Kowa Spotting scope

[417 alfred]

Hey looking for any info on Kowa Spotting Scope TSN-664. What do you think of the optics, the tripod(if one come with it) what eye piece you have. And what kind of range does it have? Any info would be much appreciated.

 

[jhelmuth]

Re: Kowa Spotting scope

My brother has one. We use it out at his range in KC.
The optics were really nice. I don't think his came with a tripod. We used it out to 500 yards with no issues.

 

[threewood]

I just recently purchased the TSN-663 (I think the difference is straight vs. angled eyepiece) and I really like it. I purchased it with the 20-60 zoom eyepiece. I haven't taken it to the range yet, only played with it around the house. It is very clear and seems to lose no resolution zooming out to 60x, I can see small knotholes on telephone poles 200 yards distant. Clear and bright right out to the edge of the glass. It is compact and relatively light, bought it from Liberty Optics. It didn't come with a stand so I purchased a nice one from Champion Shooters Supply.

 

[med17]

I've got an old TS-611, angled eyepiece, 25X, long eye relief. Have used it for hi-power comps for the last 15 years and have had zero problems. I've used it in heat, cold, rain, snow, been dropped, fell out of the pickup, stepped on, you name it, still does what I need it to. Mine has been a great scope!

 

[Yippeekiay]

The 663/664 series is the little brother of the 77/88 series. Arguably the best scopes in the world. I have the 774 and I'll support that idea all day long. I would think the 66 series is just as incredible.
Can't go wrong with Kowa either way.

 

[garandman]

The 663/664 series is the little brother of the 77/88 series. Arguably the best scopes in the world. I have the 774 and I'll support that idea all day long. I would think the 66 series is just as incredible.
Can't go wrong with Kowa either way.

I've owned a Kowa, and they are nice.

I now own a Konus, and they are just as nice. Seriously. For 1/3 the cost. The glass is within a few percent just as good.

Remains to be seen if ther Konus will last 15+ years, but I could buy another Konus, and still save $300 over the Kowa.

 

[lawman29]

Livingbird.org did a good review in 2008 (little dated but still great info). I've pasted the pdfchart, but get to the article and a good discussion.

http://www.livingbird.org/netcommunity/bbimages/lb/pdf/ScopeChart2008.pdf

 

[Rapidrob]

Having run a photography business, I can attest to KOWA optics as being some of the best I have ever owned. All have had very low aspheric aberration and outstanding light transmission, even in low light situations. Of the Japanese polished lenses, they are the best hands down.

 

[downhill]

You can't go wrong with the Kowa. I use the 821 in Service Rifle Comp and can see the 22cal holes at 300(great glass!). The Konus I also own is not as clear, buy once cry once!

 

[Pappasniper]

I have the TSN 821 with 27X long eye relief eyepiece. Used it out to 1,400 yards last week, no issue. I have been so happy with it. Like others , I was drawn in via High power crowd. Shooting High Power NRA matches.

 

[Baron85]

I have the 663 I believe its the angled version 20-60 I am very happy with it we have been able to see .22 cal holes out to 300 yds and splash marks on steel out too 650yds. My brother and law has the vortex razor spotter and I cant tell the difference but I am also not a very informed expert on glass so take that with a grain of salt. I originally wanted the vortex after using my brother in laws but the family got me the kowa because of scott at liberty optics recommendation. Honestly I am much happier with the kowa because I cant tell a difference and its smaller.

 

[Troy G]

Livingbird.org did a good review in 2008 (little dated but still great info). I've pasted the pdfchart, but get to the article and a good discussion.

http://www.livingbird.org/netcommunity/bbimages/lb/pdf/ScopeChart2008.pdf

I would like them to re-do the test now that other companies like Zeiss and Swaro came out with HD glass as well. I have a Zeiss and my hunting buddy has a Swaro. Pretty hard for me to tell them apart aside from the color hues that each impart. We never ever did a serious resolution test side by side with a resolution chart or anything like that.

 

[Crosshairs6]

I have the Kowa TSN-82SV angled body with the 20-60X lens. I have it mounted on a Manfrotto Tripod 190XV tripod with a Manfrotto 322RC2 grip adjuster. This is a great combination as the tripod is rated to 11 pounds and it only stands to a height of just over 5 feet. This makes it easy to observe without constantly adjusting height of the scope. The scope itself is very clear and with the 82mm objective lens has good light-gathering capability. I owned a straight-body scope prior to this and I will never buy another in that style again. I highly recommend.

 

[asbestosglove]

I have the old school High Power standard the TSN 1, 77mm spotter with the 25xLER eyepiece. Would not give it up for any scope out there.

 

[plh]

Kowa all the way. It was up front expensive, angled eyepiece 883 series with RRS benchtop tripod, but a real treat and so kind to the eyes. Also useful for the coming days of backporch whittling and wildlife spotting/photography.
KOWA PROMINAR OFFICIAL WEB SITE
TP-243 Ground-Level Tripod - TP-243

 

[TahoeRider]

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Kowa scopes...love the things, but if your goal is to see shots on a target out past 300 yards or so I'd have to say that our Target Cam product does a far better job. With our system you can actually look over and watch your bullet hit the target. Spotting scopes are useful but usually there is mirage, dust etc. that even the best scopes can't see through out past 400. Our camera is placed down range about 20 feet from the target and sends the image of the target back to the screen next to you so mirage and dust is not a factor. You can also get more than one camera so you can view multiple targets by just changing channels on the base unit. Our product is now offered in the "Shop Sniper's Hide" link above.

I know this Target Cam idea is new to most long range shooters so feel free to give me a call or email me direct with any questions. I'm confident that once you use our system you will see for yourself how much easier it is to view your results. We also have some very cutting edge capabilities in the works for later this year. These are all things that can be integrated into our current product.

Keith Averill
Owner - Remote Video Spotting System 775-852-9449 Target Camera TargetCam

 

[tracer]

I own a prominar 883 and a prominar 664. The 664 is taken hunting. The scope is brite and clear and has the 20-60x eyepiece. Kowa scopes are great equiptment. You can buy cheaper but you will get less quality.

 

[KT35]

I own a Kowa TSN-82SV angled body with a fixed 25X LER eye piece. I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything else. I've had a Leupold and Nikon before the Kowa. I use mine for shooting F-class.

KT