Kowa 664M Dual Spotter Set-Up/ Magnifier vs 20-60

[danger_close]

I'm in the process of setting up some TSN-664M Dual Kowa spotters. I've gotten the word that the 30x Wide is the way to go regarding eyepieces.
Has anyone ever tried the 1.6 magnifiers(would take the 30 to 48x zoom)? Compared to the 20-60 eyepieces?
Cost is irrelevant. I would assume the magnifiers weigh a bit less than the 20-60.
Any experiences or suggestions?

 

[Matt G.]

I believe the magnifiers are only available on the 770 and 880 series spotting scope. I do not believe there is one for the 660 series.

 

[Brian Fahs]

Some guys on coueswhitetail.com have set these up.
A search on there might help you.

 

[danger_close]

The magnifiers are compatible with the 664s, just checked.
Reason I ask is because themagnifier for the BTX dims the image a lot and seems to decrease clarity.

 

[Totoro]

Sounds like a neat set up.

Back in the day I ran double Swaro ST80 (grey bodies) big eyes set. Super image and resolution.

That being said, if I needed something on that order then Kowa Highlander with flourite glass would be it.

 

[danger_close]

The Highlanders are amazing, I concur. They are also twice as much weight(13.5lbs vs 6.5lbs) and 1500 more expensive. And you need a heavier tripod for the Highlanders.
BTX are great and light, but also 1500 more expensive and a pound heavier.

 

[Outwest]

I am in the process of building a set as well. I went ahead and purchased the zoom eyepiece along with 2 30x eyepieces. I haven't built up a bracket for them yet but I have put the 30x WA and the 20-60 zoom side by side to compare. I'm looking forward to getting them setup. Planning to start putting the bracket together this weekend

The 30x WA is crisp to the edge and with good color resolution and clarity, very impressed with this eyepiece so far. It really does make FOV of other eyepieces or your binos seem a little constricted.

The zoom is a shade "darker" and really only retains good clarity to 45-50x. Still very usable and I will keep it around for digiscoping or backpacking. Even still, I believe the 30x WA is going to be very capable for most applications. I have no experience with the extender/magnifier.

The pair of scopes alone weigh right around 5.5-5.75 lbs so depending on what the bracket ends up weighing, I am hoping for sub-6.5 lbs. The reasons I went this route for big eyes are 1.) ~$2,600 for Twin Kowas vs $5k for highlanders, $5k for twin swaros, $4-5k for btx. 2.) Straight viewing. 3.) Weight. The only competitors here would be the BTX 95mm and under and the twin swaros. The twin Kowas should allow me to keep using a lighter weight tripod under normal conditions.

I think Hatchet Jack on here has a set and could provide some insight as well.

 

[wyo2track]

Love the 30X eyepiece on my 663M single. Makes the glass look like its worth twice as much as it is. The TE-9Z eyepiece just doesn't do the 663/664 any favors. If you got an adapter for a phone or camera, you'll be able to take a closer look if you need more than 30X after spotting them.