Kowa 884 vs 88S, how much difference.

[Only_A_Little_Lost]

Ok. Looking to get a bigger spotter in the collection. I am a swaro guy but have read enough stuff that you all have convinced me I need to try Kowa. But the question is how much of a difference is there between the 884 and the newer 88 model. It’s looking like about a grand difference between the two( used 884 vs new 88). Unless I go with a Japanese purchased eBay one, which I don’t think seems like a great idea. I am a bit of a peasant, so the extra grand matters but if it’s better I can save up longer. Also someone can try and talk me into staying a swaro guy but that’s going to be an even bigger save up.

 

[littlebigtine]

I wouldnt hesitate to buy an 884. I have owned one and multiple 77s. They are same or better glass as sts or stx glass imo

 

[huntnful]

Just get the old 884. It will be excellent

 

[Only_A_Little_Lost]

I called Kowa, based on the conversation I don’t trust the person I talked to on the phone just much but they made it seem like the 88 was more of a cosmetic upgrade and they didn’t change the actual optics of it. I find that hard to believe that they didn’t update any glass.

 

[Moosehunter]

I called Kowa, based on the conversation I don’t trust the person I talked to on the phone just much but they made it seem like the 88 was more of a cosmetic upgrade and they didn’t change the actual optics of it. I find that hard to believe that they didn’t update any glass.

That's the way I would have it.
The 884 is phenomenal!