I want to learn the basics of optics.
Visit our Optics Basics section to learn more about optical terminology.
I'm not sure which Kowa optic is right for me.
We've created a handy Product Finder Tool to help you choose the perfect optic in under a minute. Give it a try and get inspired!
What are the differences between the scope series?
Here's a short overview of our scopes:
TSN-99 PROMINAR: Kowa's flagship spotting scope - features a 99mm pure fluorite crystal lens for exceptional brightness and resolution, even in low light. It delivers the highest image quality in the lineup and is ideal for digiscoping and professional birdwatching.
TSN-88 PROMINAR: Slightly more compact than the 99, the TSN-88 still offers a large 88mm fluorite crystal lens with the same magnesium body and dual focus system. It balances performance and portability, making it the all-rounder choice for serious nature observers.
TSN-66 PROMINAR: With its 66mm fluorite crystal lens, the TSN-66 combines high-end optical quality with lightweight handling. It’s designed for users who travel frequently or hike long distances but still demand PROMINAR performance.
TSN-55 PROMINAR: The most compact PROMINAR scope, featuring a 55mm fluorite crystal lens in a fully sealed, rugged body. It's ultra-portable and perfect for quick spotting or trips where weight is critical, without sacrificing image fidelity. The field of view is 52% wider than the predecessor model, the TSN-550.
TSN-550 Series: Similar in size to the TSN-55 but with an integrated 15-45x zoom eyepiece and a robust, waterproof design. Made in Japan, it's a high-end travel scope offering remarkable optical performance in a pocket-sized package.
TSN-82SV: This classic 82mm model uses standard optical glass rather than fluorite crystal, offering excellent performance at a more accessible price. It's a great choice for users seeking large-aperture brightness without PROMINAR cost.
TSN-600 Series: Lightweight 60mm scopes made with high-quality optical coatings, designed for birdwatchers who want a truly compact, quality spotting scope. They provide a bright, sharp image at a mid-range price.
TSN-500 Series: The smallest and lightest scopes in the Kowa lineup with a 50mm lens and fixed 20–40x zoom. Perfect for beginners, travelers, or anyone needing a truly portable scope for spontaneous viewing.
I want to use my optic for astronomy.
We have two astro adapters available which allow for the insertion of 1.25" fitting astro eyepieces into a TSN-99/88/66/880/770 PROMINAR spotting scope body.
TSN-AS1.25G Astro adapter
TSN-AS1.25K Astro adapter
What are the differences between the binocular series?
GENESIS: Kowa's top binoculars with XD lenses for outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness, colour accuracy, and contrast. Highly engineered and built for demanding users who expect the best optical performance in all conditions.
BDII-XD Series: All models feature a wide field of view, compact magnesium alloy bodies, and XD lenses for bright, detailed images. They’re versatile, modern binoculars ideal for birding and outdoor exploration.
SVII Series: Lightweight, ergonomic and durable binoculars offering clear images and comfortable handling at an affordable price. A solid choice for everyday users and beginners.
YFII Series: Classic porro-prism design with a wide field of view and comfortable image. Ideal for young birders, families, and those who appreciate traditional optical feel in a lightweight body.
BD25 Series: Premium compact binoculars with high-grade multi-coted lenses that fit in a pocket. Perfect for travellers or hikers who want top-tier optics in a truly portable format.
BD56 XD: Large 56mm XD lenses deliver excellent brightness and clarity for low-light observation. Ideal for dawn, dusk, or astronomy viewing when light is limited.
HIGHLANDER PROMINAR: A large, twin 82mm pure fluorite crystal binocular designed for ultra-long-distance terrestrial or astronomical viewing. It offers breathtaking detail and depth, bridging the gap between binoculars and telescopes.
Which optics are made in Japan?
Binoculars: GENESIS series, BD25 series, HIGHLANDER
Spotting scopes: all PROMINAR scopes (TSN-99, TSN-88, TSN-66 and TSN-55, TSN-550), TSN-82SV, TSN-600
How do I take care of my optic?
To ensure your optics perform perfectly for many years, it's important to clean them regularly and correctly.
Watch our video on spotting scope cleaning
Watch our video on binocular cleaning
I need a smartphone digiscoping adapter, which one is the right one?
