Kowa Prominar 500mm F5.6FL Telephoto Lens/Scope

The Introduction of the new Kowa Prominar 500mm F5.6FL Telephoto Lens/SpottingScope

Update: Read My full review of the Kowa Telephoto Lens / Scope here

Over the past few years digiscoping (taking super telephoto pictures by combining a spotting scope and a compact digital camera) has become more and more popular.

But what has also happened is the increase in the popularity of Digital Interchangeable Lens Cameras in the camera market and this has created a transition from compact digital cameras to SLR cameras for digiscoping. Because telephoto lenses for digital SLR cameras can be extremely expensive and bulky, there has been a growing demand for more cost-effective, light and compact lenses.

In response to this, Kowa has produced a new telephoto lens the PROMINAR 500mm F5.6 FL for super telephoto shooting. This lens has a focal length of 500mm and a lens weight less than 2kg.

Designed by utilizing Kowa’s optical expertise gained through decades of development of spotting scopes and binoculars. The PROMINAR 500mm F5.6 FL lens design includes a pure fluorite crystal lens and multiple XD (eXtra-low-Dispersion) lenses to achieve unrivaled optical performance.

Two Products in One
Use as a High-Performance Camera Lens and as a Spotting Scope
Making effective use of the outstanding optical system of the master lens, the telephoto lens can also be used as a spotting scope by connecting it to the optional prism unit and eyepiece. Through the use of a simple and easy to use bayonet mounting system, switching between “photographing” and “observation” with the lens is easily accomplished. When used as a spotting scope, crystal clear images can be enjoyed since there is no focusing screen.

Three Focal Lengths in One Lens
With one “master” lens the focal length can be changed from 500mm to 350mm or 850mm.

From the standard specification of 500mm F5.6, it is possible to change the focal length of the lens so that it can be used as a brighter 350mm F4 lens or as a longer telephoto 850mm F9.6 lens. This is accomplished by using the optional mount adapters (TX07) or (TX17). XD lenses are incorporated in the optical designs of the 350mm and 850mm mount adapters to ensure optimal optical performance when combined with the master lens. (All support 35mm full size.)

In addition, there are multiple mount adapters available for different manufacturers. The Kowa lens can be used with Nikon, Canon, Pentax, and Micro Four-Thirds mount cameras. From December 2010, Kowa will also offer the “TP-88EC1”, an optional prism unit that when used with an eyepiece will allow the lens to be used as a high performance spotting scope.

Not Only for SLR Cameras

Digiscoping Opens up a World of Even Higher Super Tele-Photography of 1000mm – 3000mm
By connecting a digital camera adapter to the lens when configured for use as a scope, it is possible to digiscope using a compact digital camera. Through digiscoping, it is possible to achieve focal lengths of 1000mm to 3000mm (35mm film full size equivalent focal length) and more, allowing photographing of wild birds and other subjects at long distances that would not ordinarily be possible with digital SLR cameras alone. So by using both a digital SLR camera and a compact digital camera with the master lens it is possible to cover focal lengths from 350mm to more than 3000mm with a single lens.

In order to tap new markets, the “PROMINAR 500mm F5.6 FL” targets people who carry out super telephoto shooting in fields other than nature photography, such as astronomy, aerospace and sports. Since the lens can also be used as a spotting scope, the dual use of the product is appealing to those who want to enjoy observation and photography. A new era of super telephotography has arrived.

The video below highlights some of the Lens/Scope’s main features – it was taken whilst it was still a prototype at the Rutland Birdfair in 2010:

What’s Included
The standard package comes with the following:

1. Master Lens
2. Mount Adapter (TX10) – Available Mounts：Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Micro Four-Thirds
3. Lens Hood「TP-100LH」
4. Objective Cap
5. Mount Adapter Cover
6. Mount Lens Cover
7. Camera Mount Cover
8. Sights（S/M/L）

Specifications

More Information

• Update: Read My full review of the Kowa Telephoto Lens / Scope here
• About Kowa Spotting Scopes