KOWA SPOTTING SCOPE REVIEW & COMPARISON - Kowa 88 vs 99

[@janpedersen8987]

Nice video with super digiscoping illustrating things. As a birder I have a 883 and jumped to the 99A shortly after it came out. 99A is a hek of a scope. However seeing the 88A (and the 66A and the 99A) in direct comparison at a birdshow just last weekend, I would today have bought the 88A. Its a honest contender for the perfect scope that outperforms the rest. And it has much more FOV. I refer to metric system, so its 42m vs. modest 35m, and with the 35/40 x W ocular its 45m vs. 39m. In either way it can easily be the difference between missing a migrating raptor or seeing one. Other than that 99A is a beast to gather light and resolve fine details (details mostly unseen with the otherwise magnificent 883)

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Thank you! Yes, the 88A is truly a gem! I certainly seem to grab it more often than not. Thanks for watching!

[@kylehurlbrink]

Love the 99A I recently picked up. The best birding happens early/late in the day when light is darker. Great light catcher with the large objective.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Absolutely! It's a great spotting scope and does really well in low light! Thanks for watching!

[@generaltso9402]

one of the best things about these scops is that the mounting plate is can be totally secured by using 2 screws, not just 1.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

That's definitely a plus! Thanks for watching!

[@kishascape]

Nah the best thing is it still uses a focus knob dial instead of a full body focus rings like most brands have degenerates to the past decade

[@birdingtherapy]

You guys keep setting the bar higher with yet another excellent review. I've been wondering what the difference was between these two scopes.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Thank you! Appreciate the kind words. Glad it was helpful and thanks for following along the channel!

[@peternelson9865]

Great review as always👍 would love to see how the Swarovski 115 compares to the kowa 99.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Thanks Peter and I'll see what I can do on a comparison between the big glass options! Thanks for watching!

[@roydaniels5403]

115 poor image

[@Juscz]

This is a well done and very useful presentation on the two Kowa scopes with the extender. Thank you for sharing.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Absolutely and thank you for watching!

[@sempertard]

Those Kowa scopes are ridiculous. Was at a machine gun shoot in AZ 8-10 years ago. Guy had a 100mm Kowa set up and let me look though it. The image was so clear and bright with zero distortion, i felt like i got physically transported 800 yards. No joke, I actually had slight vertigo for a second. Best glass on the planet.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@sempertard they are amazing for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@user-mh5qg5jb7d]

Good comparison. I didn't even see the bedded buck in your video with the 88 but I could see it with the 99.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching!

[@JohnCross-rz5uq]

I have the Kowa TSN-99 Spottingscope with the TE-11WZ II 30-70 zoom eyepiece and the excellent TE-80XW 40x eyepiece, this Spottingscope is the very best you can get today ! I have used Spottingscopes since 1987 and I have tried a lot of different Spottingscopes through those years. The TSN-99 will be my laste Spottingscope. When I bought it I compared it very close to the Zeiss Victory Harpia 95, optically the two are very close, about the same, but to the Kowa is much easier to use.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@JohnCross-rz5uq The TSN 99 is awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@apeshitcrazyman]

Excellent review!! Thanks a ton, this was very helpful. Awesome scopes.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Thank you for the feedback! Really appreciate you watching!

[@dirkoberjasper7207]

Excellent review with great looking footage - thank you so much! 👍🏼

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Thank you, Dirk! Thanks for watching!

[@johnmaxfield1445]

Another great review!! Would love to see an alpha class review of spotting scopes (Swaro, Zeiss, & Leica), including the Kowa TSN 88. If I recall, you didn't have access to the Zeiss Harpia or the Leica APO -Televid when you conducted your massive and well-received Best Spotting Scopes review. Would love to see a review and comparison of these high-end spotting scopes.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Thanks John, and yes, you remember correctly. We are hoping to do an alpha glass spotter review soon! Thanks for watching!

