Is there any consistency in the designations of the Kowa scopes? I find the various designations somewhat confusing. At first, I thought the first two numbers gave the objective diameter in millimeters, but then it seems that a 613 has a 60 mm front lens? Are the even last digits always straight scopes, the uneven ones for angled scopes? And is a 1 or 2 in the last digit for conventional glass, 3 and 4 for ED glass?
Next question, where are the 603 scopes already available? It seems that the introduction has not yet happened in many parts of the world. Or rather that this model is not even a (official) topic yet. At least, it is not on the EO website, and it is also not in the catalog available in Switzerland.
And at last, as 603 seems to be a replacement for 613, is there only a difference in the body (metal vs compound plastics)? Or are there optical differences as well? In a way, I get the impression that Kowa does not want their models to be easily compared with each other. The one recent experience I have had with a compact Kowa scope (ED glass) would mean that at least SOME of their products are excellent. So one might want to be able to tell whether they all are or how one can distinguish them relatively easily. Other brands, like Nikon have clearly differing designations for the various product lines. So I know right away, that the Fieldscope line is the top line. And within that line, the ED is clearly stated, not hidden behind some number.
Next question, where are the 603 scopes already available? It seems that the introduction has not yet happened in many parts of the world. Or rather that this model is not even a (official) topic yet. At least, it is not on the EO website, and it is also not in the catalog available in Switzerland.
And at last, as 603 seems to be a replacement for 613, is there only a difference in the body (metal vs compound plastics)? Or are there optical differences as well? In a way, I get the impression that Kowa does not want their models to be easily compared with each other. The one recent experience I have had with a compact Kowa scope (ED glass) would mean that at least SOME of their products are excellent. So one might want to be able to tell whether they all are or how one can distinguish them relatively easily. Other brands, like Nikon have clearly differing designations for the various product lines. So I know right away, that the Fieldscope line is the top line. And within that line, the ED is clearly stated, not hidden behind some number.
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