Review of the new spotting scope KOWA TSN-55A PROMINAR (2 Viewers)

[binomania]

.
Good evening everyone from Italy. During the month of May I was pleased to receive an interesting proposal from Günter Reisner, manager of Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH, who asked me to test in world preview the brand new spotting scope TSN-55A PROMINAR. What I write, then, is the result of field testing during the month of May. This spotting scope boasts a pure fluorite crystal objective, weighs only 965 grams, is 25cm long and at 40x provides an apparent field of as much as 80°. The launch price during July is expected to be €2,298.00 The standard warranty is 10 years, but it is extended to 15 years if the customer proceeds with online registration.
Article with pictures and tables: HO TESTATO IN ANTEPRIMA IL NUOVO SPOTTING SCOPE ALLA FLUORITE KOWA TSN-55A PROMINAR - you can use the plugin for the translation
YouTube video:

( i will insert the english subtitles in the next weeks, but i can use the automatic subtitles translation of YouTube)
Kind Regards!
Pier

 

[Hermann]

Thank you, Pier. That's an excellent review of a very interesting little scope.

Hermann

 

[binomania]

thanks Hermann, i

Thank you, Pier. That's an excellent review of a very interesting little scope.

Hermann

Dear Hermann, thanks to you for the comment!

 

[PatR]

.
Good evening everyone from Italy. During the month of May I was pleased to receive an interesting proposal from Günter Reisner, manager of Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH, who asked me to test in world preview the brand new spotting scope TSN-55A PROMINAR. What I write, then, is the result of field testing during the month of May. This spotting scope boasts a pure fluorite crystal objective, weighs only 965 grams, is 25cm long and at 40x provides an apparent field of as much as 80°. The launch price during July is expected to be €2,298.00 The standard warranty is 10 years, but it is extended to 15 years if the customer proceeds with online registration.
Article with pictures and tables: HO TESTATO IN ANTEPRIMA IL NUOVO SPOTTING SCOPE ALLA FLUORITE KOWA TSN-55A PROMINAR - you can use the plugin for the translation
YouTube video:

( i will insert the english subtitles in the next weeks, but i can use the automatic subtitles translation of YouTube)
Kind Regards!
Pier

Pier

Excellent review, thank you!

I tried the Kowa and the Swarovski ATC side by side yesterday and was very impressed. I was very suprised at just how good they were and found it difficult to choose one above the other.

But as the owner of several Swarovski binos I must admit that on balance the ATC is probably the one I would choose, not because of optical quality which I thought to err slightly in the Kowa's favour, but because the Kowa body appears to me to be less robust and not as attractive or as elegant as the very svelte Swaro.

I know you have tested both, may I ask which of the two you preferred ?

Kind regards

Pat

 

[Tringa45]

Piergiovanni,

I too enjoyed the excellent review but think the apparent fields of view mentioned are too high. There will, of course, be minor variations as neither the magnifications nor the true fields of view will be precise integers and a FoV of 35 m is indeed almost precisely 2° at 40x.
However, the ISO calculations for AFoV according to Kowa's specifications for the 55 are 57°-70° and 55°-69° for the 88.
These values correspond fairly closely with the 57°-69° I measured with the TE-11WZ eyepiece on my Kowa 883.

Regards,
John

 

[Juliet Moore]

Piergiovanni,

I too enjoyed the excellent review but think the apparent fields of view mentioned are too high. There will, of course, be minor variations as neither the magnifications nor the true fields of view will be precise integers and a FoV of 35 m is indeed almost precisely 2° at 40x.
However, the ISO calculations for AFoV according to Kowa's specifications for the 55 are 57°-70° and 55°-69° for the 88.
These values correspond fairly closely with the 57°-69° I measured with the TE-11WZ eyepiece on my Kowa 883.

Regards,
John

Having read the previous reviews I thought it would be worthwhile contributing another opinion.
I have just sold my Swarovski ATC in favour of the new TSN 55A for the following reasons:
Kowa is sharper IMHO
Kowa has much better tripod mount.
The focusing is easier on the Kowa due to the dual focus system. The focusing wheel on the ATC can be awkward to use when on a tripod.
You can get a Kowa case for this scope. Nothing for the ATC.
They are both top of the tree but the Kowa does these things better.

