The Kowa TSN-884 is an incredibly solid and clear spotting scope. The pure Fluorite Crystal used in these models is the optimum optical material to reduce chromatic aberration, providing the ultimate viewing experience. The large 88mm lens makes it possible to observe at dusk and at sunrise. Made of magnesium, the Kowa Spotting Scope TSN-884 has an advanced moulding process that makes it feel like metal, but is lighter than its rivals. This makes the Kowa TSN-884 indispensable during observations. The robust magnesium body can withstand the toughest conditions, is waterproof and filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent fogging of the lens.
"Prominar" Lens
Chromatic aberration occurs due to the diffusion of light and the different wavelengths of light that concentrate at different positions, which can result in a red or purple border around the subject. The optimal optical material to minimize chromatic aberration is Fluorite Crystal. For the convex lens of the TSN-883884, a Fluorite Crystal with extremely low dispersion characteristics is used. Instead of an ordinary optical glass lens, the hollow lens in combination with the Fluorite Crystal lens is made of glass with special dispersive properties to further reduce chromatic aberration.This combination virtually eliminates chromatic aberration and redefines the standards for color brilliance.
Fluorite crystal is only used in the top models of Kowa.
Key features Kowa TSN-884 Prominar:
Dual focus mechanism (Quick and fine focusing)
This fast focus, with a large and easy-to-turn knob, will focus in two revolutions from infinity to five meters. The fine focus, with smooth movements and precise precision, is extremely useful at high magnifications and for digiscoping.
Eyepiece lock mechanism
The eyepiece bayonet mount now has an attractive feature. An eyepiece locking mechanism has been added to the holder to prevent the eyepiece from being lost or unexpectedly falling out.
Magnesium alloy body
The body is made of a magnesium alloy, an advanced casting process, so it feels and has at least as much power as a traditional metal housing. However, the weight has been greatly reduced compared to other spotting scopes with the same diameters. This body allows it to withstand the toughest conditions and provides confidence and a sense of security.
Fluorite crystal
The fluorite used as an optical lens is an artificially propagated monocrystal with "ultra-low dispersion", a property that ordinary optical glass does not have. It is an ideal lens material that almost completely eliminates chromatic aberration (colour blur). The fluorite crystal produced by the advanced processing technology Kowa has built up over the years guarantees the ultimate viewing experience.
Waterproof
The body is dustproof and waterproof (IP67).
Compact
The design of the telephoto lens with 5 lens elements in 4 groups has successfully shortened the overall length while maintaining a large diameter lens without compromising optical performance. The use of an inner focusing system has made the prism box light and compact, while at the same time reducing the amount of image movement compared to conventional prism focusing systems.
10-year warranty
Expand your Kowa Spotting Scope Body TSN-884 with the right accessories:
(The accessories listed can be ordered via optional accessories)
Eyepieces
An eyepiece should not be missing when purchasing a Spotting Scope. Without an eyepiece you can't see anything. Below is an overview of the eyepieces that fit the TSN-884 with the corresponding specifications:
SPECIFICATIONS IN COMBINATION WITH KOWA TSN-884
TE-11WZ
TE-17W
(no longer available)
TE-20H
(no longer available)
Magnification
25x
60x
30x WIDE
25x
Eye relief in mm
17,0
17,0
20,0
32,0
Exit pupil in mm
3,5
1,5
2,9
3,5
Brightness
12,3
2,3
8,4
12,3
Twilight factor
46,9
72,7
50,5
46,1
Field of view in °
2,4
1,32
2,4
2,1
Field of view 1000m in m
42,0
23,0
41,9
36,7
Extender
When a Kowa TSN-EX16 extender is placed between the Kowa TSN-884 and the eyepiece, the magnification is increased by as much as 1.6 times. In combination with the TE-11WZ eyepiece, a magnification of 40-96x can now be achieved.
The video shows how easy it is to place the extender between the eyepiece and the TSN-884.
Astro Adapters
With the use of a Kowa Astronomy adapter, the TSN-884 can also be used for night-time celestial observation and photography. For this purpose a universal 1.25" astro eyepiece can be used.
Two variants are available; the TSN-AS1.25K has knurled screws with which eyepieces can be tightened by hand. This allows you to quickly change eyepieces. The TSN-AS1.25G is supplied with an Allen key. The advantage is that there are no protruding screws visible.
When the TSN-EX16 extender is combined with an Astro adapter, the TSN-884 can even be used for deep sky observations.
The video shows how easy it is to mount the astro adapters to the TSN-884 with a 1.25" eyepiece.
Digiscoping Adapter
It is also possible to use your Kowa TSN-884 as a powerful telephoto lens in combination with your DSLR or system camera or even in combination with your smartphone. In this way you will be able to capture the most detailed and vivid photos of subjects you would otherwise not be able to get close enough to.
TSN-PA7A
By using the TSN-PA7A, you connect the TSN-884 directly to your DSLR camera by means of an optional T2 ring. This creates a powerful yet lightweight and compact telephoto lens compared to traditional telephoto lenses.
Designed for use with Kowa's TE-11WZ zoom eyepiece, the design makes full use of the eyepiece's zoom range, up to a focal length of 2570mm.
The video shows how easy it is to place the TSN-PA7A over the eyepiece of the TSN-884.
TSN-DA10
The TSN-DA10 is perfect for the compact and lightweight Micro Four Thirds cameras. Using the TSN-DA10 and an optional adapter ring, everything is ready for use within a minute. The optional adapter ring is available in various sizes, depending on the filter size of your lens: AR283030.53743465255586272mm.
The video shows how easy it is to connect the TSN-DA10 to the TSN-884.
Smartphone Adapters
If you would like to make photo and video recordings with your smartphone, this can be done by using a Kowa Smartphone adapter which is specially made for your smartphone. This smartphone adapter is a protective cover that can remain in place around your smartphone and offers protection against falls and knocks.
This smartphone adapter simply slides onto the eyepiece of the TSN-884 by means of a TSN-AR11WZ adapter ring and the whole thing is ready for use.
The video shows how easy it is to slide the smartphone adapter onto the eyepiece of the TSN-884.
If no adapter for your smartphone is available, please inform us about this. In many cases it is no problem for Kowa to develop an adapter for your smartphone.
Protective equipment
To protect your valuable Kowa TSN-884, you can choose to extend it with the accessories listed below:
Kowa C-882 water-repellent Stay-On Bag
The water-repellent bag has been specially designed for the Kowa TSN-884 and provides good protection during use and on the move. It comes with a shoulder strap that allows the spotting scope to be carried close at hand at all times and allows quick observation. The bag can remain wrapped around the scope while in use. The covers of the objective lens and eyepiece can be removed very quickly and all controls remain accessible.
Kowa TSN-CV88 Eyepiece protector
This eyepiece protector prevents scratching of the eyepiece lens or its coating due to unfavourable conditions or transport. By using an eyepiece protector, costly repairs can be prevented.
Kowa TP-95FT Protective filter
Using a protective filter in front of the lens reduces the risk of damage to the lens, thus avoiding costly repairs. This allows the life span of the spotting scope to be extended. The Kowa TP-95FT protective filter has oil and water repellent coatings and ensures that sand and sea salt do not get onto the lens. As a result, the objective lens with the special coatings remains undamaged.
Damage to the objective lens can drastically reduce optical performance, which is also the reason for costly repairs. Precisely because the TSN-884 is equipped with a lens made of pure fluorite crystal. Often, the only option left is to completely replace the entire lens.