Kowa Tsn-88 Prominar Spotting Scope Angled Body User Manual

TSN-88 PROMINAR Spotting Scope Angled Body

TSN-88
88mm PURE FLUORITE CRYSTAL SERIES

COLOUR, T H E WAY NAT U R E I N T E N D E D.

TSN-88
88mm PURE FLUORITE CRYSTAL SERIES
TSN-88A PROMINAR
ANGLED MODEL
TSN-88S PROMINAR
STRAIGHT MODEL

TSN-88
88mm PURE FLUORITE CRYSTAL SERIES
KOWA TSN-88A, IPHONE 12 PRO

THERE IS NO GREATER EXAMPLE OF COLOUR THAN THAT OF THE NATURAL WORLD.
A vibrancy when witnessed that can stir our emotions and make us feel alive.
Seeing nature represented true to life can be one of the most engaging experiences we can ever hope to enjoy.
For decades, it has been the passion, drive and goal of Kowa optical engineers to always deliver this natural spectacle to the observer in glorious detail through our optics.

IMPROVING AN ICONIC OPTIC.
When crafting the new TSN-88 PROMINAR series, Kowa went back to its roots in optical design. Roots which have made it one of the most popular spotting scope manufacturers in the world. To enhance a basic fundamental feature that PROMINAR users enjoy every time they look through their eyepiece – Natural Colour. Kowa has always prided itself on manufacturing optics that deliver a pure rendition of the view in front of the lens. Allowing you, the observer to explore and enjoy every detail of the subject. An image free of negative optical distractions allowing you to immerse yourself into the scene in front of you.
KOWA TSN-88A, IPHONE 12 PRO
MEET THE NEW 88MM FLAGSHIP PROMINAR SPOTTING SCOPE.

GETTING BACK TO BASICS.
So, how exactly do you improve on an optic that has for almost two decades been at the forefront of optical innovation? The answer was clear, how the scope interacts with light. Kowa engineers have improved the unique optical coatings applied not only to the lenses but also the prism in the new TSN-88 PROMINAR spotting scope series. The result is a spotting scope that delivers even higher levels of light wavelength transmission than its predecessor and most important of all, across the entire colour spectrum.

UNDERSTANDING LIGHT.

PROMINAR OPTICS DELIVER HIGH LIGHT TRANSMISSION ACROSS ALL WAVELENGTHS OF LIGHT, TO ACHIEVE A NATURAL, COMFORTABLE AND TRULY REALISTIC IMAGE THAT IS WORTHY OF THE SUBJECT YOU ARE VIEWING.
COOL IMAGE

Available light enters through the objective lens and internal optics of the spotting scope which is then finally transmitted to our eyes via the exit pupil. The more light photons that make it through the lens, the better and more clear we can see the object at high magnification and in greater detail.
Lens coatings help to transmit the light photons entering the optic and control how the image is delivered to our eyes.
Lens coating chemicals which are not perfectly balanced with high performance across the entire colour spectrum can produce unnatural colours in the final image seen by your eye.
Cool or blue tints, or possible warm or red tints are often associated with optics that have good transmission values in certain wavelengths of light ­ but not the full spectrum.

PROMINAR NATURAL IMAGE WARM IMAGE

NEW OPTICAL COATINGS A R E O N LY HA L F T H E S T O RY.

The new TSN-88 PROMINAR series features an 88mm pure fluorite crystal objective lens – the true optical powerhouse at the heart of all PROMINAR flagship optics.

88
MM

ELIMINATING CHROMATIC ABERRATION
Chromatic aberration occurs due to the dispersion of light and the different wavelengths of light focusing on different positions, resulting in a red or purple fringing around the image. Aligning these light wavelengths in to one focal point is critical. The optimum optical material to do the job and minimize chromatic aberration is fluorite crystal.
A unique fluorite crystal convex lens, only found in PROMINAR spotting scopes, when combined with a concave lens featuring our newly developed optical coatings redefines the standards of colour brilliance. This special combination not only eliminates chromatic aberration (colour blur) which is one of the major causes of deterioration of viewing quality, but also increases resolution, contrast and low light performance even at the highest levels of magnifications.
FLUORITE CRYSTAL LENS

THE PROMINAR PURE FLUORITE CRYSTAL FAMILY

BLACK, WHITE AND EVERYTHING ELSE IN BETWEEN.

WHAT YOU THOUGHT WAS A BLACK BIRD ISN’T.

Look through a TSN-88 PROMINAR series scope and a whole new spectrum of colour and detail will be displayed.
Subtle tones and hues are revealed in stunning detail and at the same time, a whole new appreciation of the nature you are viewing.

ULTIMATE CONTROL.