 

[Hermann]

I have just sold my Swarovski ATC in favour of the new TSN 55A for the following reasons:
Kowa is sharper IMHO
Kowa has much better tripod mount.
The focusing is easier on the Kowa due to the dual focus system. The focusing wheel on the ATC can be awkward to use when on a tripod.
You can get a Kowa case for this scope. Nothing for the ATC.
They are both top of the tree but the Kowa does these things better.

Thank you. That's interesting. I don't have a lot of experience with either of these scopes, but from what I've seen I'd get the Kowa over the Swarovski. The tripod foot alone would be enough reason for me to prefer the Kowa. Good to hear you also find the Kowa better optically.

Hermann

 

[PatR]

I went back and tried both scopes again mid-week and again could find little to seperate them. My initial thoughts that the Kowa had the edge optically, eavened out as the first test was done in blazing sunshine and the haze was really noticeable. It might have been the flouride lens on the Kowa or just me adjusting from eyepiece to eyepiece which gave the Kowa the edge. Or not!

But mid-week was appreciably cooler, much clearer, no haze and less strained eyes and I could not see any discernable difference at all. It came down to looks, robustness (percieved on my part, no evidence at all) and ergonomics. The Kowa focus mechanism was different, not better (for me) as I am used to barrel focus rings and both mounting feet showed a lack of thought for the myriad of users who favour Arca type mounts....like me.

I suppose that, as the view was what I wanted and both were absolutely spot on, it came down to looks and that is where the more restrained Swaro won. I received it on Saturday and thus far am thrilled to bits with it.

I do appreciate your thoughts @Juliet Moore on your experience with both and understand fully your rationale to change. The points you raise echo my initial findings and I can only concur with your 'top of the tree comment'. How fortunate are we to have the choice 'twixt two truly superb optics.

Enjoy your Kowa! I have 60 days to put the ATC through its paces and an option to change should it not cut the mustard.

 

[Wapiti]

I recently got a Kowa TSN-55A and am very happy with it.

I got it because I am going on a trip soon to the Idaho mountains and wanted:

• Something with more magnification for long-distance viewing than my NL 12x42 or MeoStar 15x56 binos.
• Something much less bulky and heavy than my MeoStar S2 82 scope (which is excellent otherwise).

The following scopes were on my short list:

• Swarovski ATC 17-40/56. Love both of my NL’s and thus this was my first choice, but rejected it because it was $280 more than the Kowa, not sure that I would like barrel focus on such a small scope (unlike the S2), and it could not be shipped to me in time.
• Vortex Razor 13-39x56. Far cheaper than the Kowa or Swarovski, but ever since I tasted alpha glass earlier this year I’ve been leery of the lesser brands. For example, I have several Meopta binos which have been just fine … until I got my NLs.
• Nikon Fieldscope 13-30/50. Even less expensive, and highly praised by many here, but seems an old design that is not so easy to come by anymore.

I live in a remote area without easy access to anyone who sells good optics, so I had to choose without trying.

What I like about the little Kowa:

• It’s little and lightweight - perfect for my use.
• Brand new model - thus should incorporate the latest improvements and should be current for a while.
• Dual-knob focusing - never had this before, and has taken a little getting used to, but I really like the ability to fine-tune the focus once I have locked on to the subject.
• Has a pull-out lens shade.
• While Kowa might not be an alpha in the binocular world, their spotting scopes seem to be right up there.

The only thing I don’t like is that the case Kowa offers is a sort-of stay-on multi-part neoprene case for $259, which seems very expensive and is not the style of case I wanted. Instead, I ordered an Angled Spotting Scope Case (mini size) from Marsupial Gear for $100, which fits the Kowa exactly. Angled Spotting Scope Case

 

[Boogieshrew]

I recently tied the little Kowa and Swarovski ATC together and preferred the Kowa.
Optically not much to choose between them but I preferred the dual focuser and the tripod attachment on the Kowa. The tiny foot of the ATC came loose from the tripod plate while I was testing them. I don't fancy seeing £2k of optics heading groundwards!

