Is there any difference in wear resistance or durability of the Kowa (88A) focusing mechanism compared to the different single wheel focusing mechanisms used by Swarowski and Zeis. A Zeiss representative, who demonstrated the Harpia at an exhibition I visited recently, claimed that the type of focusing mechanism used by Kowa and others is not as robust as the one used by Zeiss because it is built with small wheels and rubber straps. I don't know if this is just salesman talk or if there is any truth in it. Is it true that the Kowa focusing mechanism is less robust?
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Kowas focusing mechanism (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Humboldt
- Start date
chris murphy
Used Register
I had a Leica 77 (dual focus) for years, Kowa 663 (single wheel) also for a number of years, and now have a Kowa 883. Never had a problem with any of the focus wheels on any of them.
Ironically in between the two Kowas I had a Nikon ED82 that I sold because I could not get used to the tight barrel focus.
Ironically in between the two Kowas I had a Nikon ED82 that I sold because I could not get used to the tight barrel focus.
Annerather
Active member
I have a Kowa TSN 884 since 2018. Never had a focussing issue. Even when I knocked over my tripod and had to get the case and eye piece lock repaired the focussing was flawless.
My Kowa is just 1 year ago but have had Opticrons for many years, including one that I bought second hand and it is +20 years old. Never had a focus knob issue.
If I were a Zeiss representative I would steer clear of highlighting adjustment knobs as a distinctive advantage after the number of issues that their flagship portable binocular, the Victory Pocket has had with its diopter adjustment.
I also wonder about the real benefits of a barrel focus and that automatic "gear box" when focusing. Some users report when you focus it introduces more vibration vs a traditional focus knob. I have not tried it long enough to make up my own mind if I like it or not.
If I were a Zeiss representative I would steer clear of highlighting adjustment knobs as a distinctive advantage after the number of issues that their flagship portable binocular, the Victory Pocket has had with its diopter adjustment.
I also wonder about the real benefits of a barrel focus and that automatic "gear box" when focusing. Some users report when you focus it introduces more vibration vs a traditional focus knob. I have not tried it long enough to make up my own mind if I like it or not.
I also have an Opticron spotting scope, so I am used to theirs and Kowas focusing mechanism. I have tried both Swarowski ATX and a Zeis Harpia, and I found it much easier to adjust the focus on the Zeiss compared to the Swarowski. Swarowski was difficult to finetune. But this is perhaps something you get used to. But fine tuning the focus on a Opticron or Kowa is easier. I tried a Kowa also (99A), but contrary to my Opticron there was a free play in the large knob. It didn’t feel confident given the high price of this spotting acope.
Focus free play would not be acceptable with any scope. I own a 88A and the focus is very smooth.
I sent a mail to Kowa and asked about this. I am waiting for an answer.
