Kowa Sporting Optics Optical Technology

Kowa Brand cherished by outdoor enthusiasts around the world - a testament to quality.

The Electronics & Optics business of Kowa began the production of spotting scopes in 1952. Originally, they were developed as scopes for examining targets in shooting matches and saw official use in the 1964 Olympics Games held in Tokyo. Once discovered by birdwatchers, they gained unexpected popularity which gradually spread throughout the world of nature observation. Kowa Sporting Optics are highly appreciated as it is widely known that their quality and reliability are the result of more than half a century of experience and development. Kowa's larger aperture models enjoy a large market share in Europe and North America.

Based on our experience that optics have to travel and endure all types of adverse environmental conditions, Kowa Sporting Optics are designed to be rugged yet lightweight, without compromising optical performance. The shapes of our products and their protective covers are ergonomically designed to optimize ease of use, and Eco-Glass is utilized in all lenses. Kowa oers a wide variety of products that provide quality optical performance for the outdoor enthusiast. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, Kowa has the right spotting scope or binocular that will exceed your expectations.

* Eco-Glass is an environmentally friendly glass that does not contain lead or other harmful substances.

The PROMINAR line which includes models utilizing pure fluorite crystal or XD lenses to achieve optical characteristics unattainable with glass, is the gold standard of serious users.

PROMINAR Fluorite Crystal Lenses

Fluorite crystal is an ideal lens material with "ultra-low dispersion" properties not posessed by ordinary optical glass. This outstanding feature almost completely reduces the chromatic aberation (color blur) that occurs in the design of long focal length lenses. These fluorite crystal lenses, manufactured with Kowa's advanced processing technology that was acquired over many years, provide users with ultimate viewing experience.
Applicable models: HIGH LANDER, TSN-880 Series

PROMINAR XD Lenses

Kowa's branded XD Lenses (eXtra-low Dispersion glass which has characteristic closet to fluorite crystal), when combined with a concave lens possessing special dispersion properties, reduces a very high percentage of chromatic aberration (color blur). Their performance nearly matches Kowa's flagship models which utilise fluorite crystal lenses.
Applicable models: GENESIS Series & BD-XD PROMINAR Series, TSN-770 Series, TSN-660 Series

Magnesium Alloy Body

A magnesium alloy body is formed using advanced thixomolding technology. Advanced thixomolding technology provides the benefits of a high strength metal body but in a lightweight magnesium alloy structure. The durability and reliability of these binoculars can withstand the most severe conditions which provide users the greatest degree of confidence.
Applicable Models: GENESIS 44, BD-XD PROMINAR Series, TSN-880 Series, TSN-770 Series

C³ Coating

Kowa's roof prism binoculars use a Schmidt-pechan prism. One surface of the Pechan prism does not provide total reflection, so a highly reflective C3 coating has been applied. This allows for higher reflectivity than with silver or optically enhanced aluminum which offeres a 99% or higher reflectance across the entire visible spectrum (400-700nm). This not only provides bright and sharp images but also accurate color reproduction.
Applicable Models: GENESIS Series, BD-XD and BD Series

KR Coating

Kowa's KR coating protects the lenses from dirt and other foreign residue that affix to the lenses during normal use. Even in cases where the lens is accidentally touched, fingerprints or oil can easily be removed through proper lens cleaning methods. Applicable Models: GENESIS Series, BD-XD PROMINAR Series, SV Series, YF Series

Phase Coating

Phase coated roof prism - The Schmidt prism roof surface is phase corrected to ensure sharp images and outstanding contrast.
Applicable models: GENESIS Series, BD Series, SV Series

All-Surface Multicoating

Multi-Coated Optical System provides precise color definition for a brighter and sharper image. All lenses, prisms, and dustproof glass are fully multicoated, ensuring sharp images and a clear visual range.
Applicable to all binocular models, TSN-82SV, TSN-660, TSN-600 Series

Waterproof structure filled with dry nitrogen gas

The housing is waterproof and filled with dry nitrogen gas which prevents fogging.
*Not intended for underwater use.
Applicable to all models

Twist-Up Eyecup

Twist-up multi-step eyecups allow easy viewing even when wearing eyeglasses.
Applicable to all models

Dual Focus Mechanism (Quick and Fine Focusing)

The well established Kowa focus system has progressed to a dual focus system. The quick focus, with a large and easy to turn knob, will focus from infinity to 5m in two revolutions. The fine focus, with smooth movement and pinpoint accuracy, is extremely useful at high magnifications and for digiscoping systems. Applicable models: TSN-880 Series, TSN-770 Series

Eyepiece Locking Mechanism

Kowa's standard eyepiece bayonet mount has been passed down to these spotting scopes with a attractive feature. An eyepiece locking mechanism has been added to the mount to prevent the eyepiece from getting lost or falling out unexpectedly.
Applicable Models: TSN-880 Series, TSN-770 Series

Tripod Mounting Screw

The addition of a insert to the tripod mount of the scope allows the scope to be secured to both 1/4 and 3/8 inch mount tripods.
Applicable Models: TSN-880 Series, TSN-770 Series

Completely Waterproof Structure filled with Dry Nitrogen Gas

The housing is waterproof to JIS* Protection Class 7** and filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent the lenses from fogging.
Not intended for underwater use.
Applicable to all models