Despite really liking the wide fovs of the 17-40x zooms, I didn't buy either though. I decided I would stick with my MM4 60 which was brighter on the very overcast rainy day on which I compared.
I spent the 2k on some NL 8x32s instead. I'm very happy with that decision.

 

[Steve Babbs]

I found this an interesting comparison of top travel scopes.

 

[tenex]

I found this an interesting comparison of top travel scopes.

Thanks. One does wonder how the camera used is affecting the very subtle differences he thinks he sees between the Kowa and Swaro. And of course a smaller field of view on the Vortex doesn't involve a smaller exit pupil.

 

[Mark Jarrett]

I recently bit the bullet and bought the Kowa TSN-55A. I am currently on holiday in Australia and obviously thought the Kowa would make an ideal travel scope based on size, weight, portability and optical quality.

I won’t repeat all the technical stuff regarding colour fringing, brightness etc opinions. It’s all been said. Needless to say, after narrowing it down to the Kowa/Swarovski, I’m very happy with opting for the Kowa, although I realise that there will be very little difference between the two.

I used the scope, for the first proper time, at the Western Treatment Plant near Melbourne, primarily scoping waders and the guide I was with was blown away by the performance.

A bit pricey, in my opinion but, as far as I’m concerned, highly recommended.

 

[kimsrk]

Thanks. One does wonder how the camera used is affecting the very subtle differences he thinks he sees between the Kowa and Swaro. And of course a smaller field of view on the Vortex doesn't involve a smaller exit pupil.

I would lean to yes, from my brief experience digiscoping, the view from the phone camera is never accurate to what my eye sees. Sometimes adding chromatic aberrations, and whatever correction the camera sensor adds.

 

[Stuarts vision]

Swarovski ATC does have a stay on case available, similar price to the Kowa.



Swarovski have also updated the tripod plate on the ATC and have a new arca mount available.





I find the barrel focus adjustment and magnification adjustment very easy to use on the ATC. Never owned a Kowa so I can't compare.

I also find the ATC very easy to look through and i can get a comfortable full view with the eye cup twisted fully in or fully out, might be something to do with the large diameter eyepeice.

On a different note, I hear the Kowa 88A is getting fantastic reviews and is the one to choose for digiscoping.

 

[ljclark]

The only thing I don’t like is that the case Kowa offers is a sort-of stay-on multi-part neoprene case for $259, which seems very expensive and is not the style of case I wanted. Instead, I ordered an Angled Spotting Scope Case (mini size) from Marsupial Gear for $100, which fits the Kowa exactly. Angled Spotting Scope Case

I have the original TSN-553 and it's replacement TSN-55A is arriving in a few days. Thanks for the link to the Marsupial Gear case. I already have a Pelican case for transporting, but a simple fabric case is what I want for carrying around -- just enough to protect against bumps and stuff.

 

[HenRun]

I was a little intrigued by the new Kowa so I popped in today to check it out in the flesh.
It is very nice indeed. Compared to the Swaro ATC I slightly preferred the Kowa, though the ATC is very nice too!

Eye relief is very important to me and although the ATC was just a little better I find the Kowa perfectly adequate.
They had the TSN-553 in shop and on display. The new eye piece is really much better, as they claim. The difference is... ...very apparent. Kowa did a great job with the upgrade and as a whole there is not much to complain about.

I think the magnification range is "right" for this kind of spotting scope. I did not find any significant degradation on 40X on a cold and clear day. It is quite easy to "beanbag" from 17-25X which adds to the versatility.

As a "reference" eye piece from a slightly larger spotting scope I did try the Leica APO Televid 65 with the 25x50W ocular in store - very impressive! I almost regret that I did...

Though I feel the two are VERY different spotting scopes they are priced about the same and I wanted to compare the viewing through the small Kowa with a premium mid size spotting scope.
Looking through the Leica was extremely nice and the scope felt very sturdy and handled beautifully.

