Kowa Prominar TSN-664

[mkelemen]

Hi guys,

I have an opportunity to get an older Kowa Prominar TSN-664ED (gray body) with the wide angle 30x eyepiece for under $500, and I'm sure I can get it cheaper. I'll rarely use it- probably some preseason glassing of bean fields and a few range days. They seem to be well regarded, but would I be better off waiting for a deal on something newer? Has technology gotten that much better? I haven't had anything besides a real cheap one, so I don't think I'll ever be an glass snob, but want something at least halfway decent, preferably under $500. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[gr8fuldoug]

That's a slammin' deal on a great scope. No reason not to jump on it. Enjoy

 

[RaggedHunter]

That is a killer deal. I just recently sold a kowa 664 with the 30X eyepiece, you wont beat the glass for under $1500. That is by far the best eyepiece for that scope.

 

[mkelemen]

Thanks, guys. Those were pretty strong yesses, so I decided to buy it. He threw in an old gitzo tripod and quick release as well. Lenses look very clean, hoping to get it out and look through it soon. I appreciate the responses.

 

[SikaSeeker]

For those considering the Kowa 664. I was comparing to the 823M I also own and was surprised there was barely any difference in test I carried out. In fact right at edge of view in extreme contrast situation(white bucket against green grass) I noted more CA in the 823M. Flourite controls CA but doesn’t eliminate entirely due to the physics of 30 power eyepiece. Same eyepeice was used. The 664 doesn’t have flourite but XD and I highly recommend the 664.

I digiscoped this on iPhone 13. The precise distance was 4.79mile and was able to observe two workmen in orange overalls. Image was sharp, relaxed wide view. Note any fuzziness in image you see is the phone’s sensor, this was very sharp and vivid IRL.