DUAL FOCUS
The dual focus system is one of the defining features of our flagship spotting scopes, highly engineered to give ultimate control, the TSN-88 PROMINAR is no exception, the optic is a dream to use out in the field.
The dual focus mechanism is the gateway to controlling the image between your eye and the scope. Exquisite engineering is refined to make operation flawless. Quick focus allows for fast action to bring your subject in to detail in just a few smooth revolutions, whilst Fine focus gives pin-point, finger-tip control offering the ultimate in focussing accuracy with minute adjustments possible even when wearing gloves. We believe no other spotting scope offers this level of fine control. The responsive focus system is tuned to not only respond effortlessly for conventional observation, but increases performance for applications such as digiscoping when accurate focus is critical.

WE DIDN’T REINVENT THE WHEEL.
When we developed TSN-88 PROMINAR we had the benefit of experience behind us. We utilized and enhanced the key features that have made our flagship PROMINAR optics range so popular with nature viewers around the globe.

HIGHLY ENGINEERED WITH PRECISION AND EASE OF USE AT THE FOREFRONT.

EVOLUTION OF AN ICON.

OVER 70 YEARS AGO, THE FIRST OPTIC LEFT THE KOWA FACTORY IN JAPAN, SINCE THAT DAY, KOWA OPTICAL ENGINEERS HAVE DEVELOPED AND REFINED THE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES USED TO CREATE THEIR PRECISION OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Unique features such as the use of pure fluorite crystal lenses, not found in any other sporting optic other than PROMINAR, is only made possible by Kowa optical engineers pushing the boundaries and establishing complex manufacturing process over many years.
The new TSN-88 PROMINAR represents an evolution of PROMINAR spotting scope technology. Born from one of our most iconic spotting scopes to ever leave our Japanese factory. It takes every feature that made the TSN-880 series so popular around the world and a pioneering optical device for almost twenty years and subtly refines them for the next generation of outdoor enthusiast to enjoy and see the true colour and detail of nature for decades to come.

TOUGHER AND LIGHTER.

FULLY WATERPROOF & NITROGEN SEALED.
The scope body is fully sealed to protect from the elements. The rugged structure can tolerate the severest conditions and provides confidence and a sense of security.
The aluminium barrel formerly used on the TSN-880 series has now been upgraded meaning the new TSN-88- PROMINAR benefits from a full 100% magnesium alloy body. This sophisticated alloy offers all the strength benefits of metal whilst retaining a lightweight body. By employing the use of a 100% magnesium alloy structure, the TSN-88 PROMINAR series spotting scope is one of the most compact and lightweight in its class of large objective spotting scopes making it more portable than many other models.

The new TSN-88 PROMINAR series is built to last a life time – use it with absolute confidence even in the harshest of environments.
Your reliable, life-long partner in any excursion to the great outdoors.

KR COATING.
An additional upgrade now includes the objective lens benefiting from enhanced protection from the elements with Kowa’s unique KR coating which actively repels dirt, moisture and dust from building on the surface.

LOOKS AREN’T EV E RY T H I NG , BU T…
The TSN-88 PROMINAR adopts the new ergonomic curves and form created for the recent TSN-99 PROMINAR scope series. There is no mistaking this spotting scope is PROMINAR. Classic green with new and improved elegant styling and a comfortable shape designed to give the user the best experience and operation out in the field.

TSN-88
88mm PURE FLUORITE CRYSTAL SERIES

SUN SHADE
A smooth twist sunshade helps to eliminate glare from the sun and also reduces exposure of the objective lens to elements such as moisture, grit and sand.

EYEPIECE RELEASE BUTTON
To release the eyepiece smoothly, we re-engineered our quick release button, further enhancing the operation to allow quick eyepiece or adapter changes without compromising on a secure connection to the scope body.

DUAL TRIPOD MOUNT
The tripod mount features a dual mounting system which helps prevent the scope from slipping or rotating on the tripod shoe ensuring extra stability for long periods of use. The tripod mount has removable screws that allows the spotting scope to be attached to either 1/4 and 3/8 inch tripod heads. With the tripod screw inserted the mount can be used on 1/4 inch tripods. Removing the screw allows the scope to be attached to 3/8 inch tripods. The orientation of the scope can be smoothly changed with the release of a locking button if you require to alter the viewing position.
FILTER THREAD
A 95mm filter thread is situated on the scope body allowing for a protective or UV filter to be added offering enhanced protection. The sunshade can still be used even with a filter added.

ACCESSORY COLLAR
An easy accessible collar on the eyepiece mount allows for quick connection of current KOWA SYSTEM accessories including adapters for digiscoping and 1.6x extender. This accessory collar is the gateway to expand the scope to new levels of functionality.
AIMING SIGHT
The spotting scope includes a new detachable aiming site that can be fixed on to the accessory collar to assist in locating your subject more rapidly. The lens hood also features a newly designed built in aiming site as a further visual aid.

