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Kowa BD II XD or Nikon Monarch 7? (1 Viewer)

Abrar

New member
Bangladesh
I'm looking for a pair of 10x42 binos. Considering the my budget, optics & FOV and weight, I've been narrowed my focus to Kowa 10x42 bd ii xd and Nikon monarch 7 10x42. As I have no opportunity to experience any of them physically, now looking for your experiences and expert opinions. Which one may I prefer? Or should I think about anything else within $500.
Thanks in advance
 
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Welcome to the forum.

Kowa is an excellent unit with very wide FOV.

Last year Nikon changed their entire sport optics division, lowered the warranty to 7 years with proof of purchase or no warranty.

Kowa as a whole is more customer service/customer care oriented than Nikon and the BDII is a great optic for the price
 
Welcome to the forum.

Kowa is an excellent unit with very wide FOV.

Last year Nikon changed their entire sport optics division, lowered the warranty to 7 years with proof of purchase or no warranty.

Kowa as a whole is more customer service/customer care oriented than Nikon and the BDII is a great optic for the price
Thanks a lot dear
 
Sorry to rain on the parade, all Kowa models except one (6.5X32) have been a disappointment to me. I have had to send in a 8X42 and a 8X32 to get the focus slop fixed. One gets what you pay for, wide views with more than ample distortion to boot. Get the Nikon Monarch 7 and you will be pleased. Much better optics IMO.
Henry Link also provided a review on the Kowa BD II 10X42, go ahead an read it.

Andy W.
 
Sorry to rain on the parade, all Kowa models except one (6.5X32) have been a disappointment to me. I have had to send in a 8X42 and a 8X32 to get the focus slop fixed. One gets what you pay for, wide views with more than ample distortion to boot. Get the Nikon Monarch 7 and you will be pleased. Much better optics IMO.
Henry Link also provided a review on the Kowa BD II 10X42, go ahead an read it.

Andy W.
Thanks for mentioning the review. Now really disappointed and a bit of puzzled :(
 
Sorry to rain on the parade, all Kowa models except one (6.5X32) have been a disappointment to me. I have had to send in a 8X42 and a 8X32 to get the focus slop fixed. One gets what you pay for, wide views with more than ample distortion to boot. Get the Nikon Monarch 7 and you will be pleased. Much better optics IMO.
Henry Link also provided a review on the Kowa BD II 10X42, go ahead an read it.

Andy W.
I second what Andy says. I pretty much found the same thing with the Kowa's and share his recommendation with the NIkon Monarch 7. Even the Kowa BD II 6.5x32 had distortion around the bottom of the FOV.
 
With inexpensive binoculars sample variation is a bigger factor and there are of course more compromises.
That said, my advice as someone who spend many years trying all sorts of sub $500 models and now can afford a little better.... if your budget is $500 it would behoove you stretch a wee bit farther and grab the Monarch HG instead.
They are readily available in the $600ish range as a refurb or used. And they are a significant step up from the Monarch 7 or Kowa optically — much better correction across the field with less distortion and a much larger sweet spot. Very light, super wide field, smooth focus knob. If this is a long term investment the extra 100 bucks isn’t going to matter and you’ll have a premium binocular that you are unlikely to outgrow any time soon.
 
There was much hype when they came out with the wide field of view, however as many over time bought them including myself, and used them, the shortcomings became evident. Here in the US we can order them and send them back for full refund. However in your case, that might be different. Take a look at the reviews of the Nikon Monarch 7 10X42, and the BD II line, especially the 10X42, and 8X42.

Andy W.
 
I'll agree with others that the Monarch 7 is a better bin than the Kowa BDII-XD based on my experience and what I read. I had a Monarch 7 10x42 for some time and it is a solid bin with no real problems. However I really agree with Eitan's recommendation - depending on whether you can get the Monarch HG at a $600 price point in your market. The difference from the Monarch 7 is significant, and at $600 the Monarch HG is by far the best binocular you can get.
 
Oh I didn’t even notice he’s not in the USA, since he quoted the price in American dollars (and also the new forum doesn’t show the location by the poster’s name anymore) I just assumed he was here in the states.
 
Another eyes, another opinion.
I have not tried the Kowa BDXD II 10x42, I've had the 6,5x32 and have the 8x32 BDXD (previous generation). I've had the M7 10x42 and I must confess that I was quite underwhelmed by them. The 8x30 M7 is one of my favourite binoculars, but I found the 10x42 to lack some of the sparkle of its smaller sibling. The form factor and handling is superb, but I'd say the rubber armour on the Kowa looks like it can stand a rougher handling. However, the focus wheel on most Nikons is a winning bet. In the end, I wasn't convinced by the M7 10x42 and sold it (for 300! pity it was a few weeks ago).
Anyway, 500 dollars/euros is a pretty good sum, so I'm sure there are may competitors in that range. If I were you, I wouldn't rule out 2nd hand. You can get something really nice for that kind of money. The classifieds are a good starting point. Many trustworthy members offer great deals. Maybe you could open a "Wanted" thread explaining your budget and what you want; maybe you are in for a good surprise :)
 
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