DSLR camera or smartphone.