I did bring the Kowa TSN-55A with me home over the weekend, but I will revisit the Leica after the weekend. I might reconsider my priorities. The Leica was so nice to look through with just a little better eye comfort so I might go with the APO Televid after all. It is very telling that even after an hour with the Kowa, comparing it with a Zeiss Dialyt FL 82, I still felt like I wanted to go back and look more through the Leica.
There is something very appealing about the APO Televid.

I want to give the Kowa a try first. I am not that thrilled with one eyed viewing for longer periods and I am hoping the Kowa will continue to impress with that small, high performance package. Regardless of the outcome I think Kowa hit a homerun with this one.

 

[Tim S]

I was a little intrigued by the new Kowa so I popped in today to check it out in the flesh.
It is very nice indeed. Compared to the Swaro ATC I slightly preferred the Kowa, though the ATC is very nice too!

Eye relief is very important to me and although the ATC was just a little better I find the Kowa perfectly adequate.
They had the TSN-553 in shop and on display. The new eye piece is really much better, as they claim. The difference is... ...very apparent. Kowa did a great job with the upgrade and as a whole there is not much to complain about.

I think the magnification range is "right" for this kind of spotting scope. I did not find any significant degradation on 40X on a cold and clear day. It is quite easy to "beanbag" from 17-25X which adds to the versatility.

As a "reference" eye piece from a slightly larger spotting scope I did try the Leica APO Televid 65 with the 25x50W ocular in store - very impressive! I almost regret that I did...

Though I feel the two are VERY different spotting scopes they are priced about the same and I wanted to compare the viewing through the small Kowa with a premium mid size spotting scope.
Looking through the Leica was extremely nice and the scope felt very sturdy and handled beautifully.

I did bring the Kowa TSN-55A with me home over the weekend, but I will revisit the Leica after the weekend. I might reconsider my priorities. The Leica was so nice to look through with just a little better eye comfort so I might go with the APO Televid after all. It is very telling that even after an hour with the Kowa, comparing it with a Zeiss Dialyt FL 82, I still felt like I wanted to go back and look more through the Leica.
There is something very appealing about the APO Televid.

I want to give the Kowa a try first. I am not that thrilled with one eyed viewing for longer periods and I am hoping the Kowa will continue to impress with that small, high performance package. Regardless of the outcome I think Kowa hit a homerun with this one.

Leica 65 a very underrated scope in my opinion. Doesn't get much love on here but for actual birding...

 

[HenRun]

I spent a little more time with the Kowa today. Very impressive optics. Ocular did not suit me as well as I had wished. It is good, but not great for me and at that price it has to be great. Too bad for me. It is an impressive little package. Had it been 2/3 of that price I would probably live with the limitations. But at that price it was not enough to justify the purchase for me.
It only fell short, slightly, in the eye relief for my face/glasses.

I could feel a slight eye fatigue and lining up the eye to the ocular was not forgiving enough for me. My friend (not wearing glasses) felt the same. It felt like the sweet spot was a bit narrow with the Kowa. Once in the sweetspot it is terrific!

I am not in the market for BIG glass and the Kowa TSN-66 is more than I would like to spend so I revisited the Leica APO Televid 65 after the initial positive impression had been lingering in my mind from the day before.

I tried to find some solid reviews on the current Televid 65 but there is really not much info out there outside the sales pitch blurbs.
The little I could find seemed like Leica has done a great job. Underrated? Unappreciated? I don't know.

First impressions were repeated, great eye piece and handling is great too. Focus dials are not as lax/smooth running as on the Kowa.

The coarse/speed focuser on Leica is/feels slower and a bit rubbery. But works fine. Nicer on Kowa though.
The fine adjuster feels better on Leica though, even if it is also a wee bit rubbery.
The Leica Televid body is much nicer to grip and I felt instantly right at home with the Leica focuser.

On the Televid I feel like I steady the tube while focusing and that really is noticeable when I am using the fine focuser, the image remains steady while I am using it.