[@RockyBighorn]

I agree, would be awesome to see top alpha glass spotters paired with digiscoping video like this one so the viewer can see the differences, adding deer to look at was above and beyond, great review! High end glass is a huge investment, and its tough to make an informed decision for people that dont have a shop nearby that allows someone to take a few outside for a side by side comparison.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@RockyBighorn thanks! Yeah, I was stoked to find some deer for the digiscoping! Thanks for the kind words and I'll see what I can do on an alpha glass review. Thanks for watching!

[@nillejoslin]

04:09 The shell is not armored because you're supposed to have the Neopren stay-on case.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Yeah, getting the neoprene case is certainly an option. Personally I don't care for them as they add weight and some bulk to the optic, and typically make it more difficult to operate the focus and zoom mechanisms, but it is nice that they help protect the optic. Thanks for watching!

[@nillejoslin]

@@BackwoodsPursuit Weight is negligible. The big advantage is that the spotting scope can sit on the tripod forever and the case protects the lenses from dust and rain. It's true you have to remove the flap that covers the focus mechanism, as you have to remove the lens covers at each end. That's the price of having a protective case. Thanks for a very useful video!

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@nillejoslin yeah, that's definitely the benefit of the cover. Thanks for watching!

[@kenjohnson958]

The only video that I’ve found that tells you how far away the picture is! Unbelievable distance maybe if others did the same would give people a better idea about the power source of the scope

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@kenjohnson958 thanks and glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@jonathanr2830]

Superb! Thank you!

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@mengkewoshixiaohuaidan2448]

Best comparison ever. Just wonder have you ever try to put two pieces of 1.6 extender on any of kOWA and see difference.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Thank you so much! Glad it was helpful. I'm not sure I understand what you are asking about the extender though. Sorry!

[@2whl4re]

@@BackwoodsPursuit I think he's asking if two extenders could be stacked, to make a 3.2 extender.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@2whl4re awe...gotcha. I'm not sure if that would work or not. You'd have a significant loss in resolution doing that, and the FOV would be very narrow. I don't think it would work though based on the design of how the extender attaches to the body and the eye piece.

[@Sagittariustoo]

@BackwoodsPursuit Is a plate available to convert the KOWA scope mount to a Tripod with an ARCA attachment? Thanks for the video, enjoyed it! 👍

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@Sagittariustoo hey! Absolutely. You can screw in an Arca plate via the 1/4 20 screw on the bottommof the foot. Thanks for watching!

[@Sagittariustoo]

@@BackwoodsPursuit Thank you, Sir. 👍

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@Sagittariustoo any time!

[@jaisahni329]

Would it be possible to compare this with the Kowa Highlander 82mm binoculars. I wonder if the versatality for a little more price beats the tsn 99 ? Thanks

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! That would be an interesting side by side for sure. I'm sure the Highlander would be more comfortable to use given that it's called a "big binocular" rather than a spotting scope. And, it looks like it's a fixed 32x rather than the 30-70x of the TSN 99. Thanks for watching!

[@lastexosphere1300]

Great review. Very usefull. Thanks. Please tell me which Tripid is this 0:09 ? Thank you.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Glad itnwas helpful! That tripod is the Athlon Midas. Super stable tripods. Thanks for watching!

[@Achso0]

Great comparison. Which phone did you choose and more intrestingly which lens on that phone gave the best results?

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there and thank you! For that video I was using a OnePlus 9. I don't recall which lens was being used though. Sorry, but thanks for watching!

[@kevinlowe7552]

the bird watching people are the most pickiest optic snobs ever and there are a lot of them who say not good things about these scopes, the 99 in particular, something about a lot of bad samples. i am just suprised that there just isn't a true consensus on these particular scopes. i was looking at upgrading my old zeiss but maybe i will keep it,, works fine really diascope 85 fl.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Thanks for the feedback, Kevin. I guess time will tell on overall quality control, but these ones we tested were good ones! Thanks for watching!

[@jonroads8281]

I have the 88, and it's absolutely fantastic, I think it outperforms all the premium German glass, and I'd honestly stack it up against any scope in the world and expect it to win. I'm sure the 99 is amazing, but honestly the 88 is about all I'd like to carry, it's a big scope.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Agreed! They are both amazing, but the 88 is as big as I want to carry out hunting. Thanks for watching!