Use our Smartphone Digiscoping Adapter Finder to get tailored recommendations. Just select your optic, smartphone brand and model, and you'll instantly see the compatible set-ups.
I want to get started with DSLR digiscoping.
Let Rob and Jeff show you the ropes! Check out our DSLR digiscoping webinar with helpful tips and set-up advice. Additionally, you can download our DSLR digiscoping guide.
What is PROMINAR?
The current PROMINAR product range from Kowa is characterised by the use of special optical lenses made of pure fluorite crystal. The pure fluorite crystal used by Kowa is artificially grown and moulded into a lens shape and polished in a very complex process. Lenses made of pure fluorite crystal are used in Kowa's current TSN-99, TSN-88, TSN-66, TSN-55 and TSN-550 PROMINAR spotting scope series and in PROMINAR Highlander large binoculars. You can find more about PROMINAR here.
What is Kowa's Warranty Policy?
We offer 10 years on spotting scopes and binoculars, 5 years on telephoto lenses, 3 years on MFT lenses and 2 years on any other accessories. We also do offer an additional warranty time of up to 5 years for selected models:
Spotting scopes: TSN99, TSN88, TSN-66, TSN-55, TSN-550, TSN-770, TSN-660, TSN-600 and TSN-82SV series
Binoculars: Genesis 44/33/22 models and HIGHLANDER
As well as the MFT lenses.
Register to have the extended warranty period.
Why can't I buy online?
At the moment, we only ship online orders to customers in Germany. If you're based in the UK, you can find your local dealer here. For other countries in Europe, check our distributor list here.
I am not based in Europe, where can I buy?
If you are from the Americas, please visit www.kowaoptics.com
If you are from Japan, visit www.prominar.com
How do I pay via PayPal?
If the Customer chooses the payment method "PayPal", they log into their PayPal account in the window that appears after clicking the button "PAY AND ORDER", where they transfer the purchase price in accordance with PayPal’s guidelines.
How do I pay with credit card?
If the Customer chooses the payment method “credit card”, they enter their card type (here: MASTERCARD or VISA), card number, expiry date and security code to authorise Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH to charge the purchase price to the credit card provided after clicking the button "PAY AND ORDER". The card is charged immediately. Advance payment If the Customer chooses the payment method "advance payment", they first receive an invoice containing a payment request and details for payment of the purchase price into Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH's bank account. Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH reserves the right to not offer certain payment methods or to indicate other payment methods during the order process in certain cases. In the event that the goods ordered are unavailable or a Contract is not concluded for other reasons, Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH shall immediately refund any payments already received. All Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH's other rights are reserved.
How long does it take for my order to arrive?
As soon as a parcel is dispatched, you receive confirmation of dispatch by email. Using the tracking number this contains, you can track your parcel at any time.
Standard delivery: 2-4 working days (Monday to Friday)
Express delivery: 1-2 working days (Monday to Friday) Please note that you can only choose Express delivery if you have saved your telephone number in your user profile.
How much are the shipping costs?
Standard delivery costs €4.99.
Express delivery can be selected for an additional €9.99.
Standard delivery is free of charge for orders over €100. Only express delivery is subject to a charge.
What is the Withdrawal Policy at Kowa?
You have the right to withdraw from this Contract within 14 days without giving any reason. The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the goods. To exercise the right of withdrawal, you must inform us, Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH, Fichtenstr. 123, 40233 Düsseldorf, Germany; telephone: +49 211 542184 00; email: scope@kowaoptimed.com of your decision to withdraw from this contract by an unequivocal statement (e.g. a letter sent by post, fax or e-mail). To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired. More information in our customer information.
I lost a cap
We sell spare items online, but only ship to Germany at the moment. If you are living outside of Germany, please contact your local Kowa dealer.
My scope needs to be serviced, what do I need to do?
Contact your Kowa dealer or place of purchase and they can arrange the transfer of your Kowa product to the service dept., as well as the administration of a repair process. If your product falls under the Kowa warranty, the repair will take place free of charge. If not, a quote will be provided before work takes place. Or you can contact Kowa directly at service@kowaoptimed.com.
I am interested in becoming a dealer
Please contact scope@kowaoptimed.com with as many details as possible about your business.
I am interested in becoming an ambassador
If you are based in Europe, contact us at marketing@kowaoptimed.com and send us the links to your social media channels.
