I have the Kowa TSN-99 Spottingscope with the TE-11WZ II 30-70 zoom eyepiece and the excellent TE-80XW 40x eyepiece, this Spottingscope is the very best you can get today ! I have used Spottingscopes since 1987 and I have tried a lot of different Spottingscopes through those years. The TSN-99 will be my laste Spottingscope. When I bought it I compared it very close to the Zeiss Victory Harpia 95, optically the two are very close, about the same, but to the Kowa is much easier to use.
Nice video with super digiscoping illustrating things. As a birder I have a 883 and jumped to the 99A shortly after it came out. 99A is a hek of a scope. However seeing the 88A (and the 66A and the 99A) in direct comparison at a birdshow just last weekend, I would today have bought the 88A. Its a honest contender for the perfect scope that outperforms the rest. And it has much more FOV. I refer to metric system, so its 42m vs. modest 35m, and with the 35/40 x W ocular its 45m vs. 39m. In either way it can easily be the difference between missing a migrating raptor or seeing one. Other than that 99A is a beast to gather light and resolve fine details (details mostly unseen with the otherwise magnificent 883)
The only video that I’ve found that tells you how far away the picture is! Unbelievable distance maybe if others did the same would give people a better idea about the power source of the scope
Another great review!! Would love to see an alpha class review of spotting scopes (Swaro, Zeiss, & Leica), including the Kowa TSN 88. If I recall, you didn't have access to the Zeiss Harpia or the Leica APO -Televid when you conducted your massive and well-received Best Spotting Scopes review. Would love to see a review and comparison of these high-end spotting scopes.
I agree, would be awesome to see top alpha glass spotters paired with digiscoping video like this one so the viewer can see the differences, adding deer to look at was above and beyond, great review! High end glass is a huge investment, and its tough to make an informed decision for people that dont have a shop nearby that allows someone to take a few outside for a side by side comparison.
@@RockyBighorn thanks! Yeah, I was stoked to find some deer for the digiscoping! Thanks for the kind words and I'll see what I can do on an alpha glass review. Thanks for watching!
I have the 88, and it's absolutely fantastic, I think it outperforms all the premium German glass, and I'd honestly stack it up against any scope in the world and expect it to win. I'm sure the 99 is amazing, but honestly the 88 is about all I'd like to carry, it's a big scope.
One thing though - when the neoprene cover is fitted, the scope can no longer rotate about it's collar. Not something that bothers me much, but sometimes it's a handicap when birding with a group and shorter people want to look through.
@@BackwoodsPursuit I've wondered if it is necessary, but then it's a big investment, and it's fairly heavy on the tripod, so some protection against it falling seems worth sacrificing the rotation function to me.
the bird watching people are the most pickiest optic snobs ever and there are a lot of them who say not good things about these scopes, the 99 in particular, something about a lot of bad samples. i am just suprised that there just isn't a true consensus on these particular scopes. i was looking at upgrading my old zeiss but maybe i will keep it,, works fine really diascope 85 fl.
@2whl4re awe...gotcha. I'm not sure if that would work or not. You'd have a significant loss in resolution doing that, and the FOV would be very narrow. I don't think it would work though based on the design of how the extender attaches to the body and the eye piece.
Great review, I was worried when I saw the title seeings how I just ordered my 88 last week but luckily it looks like it will be the best decision for the type of hunting that I do. What’s your overall assessment of the Ollin adapter? Are you still able to glass normally with the adapter on or does it affect glassing ability?
Hey there! Thanks and glad it was helpful! Yeah, the 88 is tough to beat given the weight savings vs the 99. The Ollin is awesome. It does add a little bulk at the eye piece, but it doesn't affect using the spotting scope when not using the adapter. It does feel a little different, but still works great. I'll be testing a couple other digiscoping adapters in the coming weeks/months, so stay tuned for that review! Thanks for watching!
