How does the straight TSN-55S differ from the angled TSN-55A?
The TSN-55S is the straight version and the TSN-55A the angled version of the TSN-55 PROMINAR; both share the same 55 mm fluorite crystal objective, 17-40x wide zoom, dual focus and 58 mm filter thread. The TSN-55S is 10.8 in long and weighs 33.8 oz. Kowa does not rank one body type above the other, so the choice is a matter of personal preference.
How does the 9.1 ft minimum focus of the TSN-55S help with birdwatching?
The 9.1-foot minimum focusing distance lets you observe subjects in your immediate surroundings, such as a bird at a nearby feeder or an insect on a close branch.
What does the pure fluorite crystal objective in the Kowa TSN-55S do for image quality?
Pure fluorite crystal virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, or color fringing. This means you will see exceptionally sharp details with true-to-life colors, free from the distracting purple and green halos that can appear around high-contrast subjects (like a bird against a bright sky) in scopes with conventional glass lenses.
Is the 17-40x magnification of the TSN-55S suitable for observing distant mountain wildlife?
Yes. You can use the lower 17x power with its wide 192 ft field of view to scan a mountainside for movement, and then zoom in to 40x (105 ft field) to identify wildlife like sheep or goats once you've located them.
How does the dual-focus knob on the Kowa TSN-55S work?
The focus knob has a two-step mechanism. When the object is substantially out of focus, the quick focus brings it into focus 3.5 times faster than the fine focus and covers 2.8 m to infinity in only two revolutions. The fine focus is for fine focusing and slight adjustments to reach critical sharpness.
At 33.8 oz, is the Kowa TSN-55S light enough for long hikes?
Yes. Weighing 33.8 oz and measuring 10.8 inches long, the TSN-55S is part of Kowa's ultra-compact TSN-55 series, designed to be effortlessly portable without sacrificing image quality and described by Kowa as an ideal travel companion.
Can I use the Kowa TSN-55S spotting scope in the rain?
Yes. The body of the TSN-55S is fully sealed and nitrogen-filled, making it completely waterproof and fog-proof. Additionally, the KR coating on the objective lens repels dust, dirt and moisture from building on the surface.
What accessories do I need to start digiscoping with the Kowa TSN-55S?
Unscrew the eye-relief cap to access the thread mount. From there, you will need the optional Kowa TSN-DA10 digiscoping adapter, which Kowa describes as suited to compact, lightweight Micro Four Thirds or mirrorless system cameras.
What kind of filter can I attach to the 58mm thread on the TSN-55S?
The 58mm filter thread in front of the objective lens lets various types of filters be attached, such as the optional Kowa TP-58FT filter, which Kowa offers for enhanced protection.
How is the TSN-55S an improvement over the older Kowa TSN-550 model?
Kowa says the integration of the TE-11WZ II eyepiece technology into the body maintains the scope's compactness and expands the field of view by up to around 50% compared to its predecessor, the TSN-550, for a more immersive viewing experience.
How does the 55mm objective lens of the TSN-55S perform at dawn or dusk?
The 55mm pure fluorite crystal objective produces images Kowa describes as of startling clarity and brightness. A larger objective gathers more light, so the 55 mm aperture is the trade-off for the scope's 10.8 in, 33.8 oz size.
What is covered under the Kowa Limited Lifetime Warranty for the TSN-55S?
The Kowa Limited Lifetime Warranty covers the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product, subject to normal wear and tear. The scope must be purchased from an authorized North American Kowa retailer to be eligible, and Kowa requests product registration within 30 days of purchase.
