Update my Leupold Yosemite to Kowa? (1 Viewer)

[Jaywalk]

We've probably had our Leupold 6x30 bins for 15 years - generally, its job is to sit under the front seat of the car for opportunistic viewing. What will I gain by updating it to a new set of Kowa YF 6x30? Coatings? Case? Objective covers? (My covers are long since lost.) We have no complains about our current set, but wonder if we're missing anything.

 

[has530]

Maybe slightly better coatings but any difference will be exceedingly marginal. Yes you would get new accessories but I would try writing to leupold to ask if they stock any. I would guess they’ll send you some caps for free.

 

[Jaywalk]

Good idea. Thanks.

Since I posted this question I have seen a statement (sorry, can't remember where) that the change was to packaging and, I think, brand management.

I'm now free to search for a pocket set of binoculars.

 

[yarrellii]

@Jaywalk Having had both YF and YF II in both 6x and 8x I think if there's any difference in optical performance is really minor. There's two things worth (?) mentioning:

• Tripod exit. The new YFII has dedicated socket for tripod adaptor
• Objective covers

But other than that, I'd say pick whatever is more convenient/near/safe/cheap/.

 

[w.travis]

If it were me, I'd buy a new YFII.

Reasons:

• I like the current green color
• It's "assembled in Philippines" (for what that's worth I don't know)
• Have a brand new bin
• Would be fun to compare to the Yosemite
• Why not it's cheap! (relatively speaking)

 

[Swedpat]

If it were me, I'd buy a new YFII.

Reasons:

• I like the current green color
• It's "assembled in Philippines" (for what that's worth I don't know)
• Have a brand new bin
• Would be fun to compare to the Yosemite
• Why not it's cheap! (relatively speaking)

Opticron has a clone for a bit lower price than Kowa. But I agree about the green Kowa. It looks really good! It may be worth the extra price!