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From: jhiggott@axion.bt.co.uk (jeff higgott)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: Kowa scopes
Message-ID: <1991Jan2.114109@axion.bt.co.uk>
Date: 2 Jan 91 11:41:09 GMT
References: <1732@sun13.scri.fsu.edu> <MISAN.90Dec28173437@ra.abo.fi>
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In article <MISAN.90Dec28173437@ra.abo.fi>, misan@ra.abo.fi (Annika
Forsten DC) writes:
|> I agree completely with Daan. Kowas have been used a lot here in
|> Finland.
|> In fact about 10 years ago 99% of the birders had Kowas. Nowadays
|> many
|> are using Optolyth. I still have the old TS-1 and I like it very
|> much.
|> The TSN-models are very much better though and I'll probably buy one
|> when my old scope gets too old.

Kowa scopes are also popular in Britain.  I bought a TS-1 18 months ago,
before 
they were phased out in favour of the TSN range and TS601.  I am really
happy with it.  They are very robust scopes and optically excellent.

I have used the TSN scopes and am very impressed;  the main objection is the 
weight.  The Nikon Fieldscope ED is optically very similar (in my opinion) but
far lighter.  The first time I used a fluorite Kowa (TSN-3) was whilst watching
an Arctic Redpoll in dull light when it was raining.  Even through a zoom lens
the image was crisp and bright - it almost looked as if the sun was shining!


* Jeff Higgott 
  - "I must apologise to the deaf for this loss of subtitles" - Angela Rippon