A PERFECT PARTNER FOR THE NEW TSN-88 PROMINAR
TE-80XW
EXTREME WIDE EYEPIECE
35x

80o
EXTREME WIDE ANGLE

SEE MORE.
Immerse yourself into the scene with a magnification of 35x and a field of view of up to 45m at 1000m distance. Find a subject quicker with a wider view of your surroundings.

Field flattener lens The optical design incorporates a field flattener lens maintaining a flat resolution throughout the entire 80 degree field of view.
XD lens A Kowa XD lens is utilized to minimize chromatic aberration.

Both the field flattener and XD lens combine to produce a view that is completely uniform and ultra sharp across the entire image.

REDEFINING WHAT IT IS TO VIEW NATURE.
A true optical innovation. Kowa engineers have developed one of the most immersive visual experiences you can expect to see in a sporting optic device. Featuring an advanced optical design, the view through TE-80XW can only be described as breath-taking. We created an eyepiece with one of the widest field of views, an incredible 80 degrees.

FULLY PROTECTED.
The Kowa TE-80XW is 100% waterproof and sealed to protect against the elements.
Kowa’s unique KR coating is applied to the lens with enhanced protection against dirt, moisture and dust.

DIGISCOPING GAMECHANGER.

TE-80XW
EXTREME WIDE EYEPIECE

WIDE, BRIGHT & EXTRA POWERFUL.

Experience the best of both worlds with an eyepiece designed for optimum viewing with the human eye as well as digital cameras/smartphones for digiscoping.
Not only does the eyepiece offer the widest field of view for any spotting scope delivering one of the most engaging, true to life and comfortable views on the eye, now you can experience a new level of creativity when you attach a smartphone or digital camera with zero vignetting giving you ultimate control of your image.

Example of vignetting effect when attaching most smartphones to a spotting scope

Vignetting with standard eyepiece

Zero vignetting with Kowa TE-80XW

As smartphone digiscoping popularity ever increases we decided to create an eyepiece to take your digiscoping to the next level. No more cropping or digitally zooming and degrading image quality. The TE-80XW gives you total creative freedom completely eliminating vignetting and free from chromatic aberration.
Now you can decide how to compose your image.

KOWA TSN-88A, IPHONE 12 PRO

The eyepiece is 100% compatible with Kowa System accessories. For long range applications and an extra powerful view that still remains wide angle and bright, simply combine the eyepiece with the Kowa TSN-EX16 1.6x extender and enjoy 56x magnification.
56x
The flexibility and cross compatibility that Kowa System offers means you can add our range of smartphone and digital camera adapters whilst still using the 1.6x extender for even greater telephoto reach.
THE COMBINATION OF TSN-EX16 & TE-80XW DELIVERS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL, WIDE AND BRIGHTEST VIEWS OF THE NATURAL WORLD.

F I T S R I G H T I N T O T H E FA M I LY.

Cross compatibility is a fundamental feature of all PROMINAR spotting scopes. The TSN-88 PROMINAR accessory collar and bayonet mount is 100% compatible with our Kowa System accessory range, giving you access to interchangeable eyepieces and accessories, creating a truly flexible optical tool that can be used for many applications.

The spotting scope body allows connection of our PROMINAR eyepieces including the 25-60x TE-11WZ II wide zoom, the Extreme wide zoom 35x TE-XW80 and the TE-20H 25x long eye-relief eyepiece.
If you own historical TSN-880/770 eyepieces ­ rest assured they will fit and work perfectly with TSN-88 PROMINAR. Add the EX-16 1.6x extender for increased magnification for long range applications, attach the latest smartphones and digital camera bodies with our easy to use digiscoping adapters for super telephoto photography. Even insert astronomical eyepieces and push the boundaries of this planet to the next.

EYEPIECES
Three eyepieces are available for the TSN-88 PROMINAR series: TE-11WZ II 25-60x wide zoom TE-80XW 35x Extreme wide TE-20H 25x Long eye relief

EXTENDER
THE TSN-EX16 Extender increases the magnification of the attached eyepiece by 1.6x for long range applications up to 96x optical zoom.

DIGISCOPING
A range of easy to use digiscoping adapters for many smartphone models, DSLRs and compact system cameras are available.

PROTECTION
Protect both the objective lens and eyepiece with our protection kit including TSN-95FT filter coated with KR dirt/dust repelling technology and our TSN-CV88A eyepiece protection cap.

STAY-ON-CASE
This case is not only a statement of style, the unique high quality neoprene modular design offers incredible protection for your scope.

ASTRONOMY
Quickly fit and use 1,25″ astronomical eyepieces on the Kowa TSN-99 body with TSN-AS 1.25 astro adapters.

STILL THE KING OF DIGISCOPING.