Raining and dark out here today but from what I could tell from the handling and first optical impressions is that it is excellent and has that Leica punch/contrast. I brought it home for the weekend and I am fairly certain it is a keeper. It is compact enough, handles great, optical quality seems top tier and the best thing so far is that it has not been tiring looking through it. I have stayed away from spotting scopes for years for that reason and I was spoiled rotten by the Swarovski BTX calm and easy view. But I have missed having the ability to zoom in and out.

For the first 15 min with the Leica I forgot it was a zoom ocular so I had it "fixed" just above 25X magnification. I am so used to the BTX.

Leica says more oculars are to come. The 25-50X range feels short in action, but it seems to keep the image quality throughout the range and I prefer that to a wider range that has weak spots. There is an extender for it as well but I feel it would be of limited use with the Televid 65 and better suited to the 85. I am not sure I would want another ocular, but if they bring out something useful I will consider it. As it stands it feels like a great stand alone unit.

I will compare it tomorrow (weather allowing) against the older Zeiss Dialyt 85. It is a good "benchmark". I think the little Kowa bested the Dialyt in everything I find important except for low light capabilities. Glass size matters.

 

[PatR]

I spent a little more time with the Kowa today. Very impressive optics. Ocular did not suit me as well as I had wished. It is good, but not great for me and at that price it has to be great. Too bad for me. It is an impressive little package. Had it been 2/3 of that price I would probably live with the limitations. But at that price it was not enough to justify the purchase for me.
It only fell short, slightly, in the eye relief for my face/glasses.

I could feel a slight eye fatigue and lining up the eye to the ocular was not forgiving enough for me. My friend (not wearing glasses) felt the same. It felt like the sweet spot was a bit narrow with the Kowa. Once in the sweetspot it is terrific!

I am not in the market for BIG glass and the Kowa TSN-66 is more than I would like to spend so I revisited the Leica APO Televid 65 after the initial positive impression had been lingering in my mind from the day before.

I tried to find some solid reviews on the current Televid 65 but there is really not much info out there outside the sales pitch blurbs.
The little I could find seemed like Leica has done a great job. Underrated? Unappreciated? I don't know.

First impressions were repeated, great eye piece and handling is great too. Focus dials are not as lax/smooth running as on the Kowa.

The coarse/speed focuser on Leica is/feels slower and a bit rubbery. But works fine. Nicer on Kowa though.
The fine adjuster feels better on Leica though, even if it is also a wee bit rubbery.
The Leica Televid body is much nicer to grip and I felt instantly right at home with the Leica focuser.

On the Televid I feel like I steady the tube while focusing and that really is noticeable when I am using the fine focuser, the image remains steady while I am using it.

Raining and dark out here today but from what I could tell from the handling and first optical impressions is that it is excellent and has that Leica punch/contrast. I brought it home for the weekend and I am fairly certain it is a keeper. It is compact enough, handles great, optical quality seems top tier and the best thing so far is that it has not been tiring looking through it. I have stayed away from spotting scopes for years for that reason and I was spoiled rotten by the Swarovski BTX calm and easy view. But I have missed having the ability to zoom in and out.

For the first 15 min with the Leica I forgot it was a zoom ocular so I had it "fixed" just above 25X magnification. I am so used to the BTX.

Leica says more oculars are to come. The 25-50X range feels short in action, but it seems to keep the image quality throughout the range and I prefer that to a wider range that has weak spots. There is an extender for it as well but I feel it would be of limited use with the Televid 65 and better suited to the 85. I am not sure I would want another ocular, but if they bring out something useful I will consider it. As it stands it feels like a great stand alone unit.

I will compare it tomorrow (weather allowing) against the older Zeiss Dialyt 85. It is a good "benchmark". I think the little Kowa bested the Dialyt in everything I find important except for low light capabilities. Glass size matters.

Great stuff Henrun, thank you. I did try to test the Leica prior to purchasing the ATC but they are as rare as rocking horse poo. But they do sound lovely.

I concur with your views on the ATC/Kowa scopes and thought that there was a fag paper between them optically, it was the more (perceived probably) robust construction and fewer protrusions that made the ATC the one but I know that I would have been more than happy with either.

Your mention of the BTX has caused a bit of an itch.......

Best of luck on your final choice.