[@jonroads8281]

One thing though - when the neoprene cover is fitted, the scope can no longer rotate about it's collar. Not something that bothers me much, but sometimes it's a handicap when birding with a group and shorter people want to look through.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@jonroads8281 good observation...I also don't care for the covers, but some folks like to use them.

[@jonroads8281]

@@BackwoodsPursuit I've wondered if it is necessary, but then it's a big investment, and it's fairly heavy on the tripod, so some protection against it falling seems worth sacrificing the rotation function to me.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@jonroads8281 yeah, I can see both sides of the coin for sure.

[@weekendwarrior8334]

I have a question…..I’ve had trouble finding the 773 in stock lately. Is Kowa discontinuing that model with the release of the 66a? Sure do appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions!!

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Yes, unfortunately the 77 has been discontinued with the release of the new 66. I know I'm bummed about that as the 77 is such a good performer, particularly for its price point and weight. Happy to help!

[@weekendwarrior8334]

@@BackwoodsPursuit That is a real disappointment……thank you for confirming.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@weekendwarrior8334 any time! Thanks for following the channel!

[@darrenecoffey2632]

So what would you choose out of the kowa 99 and the swarovski 95mm?

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@darrenecoffey2632 hey! Hmm...that's a tough one as Ive not yet put the Swaro and Kowa side by side (in the 95mm class), so I can't say for sure. The Kowa is certainly less expensive, and has performed as well as the Swaro.in most of our testing, so I wouldn't hesitate to go that direction. Can't go wrong with Swaro though. Thanks for watching!

[@christosvaliotis7578]

Thank you for all your work on those reviews guys. New subscriber here, and an Fclass shooter. I am looking for a scope that will be used mostly while shooting, but also has the versatility to use while hunting. Would the 99 or 88 be too big to use while shooting? I am assuming the 66 would be best for that scenario. But id like the larger objective of the 88 and 99 for when I go hunting. I'd appreciate any opinions on that. Thanks

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Thanks so much for the kind words. I think the new 66 would be the ideal scope for both situations. The 88 and 99 and amazing, but obviously on the big side for packing around the mountains. The 66 doesn't give up much in performance, and would be better suited for hunting situations other than giving up a little low light performance. Hope that helps!

[@dwhickbama]

Great review, I was worried when I saw the title seeings how I just ordered my 88 last week but luckily it looks like it will be the best decision for the type of hunting that I do. What’s your overall assessment of the Ollin adapter? Are you still able to glass normally with the adapter on or does it affect glassing ability?

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Thanks and glad it was helpful! Yeah, the 88 is tough to beat given the weight savings vs the 99. The Ollin is awesome. It does add a little bulk at the eye piece, but it doesn't affect using the spotting scope when not using the adapter. It does feel a little different, but still works great. I'll be testing a couple other digiscoping adapters in the coming weeks/months, so stay tuned for that review! Thanks for watching!

[@GM-bq6zo]

I've seen a review saying the plate kept coming loose on the kowa 99 scope. Have you found this an issue on kowa scopes? Thanks

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! I haven't had that issue as of yet...but then again, that seems to be an issue with just about every one out there. Nothing a touch of blue loctite won't fix though lol. Thanks for watching!

[@GM-bq6zo]

@@BackwoodsPursuit thanks a lot mate 👍

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@GM-bq6zo any time!

[@Joe-qw6il]

How would you rate the Zeiss Harpia 95 to the Kowa 99? Thanks

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

That's a great question! We are actually doing that comparison now, with the review to come. Both are amazing, but haven't have extensively tested them side by side other than a few times here and there. We'll do more side by side comparisons (along with the ATX) and publish that review. Stay tuned!

[@GM-bq6zo]

These compare to swaro scopes?

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Absolutely! If interested, here is pur big 19 spotting scope comparison...the Kowa actually ranked higher than the Swaro ATX in all but one optical performance category. Thanks for watching!

