Kowa - TSN-553 15-45x55 PROMINAR Spotting Scope (Angled Viewing)

A Guide to Birding with Spotting Scopes

At less than a foot long, the 45° angled-viewing Kowa TSN-553 15-45x55 Spotting Scope is the ideal companion wherever you go to glass. It employs the ultra-low dispersion PROMINAR fluoride glass that eliminates chromatic aberrations that, when coupled with the fully multi-coated optics and two-speed focusing mechanism, produce bright and clear tack-sharp high-contrast images with accurate color rendition for an immersive observational experience. The impressive zoom range allows you to take in a wide field of view for general viewing purposes, with the ability to draw subjects in close for more detailed observations. This version of the TSN-550 is configured with the eyepiece set at a 45° angle relative to the optical tube to place your head in a comfortable viewing postion whether you're standing, sitting, or lying prone.

To reduce weight, without sacrificing strength or durability, the chassis is made of a polycarbonate material and wrapped in a slip-resistant armoring. A rubberized and textured zoom collar and focus wheel make adjustments fast and easy, even when wearing gloves. The optical tube is nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme temperature changes or environmental conditions. To increase your mounting options, the TSN-553 comes outfitted with both a 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 tripod attachment—making it compatible with most photo, video, and field tripods on the market.

User Manual

0.9 MB

Optical Performance

Wide 15-45x fixed zoom eyepiece

55mm aperture

Porro prism optical path

Ultra-low dispersion PROMINAR fluorite glass elements eliminate chromatic aberration, which causes halos, astigmatism, and fringing, for improved color rendition and contrast

Fully multi-coated optics maximize light transmission through the lens to improve image brightness, color rendition, and contrast

132-69' field of view at 1000 yards

Use and Handling

45° angled eyepiece to place the user's head in a comfortable viewing position when sitting, standing, or lying prone

Integrated aiming sight

Smooth and precise fine and coarse two-speed focusing mechanism moves through the entire focus range in two turns

Rubberized and textured zoom collar and focusing wheel

58mm objective lens filter threads

Twist-up eyecup for comfortable use with or without eyewear

3/8"-16 and 1/4"-20 mount to accommodate most photo, video, and field tripods

Long 16.5-16mm eye relief

3.7-1.2mm exit pupil

Construction Details

Lightweight and impact-resistant polycarbonate chassis

Nitrogen filled, IPX7-rated to be waterproof and resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme temperature changes and conditions

Oil-resistant KR exterior lens coatings makes it easy for dirt, sap, and oil to be cleaned off without smudges or residue

Retractable sunshade reduces glare and lens flare and keeps snow and rain off the objective for clearer viewing

Extremely lightweight: 28 ounces