Comparting Kowa and Leupold Spotting Scopes

[Steve K]

I have a Kowa TSN 82SV spotting scope I use for High Power, 200 yards. On a sunny day I can see the 22 caliber holes, but once the sun moves it is very difficult to see them. I am thinking about getting a Leupold SX-5 SANTIAM HD 27-55X80MM ANGLED with the hopes of a better view of the shots. Has anyone used both scopes and made a comparison? I checked several dealers to get a hands on look, but no one has one in stock. Also, looking through it in a store isn't the same as using the scope in competition. Does anyone use one the Leupold and recommend it?
Thanks

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

What eyepiece do you have in your Kowa?

 

[Steve K]

I have the 20-60 zoom.

 

[jelenko]

Without good light, seeing 223 holes at 200 yards is going to be difficult with any 80mm or smaller spotting scope.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I have the 20-60 zoom.

So you're thinking that you will have a better chance of seeing the 22 cal holes using a smaller objective and lower magnification?

 

[Sandstorm]

with the hopes of a better view of the shots.

As mentioned by others..doubtful.
The Kowa is the better option in my mind.

 

[boltfluter]

While I like Leupold in general, I would not purchase any of the spotting scopes they make or rebrand. You have the better spotter in the Kowa.

 

[mgdietrich]

Kowa owns the spotting scope business in Highpower because of their eye pieces. LER specifically. Seeing bullet holes at 2 and 300 is hit or miss. Take the money you wanted to spend on a different spotting scope and buy and electronic target. Then you can see all your shots 100% of the time.

 

[clowdis]

I switched to the Kowa Prominar 663M. The 82's are just too big and heavy for what you need in high power or long range. The glass is just as good even though the field of view is reduced, but I still can see mirage and shot spotters just as well. So, no, switching to the Leupold isn't going to help you see better in what you're doing. A long eye relief eye piece might be a good investment, you don't need the higher powers, they won't help you see bullet holes better.

 

[Bob3700]

When shooting XC in high power, at 200 yds, wind is rarely an issue. The zero of ur rifle needs to be dead on. After that , it is u and ur position that puts shots in the 10 n X ring.
learn to trust ur rifles zero.
Making zero adjustments based on looking at two slighter sights most often results in lost points.
If ur slighter shots are not in the center of the target it is ur position and shot process that needs some more work.
The Kowa scope with a 27x eyepiece is all that is necessary. When u up the power trying to see bullet holes, mirage usually prevents u from seeing them.

 

[Steve K]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll stay with the Kowa. I was wondering if the Leupold glass was clearer. I don't use the 60X, but usually stay around 45X.

 

[DR_2297]

I have a Prominar 883 with LER as well as variable eyepiece. The LER lives on the scope. As magnification increases on eyepieces the image resolution drops. Especially in poor light.

If I did it over I would have gone 663 like Blair.

Even with the 883 Prominar seeing holes in a black face that is not backlit is difficult when the face is target is shadowed and dark. Forget 300. When lighting is on the face I can see holes at 300 in low mirage. At Perry holes glow in the target because, well, there is no berm.

Where the HD glass of this 883 shines is in seeing mirage. It does it well. With the fine focus you can really see layers as you focus up and down range.

 

[karrarararararar]

Even with the 883 Prominar seeing holes in a black face that is not backlit is difficult when the face is target is shadowed and dark. Forget 300. When lighting is on the face I can see holes at 300 in low mirage. At Perry holes glow in the target because, well, there is no berm.

This exactly. I fell spoiled when I shoot at Perry with how easy the shots are to see.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Kowa.....not even close. Single power eyepiece will give you a bigger field of view than a variable set on the same power. Buy a Kowa eyepiece not an aftermarket, you won't be happy.