Would it be possible to compare this with the Kowa Highlander 82mm binoculars. I wonder if the versatality for a little more price beats the tsn 99 ? Thanks
Hey there! That would be an interesting side by side for sure. I'm sure the Highlander would be more comfortable to use given that it's called a "big binocular" rather than a spotting scope. And, it looks like it's a fixed 32x rather than the 30-70x of the TSN 99. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for all your work on those reviews guys. New subscriber here, and an Fclass shooter. I am looking for a scope that will be used mostly while shooting, but also has the versatility to use while hunting. Would the 99 or 88 be too big to use while shooting? I am assuming the 66 would be best for that scenario. But id like the larger objective of the 88 and 99 for when I go hunting. I'd appreciate any opinions on that. Thanks
Hey there! Thanks so much for the kind words. I think the new 66 would be the ideal scope for both situations. The 88 and 99 and amazing, but obviously on the big side for packing around the mountains. The 66 doesn't give up much in performance, and would be better suited for hunting situations other than giving up a little low light performance. Hope that helps!
I have a question…..I’ve had trouble finding the 773 in stock lately. Is Kowa discontinuing that model with the release of the 66a? Sure do appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions!!
Hey there! Yes, unfortunately the 77 has been discontinued with the release of the new 66. I know I'm bummed about that as the 77 is such a good performer, particularly for its price point and weight. Happy to help!
Hey there! Yeah, getting the neoprene case is certainly an option. Personally I don't care for them as they add weight and some bulk to the optic, and typically make it more difficult to operate the focus and zoom mechanisms, but it is nice that they help protect the optic. Thanks for watching!
@@BackwoodsPursuit Weight is negligible. The big advantage is that the spotting scope can sit on the tripod forever and the case protects the lenses from dust and rain. It's true you have to remove the flap that covers the focus mechanism, as you have to remove the lens covers at each end. That's the price of having a protective case. Thanks for a very useful video!
How do these compare to the Swarovski series of spotting scopes ? Looking to take the plunge on one scope and these look impressive but having never looked through these or the Swarovski's its difficult to tell
Hey there! They compare very favorably to the Swaro ATX. In fact, when we had them side by side, most preferred the Kowa over the Swaro other than one of the low light situ, where the Swaro was definitely better. Here's our full review if interested! backwoodspursuit.com/best-spotting-scope-for-hunting/
Great comparison both are awesome spotters but 883 is the max amount of weight I’m willing to lug around in the field . I’m glad you also decided to test the 1.6 X extender in your opinion is it worth buying and taking out with you in the field? Could you actually swap out those pieces out in the back country? I’ve been thinking about getting it for a while now . Also, have you looked through their fixed zoom 30 X wide angle eyepiece they offer? I can also use that with the extender I wonder how nice that combo is?
Hey there and thank you! I hear you on the max weight....that 99 is a beast to carry around lol! That extender is pretty cool, and I did carry it around on the TSN 88 for a season while mule deer hunting last year. I actually found that it was a bit much for a lot of applications...that minimum of 40x was a lot unless you are looking a really long ways away. The extender is better when you know you'll be primary glassing a long ways away. Yes, you can change it in the field quite easily, but I prefer not to as you can introduce dust to the lens. I've not tried the 30x eye piece on these, so I unfortunately can't speak to that. Thanks for watching!
Do none of you use a stay on case ? It protects your scope whilst still allowing full function and protects it from knocks and scratches. Well worth the extra investment. My old Nikon Scope was over 20 yrs old , and still like new under the case .
Hey there! Yeah, I know some folks do, but they extra weight of the stay on case adds up if you are backpacking or hauling the spotter through the backcountry. They do a nice job of protecting the spotter though. Thanks for watching!
@@BackwoodsPursuit I use a carbon tripod which helps with the weight , also a specific scope and tripod carry system helps . I carry mine 5-7 miles on costal walks , along with an 8x42 Kowa BD11 binocular and snacks etc...
@TheSavagederek yeah, I hear ya. The carbon tripod helps for sure. I use one as well. For me personally though, I find the stay on case a bit annoying for hunting in the mountains as it adds steps to getting set up to spot game, and it seems like often times those few seconds can count when trying to get the glass on a bull or buck moving into the Timber. But, I totally get wanting to protect the spotter and keep it looking new!