Visit our Optics Basics section to learn more about optical terminology.
I'm not sure which Kowa optic is right for me.
We've created a handy Product Finder Tool to help you choose the perfect optic in under a minute. Give it a try and get inspired!
What are the differences between the scope series?
Here's a short overview of our scopes:
TSN-99 PROMINAR: Kowa's flagship spotting scope - features a 99mm pure fluorite crystal lens for exceptional brightness and resolution, even in low light. It delivers the highest image quality in the lineup and is ideal for digiscoping and professional birdwatching.
TSN-88 PROMINAR: Slightly more compact than the 99, the TSN-88 still offers a large 88mm fluorite crystal lens with the same magnesium body and dual focus system. It balances performance and portability, making it the all-rounder choice for serious nature observers.
TSN-66 PROMINAR: With its 66mm fluorite crystal lens, the TSN-66 combines high-end optical quality with lightweight handling. It’s designed for users who travel frequently or hike long distances but still demand PROMINAR performance.
TSN-55 PROMINAR: The most compact PROMINAR scope, featuring a 55mm fluorite crystal lens in a fully sealed, rugged body. It's ultra-portable and perfect for quick spotting or trips where weight is critical, without sacrificing image fidelity. The field of view is 52% wider than the predecessor model, the TSN-550.
TSN-550 Series: Similar in size to the TSN-55 but with an integrated 15-45x zoom eyepiece and a robust, waterproof design. Made in Japan, it's a high-end travel scope offering remarkable optical performance in a pocket-sized package.
TSN-82SV: This classic 82mm model uses standard optical glass rather than fluorite crystal, offering excellent performance at a more accessible price. It's a great choice for users seeking large-aperture brightness without PROMINAR cost.
TSN-600 Series: Lightweight 60mm scopes made with high-quality optical coatings, designed for birdwatchers who want a truly compact, quality spotting scope. They provide a bright, sharp image at a mid-range price.
TSN-500 Series: The smallest and lightest scopes in the Kowa lineup with a 50mm lens and fixed 20–40x zoom. Perfect for beginners, travelers, or anyone needing a truly portable scope for spontaneous viewing.
I want to use my optic for astronomy.
We have two astro adapters available which allow for the insertion of 1.25" fitting astro eyepieces into a TSN-99/88/66/880/770 PROMINAR spotting scope body.
TSN-AS1.25G Astro adapter
TSN-AS1.25K Astro adapter
What are the differences between the binocular series?
GENESIS: Kowa's top binoculars with XD lenses for outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness, colour accuracy, and contrast. Highly engineered and built for demanding users who expect the best optical performance in all conditions.
BDII-XD Series: All models feature a wide field of view, compact magnesium alloy bodies, and XD lenses for bright, detailed images. They’re versatile, modern binoculars ideal for birding and outdoor exploration.
SVII Series: Lightweight, ergonomic and durable binoculars offering clear images and comfortable handling at an affordable price. A solid choice for everyday users and beginners.
YFII Series: Classic porro-prism design with a wide field of view and comfortable image. Ideal for young birders, families, and those who appreciate traditional optical feel in a lightweight body.
BD25 Series: Premium compact binoculars with high-grade multi-coted lenses that fit in a pocket. Perfect for travellers or hikers who want top-tier optics in a truly portable format.
BD56 XD: Large 56mm XD lenses deliver excellent brightness and clarity for low-light observation. Ideal for dawn, dusk, or astronomy viewing when light is limited.
HIGHLANDER PROMINAR: A large, twin 82mm pure fluorite crystal binocular designed for ultra-long-distance terrestrial or astronomical viewing. It offers breathtaking detail and depth, bridging the gap between binoculars and telescopes.
Which optics are made in Japan?
Binoculars: GENESIS series, BD25 series, HIGHLANDER
Spotting scopes: all PROMINAR scopes (TSN-99, TSN-88, TSN-66 and TSN-55, TSN-550), TSN-82SV, TSN-600
How do I take care of my optic?
To ensure your optics perform perfectly for many years, it's important to clean them regularly and correctly.
Watch our video on spotting scope cleaning
Watch our video on binocular cleaning
I need a smartphone digiscoping adapter, which one is the right one?
Use our Smartphone Digiscoping Adapter Finder to get tailored recommendations. Just select your optic, smartphone brand and model, and you'll instantly see the compatible set-ups.