[@GM-bq6zo]

@@BackwoodsPursuit nice one thanks!

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@GM-bq6zo you bet!

[@tonesmith909]

Great comparison both are awesome spotters but 883 is the max amount of weight I’m willing to lug around in the field . I’m glad you also decided to test the 1.6 X extender in your opinion is it worth buying and taking out with you in the field? Could you actually swap out those pieces out in the back country? I’ve been thinking about getting it for a while now . Also, have you looked through their fixed zoom 30 X wide angle eyepiece they offer? I can also use that with the extender I wonder how nice that combo is?

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there and thank you! I hear you on the max weight....that 99 is a beast to carry around lol! That extender is pretty cool, and I did carry it around on the TSN 88 for a season while mule deer hunting last year. I actually found that it was a bit much for a lot of applications...that minimum of 40x was a lot unless you are looking a really long ways away. The extender is better when you know you'll be primary glassing a long ways away. Yes, you can change it in the field quite easily, but I prefer not to as you can introduce dust to the lens. I've not tried the 30x eye piece on these, so I unfortunately can't speak to that. Thanks for watching!

[@x0j]

meh i have the extender and i'd prefer the higher image quality I think. Good for target shooting though

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@x0j yeah, I can definitely see that....you do lose some resolution with the extender. Thanks for watching!

[@joncavallo4391]

Are there not companies that make quality spotting scope covers to fit these Kowa 88 and 99 spotting scopes?

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there Jon! I haven't dug too deep on what covers are offered for them, but Kowa does have a cover for them that can be purchased. Thanks for watching!

[@mattpruitt8305]

Marsupial makes really nice, padded scope covers for them-much better than the one that Kowa makes. I have one for my Kowa 88 and its great! However, it does add weight and they aren't cheap...

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@mattpruitt8305 thanks for the info, Matt!

[@turboryan]

@@mattpruitt8305 I just looked at the Marsupial stuff. looks like a nice case but they don't show a custom fitted stay on case like Kowa has. I have the fitted stay on case on my 88 and its excellent.

[@ads3453]

How do these compare to the Swarovski series of spotting scopes ? Looking to take the plunge on one scope and these look impressive but having never looked through these or the Swarovski's its difficult to tell

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! They compare very favorably to the Swaro ATX. In fact, when we had them side by side, most preferred the Kowa over the Swaro other than one of the low light situ, where the Swaro was definitely better. Here's our full review if interested! backwoodspursuit.com/best-spotting-scope-for-hunting/

[@gaussrifle1]

Can the TSN 99 have a lower magnification than 30x if I decide to use my own eyepiece using the Astro eyepiece adapter ? Also, would you please be able to compare the Kowa highlanders image with Kowa TSN 99 ?

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! I've not tried using a different eye piece on the TSN99, so I'm not sure if that would work or not. Sorry! I'll see what I can do on a Highlander/TSN99 comparison. Thanks for watching!

yes you can have. Strating from around 20mm and higher focal length of the eyepiece I think you will start getting lower magnification. I use my 99A for astro observations mainly - image quality is insane!

[@gaussrifle1]

@ Thats great, what kind of objects are you looking at with your 99 ? Bright DSO 's or planets and do you think it is worth getting over the 88A with a wider field of view. I am torn between these 3 options including the Kowa Highlander Binos. Thanks !

[@nonetheless01]

Are those rrs tripods ? Series 3 ?

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Those are the Athlon Midas tripods. They are super stable! Thanks for watching!

[@nonetheless01]

@BackwoodsPursuit really ? Athlon , I would have never guessed. Most of thier stuff is low to kid tier quality at best . Thanks for the info .do you have any mainstream CF tripods to compare to ?

[@nonetheless01]

I looked at them but thier weights are terrible , why pay for CF when they are so heavy . Over 8 lbs for the 40mm version .

