Kowa TSN-774

[NPRI]

Looking at getting a new spotting scope and was originally looking at the Swarovski STS 80 HD with the 20-50 eyepiece, but I keep seeing the Kowa brought up as an alternative (possible even better option). Can anyone weigh in who has experience with both?

Thanks

 

[Brian Fahs]

I had a Swarovski sts80 non HD with the 20-60x eyepiece. It was very nice. I recently sold it after looking through the kowa 884 with 25-60x wa eyepiece.
I just bought the kowa 884. It is unbelievable. If you are considering the kowa get the 884. It has better glass than the 774. Combined with the good eyepiece I can not imagine a better view.
I got mine during the recent sale kowa had for a stupid good price.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Thanks for not answering the question Doug

I had a Swarovski sts80 non HD with the 20-60x eyepiece. It was very nice. I recently sold it after looking through the kowa 884 with 25-60x wa eyepiece.
I just bought the kowa 884. It is unbelievable. If you are considering the kowa get the 884. It has better glass than the 774. Combined with the good eyepiece I can not imagine a better view.
I got mine during the recent sale kowa had for a stupid good price.

The 88 series has superior optics to the 77 series. It would be our pleasure to discuss these scopes with you if you have a few minutes to give a call, 516-217-1000
Doug

 

[Schaaf]

I put the 774 side by side with a STS80 HD over 3 days. The Kowa was superior in every way.

 

[Elite]

I own the kowa 883 and have been very impressed by it. Little heavy for a back pack hunt but worth it every time I look through it on the mountain

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[NPRI]

Thanks for the replies

 

[madocwilliams]

Great info thank you as well, I am trying to pick out a new spotter and having some trouble deciding.

 

[NPRI]

How durable is the Kowa? Saw one on the classifieds that looked pretty dinged up.

 

[NPRI]

Also, how does Kowa’s warranty stack up against Swarovski’s?

 

[Elite]

How durable is the Kowa? Saw one on the classifieds that looked pretty dinged up.

I have the stay on case on mine and it still looks like new when I remove it. And there warranty seems to be very good judging by the bird watching community forums


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[Brian Fahs]

How durable is the Kowa? Saw one on the classifieds that looked pretty dinged up.

This is the stay on kowa cover on my 884.
It is a nice $100 insurance policy.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Use the stay on case and it will totally keep the scope clean as the day you received it.

 

[NPRI]

This is the stay on kowa cover on my 884.
It is a nice $100 insurance policy.
View attachment 108999

That’s a pretty slick setup