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Kowa BD ii XD 8 x 42 review

Kowa BD ii XD 8 x 42
Manufacturer
Kowa

Reviews summary

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Overall rating
4.00 star(s) 1 ratings
Nikon Monarch M7 (2021) 8x30
Recommended
Yes
Price
479$
Pros
  • Premium focus wheel.
  • Contoured strap.
Cons
  • Wimpy diopter lock
I am a complete amateur when it comes to birdwatching and optics, but having the previous generation of these 8x30’s I figured I would do a quick review. My main binoculars I use when I go out birdwatching are Swarovski 8.5 x 42 EL field pros so I am pretty spoiled when it comes to what I’m used to for optical qualities. I’ve kept the previous generation Nikon monarch 7 8x30 on my desk at work for a few years, and sometimes take them on my lunch break when the weather is nice to do quick birdwatching. These new updated versions are not too far different, but a couple things really stand out to me.

First off, the neck strap is very comfortable, as it is contoured and has almost the same rubberized texture underneath it just like my Swarovski‘s. The binoculars are so light that you barely notice they are on.

The focus wheel on these feels superior than the previous generation. The depth of field is so much greater in these as well that you barely have to move the focus, and if you need to snap to something close up, the focus is very fast and buttery smooth. I’ve never used the Nikon EDG optics, but people always talk about that focus wheel as being the best ever, and perhaps this one is close to that level? I’m not sure.

One thing I was looking forward to was the locking diopter adjustment ring. Yes, it locks. Does it stay locked? I’m not sure in normal to heavy usage, but I would wager a guess that it would be coming unlocked quite often as it is very weak. On the other hand, the resistance while adjusting it is very firm so I would be very surprised if the diopter setting became knocked out of adjustment. Again, I am pretty spoiled with my Swarovski diopter adjustment/lock.

In use I find myself constantly searching for the perfect eye positioning just like I do with the previous generations. These new ones seem to be slightly even more temperamental with position. I do not wear glasses and have a great vision but it just seems frustrating to me. If these are going to be somebody’s main binoculars I would advise against that. I get a ton of blackouts, kidney beans, white fuzziness around the edges etc. Once I get the IPD set properly it’s just a matter of placing them up to your eyes exactly where they need to be. I know that this is to be expected with lower eye relief, smaller exit pupils etc. but again, different strokes. I wish that I got the 8 x 42 for this reason.

The rubber armoring is much different than the previous gen. It is tighter fitting and almost feels like Swarovski rubber. Not as tacky but the thinness and texture of it.

The eye cups must be identical to the previous generation as well. No improvements there but none were needed. Great eye cups.

Overall I would recommend getting the previous generation if you were looking to save some money or find a deal. The neck strap and focus wheel to me are worth justify and getting the newer generation. I think these new ones have some kind of scratch resistant and water resistant coatings if I’m not mistaken? Not sure about that 100%.

Jay

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One member found this helpful.
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Peregrine Took
I tried these last Saturday and was disappointed, as I wanted to love one of the M7's. Any of the M7's... I also tried the M7 8x42 and 10x42, to see if there was a winner in the M7 line-up - there wasn't. As for the focus wheel (since it's mentioned above), I found the M7's too close to the forehead in comparison to several other bins I tried on the same day.

Sadly, the M7's were no better optically than the Hawke ED X for £350.00 and certainly worse, for false colours (CA's) than the Kowa BD II XD. I'll be buying either the Kowa or jumping a price band to the Zeiss Conquest.

Just my experience, of course - and I'm no expert either!
Optics field test
Optics field test
Hey, before you jump to the conquest, I highly suggest you check out GPO passion ED line or HD. Really great quality binos for a fair price. There is a highly detailed review by Neil English posted few days ago reviewing the 10x42 HD
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Peregrine Took
I bought the Conquest's. The GPO 8x42 HD has too narrow a field of view, so I wouldn't have been interested, but thanks anyway.
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