I want to get started with DSLR digiscoping.
Let Rob and Jeff show you the ropes! Check out our DSLR digiscoping webinar with helpful tips and set-up advice. Additionally, you can download our DSLR digiscoping guide.
What is PROMINAR?
The current PROMINAR product range from Kowa is characterised by the use of special optical lenses made of pure fluorite crystal. The pure fluorite crystal used by Kowa is artificially grown and moulded into a lens shape and polished in a very complex process. Lenses made of pure fluorite crystal are used in Kowa's current TSN-99, TSN-88, TSN-66, TSN-55 and TSN-550 PROMINAR spotting scope series and in PROMINAR Highlander large binoculars. You can find more about PROMINAR here.
What is Kowa's Warranty Policy?
We offer 10 years on spotting scopes and binoculars, 5 years on telephoto lenses, 3 years on MFT lenses and 2 years on any other accessories. We also do offer an additional warranty time of up to 5 years for selected models:
Spotting scopes: TSN99, TSN88, TSN-66, TSN-55, TSN-550, TSN-770, TSN-660, TSN-600 and TSN-82SV series
Binoculars: Genesis 44/33/22 models and HIGHLANDER
As well as the MFT lenses.
Register to have the extended warranty period.
Why can't I buy online?
At the moment, we only ship online orders to customers in Germany. If you're based in the UK, you can find your local dealer here. For other countries in Europe, check our distributor list here.
I am not based in Europe, where can I buy?
If you are from the Americas, please visit www.kowaoptics.com
If you are from Japan, visit www.prominar.com
How do I pay via PayPal?
If the Customer chooses the payment method "PayPal", they log into their PayPal account in the window that appears after clicking the button "PAY AND ORDER", where they transfer the purchase price in accordance with PayPal’s guidelines.
How do I pay with credit card?
If the Customer chooses the payment method “credit card”, they enter their card type (here: MASTERCARD or VISA), card number, expiry date and security code to authorise Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH to charge the purchase price to the credit card provided after clicking the button "PAY AND ORDER". The card is charged immediately. Advance payment If the Customer chooses the payment method "advance payment", they first receive an invoice containing a payment request and details for payment of the purchase price into Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH's bank account. Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH reserves the right to not offer certain payment methods or to indicate other payment methods during the order process in certain cases. In the event that the goods ordered are unavailable or a Contract is not concluded for other reasons, Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH shall immediately refund any payments already received. All Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH's other rights are reserved.
How long does it take for my order to arrive?
As soon as a parcel is dispatched, you receive confirmation of dispatch by email. Using the tracking number this contains, you can track your parcel at any time.
Standard delivery: 2-4 working days (Monday to Friday)
Express delivery: 1-2 working days (Monday to Friday) Please note that you can only choose Express delivery if you have saved your telephone number in your user profile.
How much are the shipping costs?
Standard delivery costs €4.99.
Express delivery can be selected for an additional €9.99.
Standard delivery is free of charge for orders over €100. Only express delivery is subject to a charge.
What is the Withdrawal Policy at Kowa?
You have the right to withdraw from this Contract within 14 days without giving any reason. The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the goods. To exercise the right of withdrawal, you must inform us, Kowa Optimed Deutschland GmbH, Fichtenstr. 123, 40233 Düsseldorf, Germany; telephone: +49 211 542184 00; email: scope@kowaoptimed.com of your decision to withdraw from this contract by an unequivocal statement (e.g. a letter sent by post, fax or e-mail). To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired. More information in our customer information.
I lost a cap
We sell spare items online, but only ship to Germany at the moment. If you are living outside of Germany, please contact your local Kowa dealer.
My scope needs to be serviced, what do I need to do?
Contact your Kowa dealer or place of purchase and they can arrange the transfer of your Kowa product to the service dept., as well as the administration of a repair process. If your product falls under the Kowa warranty, the repair will take place free of charge. If not, a quote will be provided before work takes place. Or you can contact Kowa directly at service@kowaoptimed.com.
I am interested in becoming a dealer
Please contact scope@kowaoptimed.com with as many details as possible about your business.
I am interested in becoming an ambassador
If you are based in Europe, contact us at marketing@kowaoptimed.com and send us the links to your social media channels.