I shopped and investigated the best premium spotting scopes before settling on the new Zeiss DiaScope. I compared the Kowa and Swarovski with the Zeiss side-by side under flat light overcast conditions. The Zeiss was the best at bringing out detail. The Swarovski would have been my second choice prior to the new Zeiss DiaScope and 20-75x eyepiece. No contest. Definitely worth the price.
Pros: Outstanding brightness and contrast; new eyepiece is astounding
This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.