That's a great question! We are actually doing that comparison now, with the review to come. Both are amazing, but haven't have extensively tested them side by side other than a few times here and there. We'll do more side by side comparisons (along with the ATX) and publish that review. Stay tuned!
Hey there! I haven't had that issue as of yet...but then again, that seems to be an issue with just about every one out there. Nothing a touch of blue loctite won't fix though lol. Thanks for watching!
Absolutely! If interested, here is pur big 19 spotting scope comparison...the Kowa actually ranked higher than the Swaro ATX in all but one optical performance category. Thanks for watching!
Can the TSN 99 have a lower magnification than 30x if I decide to use my own eyepiece using the Astro eyepiece adapter ? Also, would you please be able to compare the Kowa highlanders image with Kowa TSN 99 ?
Hey there! I've not tried using a different eye piece on the TSN99, so I'm not sure if that would work or not. Sorry! I'll see what I can do on a Highlander/TSN99 comparison. Thanks for watching!
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yes you can have. Strating from around 20mm and higher focal length of the eyepiece I think you will start getting lower magnification. I use my 99A for astro observations mainly - image quality is insane!
@ Thats great, what kind of objects are you looking at with your 99 ? Bright DSO 's or planets and do you think it is worth getting over the 88A with a wider field of view. I am torn between these 3 options including the Kowa Highlander Binos. Thanks !
Hey there Jon! I haven't dug too deep on what covers are offered for them, but Kowa does have a cover for them that can be purchased. Thanks for watching!
Marsupial makes really nice, padded scope covers for them-much better than the one that Kowa makes. I have one for my Kowa 88 and its great! However, it does add weight and they aren't cheap...
@@mattpruitt8305 I just looked at the Marsupial stuff. looks like a nice case but they don't show a custom fitted stay on case like Kowa has. I have the fitted stay on case on my 88 and its excellent.
@BackwoodsPursuit really ? Athlon , I would have never guessed. Most of thier stuff is low to kid tier quality at best . Thanks for the info .do you have any mainstream CF tripods to compare to ?
@nonetheless01 yeah, Athlon's first tripods I believe. Yeah, I've used a lot of different tripods over the years. Currently testing the RRS Ascent,and did an ultralight tripod comparison last year: backwoodspursuit.com/10-best-ultralight-tripods-review-sub-2lb/ Also did a video on them here on the channnel: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Loj4D7SDMck.html I've got a Spartan Precision system coming to test and review as well,.so lots of tripod content coming!
Hey! Again i have a few questions for you,i checked for Pentax PF 100 ED spotting scope also watched videos of it,80 E D and 100 ED Is amazing and xw series eyepiece provides variety of magnification almost 159x so can you please check and let me know if its worth buying Pentax PF 100 ED??
Hey there! I haven't personally tested the Pentax PF-100 or 80, so I can't really compare based on personal experience.. However, given that it's more than half the price of these Kowa TSN spotting scopes, I'd imagine there is very little chance that it performs at the same level. Additionally, it does not appear that the Pentax has a pure fluorite objective, which also means lesser performance most likely. Thanks for watching!
@@BackwoodsPursuit if you check videos are there on you tube with 80 ed Pentax that guy has got 150 x magnification and the moon's surface is so clear i will share the link
If kowa uses pure fluorite crystal in eyepiece and prisms so the resolution and light transmittance will increase for sure this is what I feel don't know why kowa engineers did not think of this??? What do you think??
@@BackwoodsPursuit I mean to say that if Kowa uses pure fluorite crystal in their kowa eyepieces and prisms so the resolution and light transmittance will increase a lot.
@trident8872 pure fluorite crystal is extremely difficult to work with and very expensive...and these Kowa spotting scopes already optically outperform about every other brand we've tested them against.
Hey there! Yeah, the Kowa TSN series is amazing! We actually tested the Kowa TSN 883 next to the Swaro ATX 85, and we all liked the Kowa better other than one lighting situation where we were looking at broken snow covered hill during super low light, the Swaro was definitely better in that scenario. For all the details, here is that extensive review: backwoodspursuit.com/best-spotting-scope-for-hunting/ Thanks for watching!
