OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Other Optics > Spotting Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - New Spotting Scope
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

New Spotting Scope

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
super10 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/09/2019
Status: Offline
Points: 15
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote super10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: New Spotting Scope
    Posted: August/09/2019 at 10:39
Hi to you all. I am very new to this so this is the reason I have joined this forum
I have just been given a spotting scope and a tripod as the original user no longer uses it because of ill health so kindly gave it to me to use. What I want to know is, is this scope any good for general spotting use
The scope is a Kowa TSN-823M. It also says, fluorite lens and prominar. The tripod head is a Manfrotto 128rc. And the actual tripod is a Manfrotto 190NAT. It all looks like new, almost like its never been used before. It also has a very nice cover for the scope made by Skua, it also looks new and fits all around the scope perfectly, I think it can be used fitted to the scope, it looks as if it was made for it. Again, I know nothing about spotting scopes so excuse my ignorance. Finally the eye piece is a Kowa 20 to 60x zoom lens. As said, to me it still looks like the original owner never used it or very little use as it looks in very good condition I don't know what kind of scope this is or what its purpose is so I thought I would ask someone here for advice. Thanks for any advice
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/09/2019 at 10:53
Kowa makes great scopes, and Manfrotto makes great tripods.  You were given a very nice setup, lucky you. 
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
Sparky View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire


Joined: July/15/2007
Location: SD
Status: Offline
Points: 4569
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/09/2019 at 11:25
+1 on what Supertool said!! Your setup would be very high on my list!
Back to Top
BeltFed View Drop Down
Optics Retard
Optics Retard
Avatar

Joined: February/12/2008
Location: Ky
Status: Offline
Points: 22284
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/09/2019 at 11:52
I'd say you hit the jackpot.
Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.
Back to Top
super10 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/09/2019
Status: Offline
Points: 15
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote super10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/09/2019 at 13:09
Thanks for all comments, I didn't realise it was that good. I have today  just been given a Kowa 32x eye piece as well from same kind friend. I will be looking after it for sure
Back to Top
koshkin View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Dark Lord of Optics

Joined: June/15/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13181
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/09/2019 at 13:21
You have a very kind friend.  This spotter was Kowa's flagship before their introduced 883 and it will serve you well.

Nice tripod too.  I have one of these (sold under different brand) and it works really well.

ILya
Back to Top
Scrumbag View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: October/22/2013
Location: London, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 4205
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scrumbag Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/09/2019 at 13:29
Oh yeah, that's some good kit right there!
Was sure I had a point when I started this post...
Back to Top
super10 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/09/2019
Status: Offline
Points: 15
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote super10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/09/2019 at 16:37
Can I ask, do I need to add anything else to bring this setup up to date. I don't know if my eye pieces are ok or can I upgrade, or do I need to up grade
Back to Top
mike650 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2006
Location: West of Rockies
Status: Offline
Points: 14569
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/09/2019 at 16:53
The eye piece you have is a good all around choice. Some like a wide angle eye piece, fixed 50w is one option. I use my binos for that, then count bones with my spotter armed with 20-60 eye piece.

Edited by mike650 - August/09/2019 at 16:59
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
Back to Top
Sparky View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire


Joined: July/15/2007
Location: SD
Status: Offline
Points: 4569
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/09/2019 at 19:12
I think you will be just fine with those two eye  pieces. I have a 20-60x on my Pentax 80EDA spotting scope and recently switched to a 27x fixed. I like the image on the 27x much better than the image I get with my variable eye piece. YMMV.
Back to Top
super10 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/09/2019
Status: Offline
Points: 15
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote super10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/09/2019 at 19:18
Thanks for the advise. I will stick with what I have. I do like the 32x eyepiece. I have noticed I don't see any CA with this set up. I have a Startravel 120mm telescope, refractor and do see some CA but with filters is not to bad. Very impressed with the spotter
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.150 seconds.