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@nonetheless01 yeah, Athlon's first tripods I believe. Yeah, I've used a lot of different tripods over the years. Currently testing the RRS Ascent,and did an ultralight tripod comparison last year: backwoodspursuit.com/10-best-ultralight-tripods-review-sub-2lb/ Also did a video on them here on the channnel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqDNZXdtiKmAmc0 I've got a Spartan Precision system coming to test and review as well,.so lots of tripod content coming!

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@nonetheless01 yeah, they are certainly not designed for the weight conscious person. Not something you'd take to the mountains for sure.

[@TheSavagederek]

Do none of you use a stay on case ? It protects your scope whilst still allowing full function and protects it from knocks and scratches. Well worth the extra investment. My old Nikon Scope was over 20 yrs old , and still like new under the case .

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Yeah, I know some folks do, but they extra weight of the stay on case adds up if you are backpacking or hauling the spotter through the backcountry. They do a nice job of protecting the spotter though. Thanks for watching!

[@TheSavagederek]

@@BackwoodsPursuit I use a carbon tripod which helps with the weight , also a specific scope and tripod carry system helps . I carry mine 5-7 miles on costal walks , along with an 8x42 Kowa BD11 binocular and snacks etc...

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@TheSavagederek yeah, I hear ya. The carbon tripod helps for sure. I use one as well. For me personally though, I find the stay on case a bit annoying for hunting in the mountains as it adds steps to getting set up to spot game, and it seems like often times those few seconds can count when trying to get the glass on a bull or buck moving into the Timber. But, I totally get wanting to protect the spotter and keep it looking new!

[@trident8872]

Hey! Again i have a few questions for you,i checked for Pentax PF 100 ED spotting scope also watched videos of it,80 E D and 100 ED Is amazing and xw series eyepiece provides variety of magnification almost 159x so can you please check and let me know if its worth buying Pentax PF 100 ED??

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! I haven't personally tested the Pentax PF-100 or 80, so I can't really compare based on personal experience.. However, given that it's more than half the price of these Kowa TSN spotting scopes, I'd imagine there is very little chance that it performs at the same level. Additionally, it does not appear that the Pentax has a pure fluorite objective, which also means lesser performance most likely. Thanks for watching!

[@trident8872]

@@BackwoodsPursuit if you check videos are there on you tube with 80 ed Pentax that guy has got 150 x magnification and the moon's surface is so clear i will share the link

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@trident8872 thanks!

[@trident8872]

Really liked Kowa tsn series, please tell me is it better than Swarovski??

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Yeah, the Kowa TSN series is amazing! We actually tested the Kowa TSN 883 next to the Swaro ATX 85, and we all liked the Kowa better other than one lighting situation where we were looking at broken snow covered hill during super low light, the Swaro was definitely better in that scenario. For all the details, here is that extensive review: backwoodspursuit.com/best-spotting-scope-for-hunting/ Thanks for watching!

[@trident8872]

I have Vanguard endeavour hd 82 A spotting scope so any magnification extender available?? If so please advise which one is the best??

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! I don't believe that there is an extender made for the Vanguard Endeavor....at least not that I know of. Sorry. Thanks for watching!

[@trident8872]

@@BackwoodsPursuit Any other can fit to Vanguard endeavour??

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@trident8872 not that I'm aware of. Typically those extenders are specific to an optic. Sorry!

[@trident8872]

@@BackwoodsPursuit ok!

[@trident8872]

Hey do you know Adamsadapters???

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@trident8872 hey! I don't. Sorry! Thanks for watching.

[@trident8872]

If kowa uses pure fluorite crystal in eyepiece and prisms so the resolution and light transmittance will increase for sure this is what I feel don't know why kowa engineers did not think of this??? What do you think??

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@trident8872 I'm not sure what you are asking? Sorry!

[@ivanov9693]

Because no one would buy a 6K scope

[@trident8872]

@@BackwoodsPursuit I mean to say that if Kowa uses pure fluorite crystal in their kowa eyepieces and prisms so the resolution and light transmittance will increase a lot.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@trident8872 pure fluorite crystal is extremely difficult to work with and very expensive...and these Kowa spotting scopes already optically outperform about every other brand we've tested them against.