DIGISCOPING.
SMARTPHONE.
Kowa has an enviable line-up of dedicated and universal smartphone adapters to allow simple connection of most smartphone models to the TSN-88 PROMINAR, take highly magnified and detailed images and videos with your smartphone of the natural world.
The simplicity and achievable results makes it clear to see why this method of digiscoping is by far the most wide spread and gaining popularity all the time.

ATTACH A SMARTPHONE OR DSLR TO TSN-88 PROMINAR.
The TSN-88 PROMINAR retains its crown in the world of digiscoping, offering the photo enthusiast ultra long range telephoto photography options not possible in conventional photography. The improved coatings further enhance digiscoping performance even at the highest levels of magnification producing images that were once only achievable with high end DSLR systems.

For the photo purist, who want to use a DSLR or compact system camera, our TSN-PA7A and TSN-DA10 digiscoping adapters will meet every demand and connection option desired for full creative control.

TSN-PA7A
An extremely easy to use digiscoping adapter for
connection to full frame/APSC/MFT camera bodies*. It can quickly be removed to switch between eye observation and digiscoping and allows shooting in landscape or portrait format.

TSN-DA10
Versatile adapter that can be used with full frame/ APSC/MFT camera bodies with or without a lens attached** . Also compatible with Kowa smartphone adapters for a fixed connection.**

Compatible Eyepieces TE-11WZ II 25-60x wide zoom TE-80XW 35x Extreme wide
*Requires additional T2 adapter depending on camera model.

Compatible Eyepieces TE-11WZ II 25-60x wide zoom TE-80XW 35x Extreme wide
** Requires additional TSN-AR adapter ring

TSN-88
88mm PURE FLUORITE CRYSTAL SERIES

TSN-88A PROMINAR
ANGLED MODEL
7

2

1

3

4 5 6

TSN-88S PROMINAR
STRAIGHT MODEL

1. 88mm objective lens 2. Aiming site 3. Sun shade 4. Dual focus (quick/fine) 5. Eyepiece release button 6. Accessory collar 7. Eyepiece

Page 4 of 5

SPECIFICATIONS

TSN-88 PROMINAR
88MM PURE FLUORITE CRYSTAL SPOTTING SCOPE

Objective Lens Effective Diameter: Objective Lens Material: Minimum Focusing Distance: Length 88A / 88S: Weight 88A / 88S body only: Weight 88A / 88S Zoom kit: Filter thread:

88mm Fluorite crystal 5m 342mm / 326mm 1460g / 1480g 1840g / 1860g 95mm

TE-80XW
35X EXTREME WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECE

Magnification: Subjective field of view (degree): Field of view at 1000m: Exit Pupil Diameter: Relative Brightness: Twilight Factor: Eye Relief (mm): Weight:

35x 80 45m 2.5 6.3 55.5 17 485g

Eyepiece specification when attached to Kowa TSN-88 series. Specification changes when attached to other spotting scope bodies.

TE-11WZ II
25-60X ZOOM WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECE

Magnification: Subjective field of view (degree): Field of view at 1000m: Exit Pupil Diameter: Relative Brightness: Twilight Factor: Eye Relief (mm): Weight:

25-60x 55-69 42-23m 3.5-1.5mm 12.3-2.3 46.9-72.7 17 380g

Eyepiece specification when attached to Kowa TSN-88 series. Specification changes when attached to other spotting scope bodies.

TSN-88
88mm PURE FLUORITE CRYSTAL SERIES
COLOUR, T H E WAY NAT U R E I N T E N D E D.
#kowaoptics #kowascoping

Headquarters Kowa Optronics Co., Ltd. 4th Fl., Toko Bldg, 4-11-1, Nihonbashi-Honcho Chuo-Ku, Tokyo 103-0023 | Japan
T: +81-3-5651-7061 E-mail: [email protected] www.kowa-prominar.com

Your Local Kowa Dealer

Europe Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH Fichtenstrasse 123, 40233 Düsseldorf Germany
T: +49 (0) 211-542184-00 E-mail: [email protected] www.kowaoptic.com
USA Kowa American Corporation 20001 South Vermont Avenue Torrance, CA 90502 | U.S.A.
T: +1 (800) 966-5692 E-mail: [email protected] www.kowa-usa.com

All equipment and specifications listed are subject to change without prior notice. Before using these products, be certain to carefully read the instruction manual. Do not under any circumstances use these products to look at the sun, this may result in loss of eyesight. Names of companies and products
described in this pamphlet are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of each company.

References

• PROMINAR BRAND SITE [PROMINAR公式ブランドサイト］
• Kowa Optronics | Spotting Scopes / Binoculars
• Kowa | Welcome to Kowa American corp. LA Branch
• Kowa Optics | High-Quality Binoculars, Scopes & Digiscoping Adapters