Think a typo, says 1.3mm, probably meant to say 1.3m, which is still pretty good.
Possibly a super alternative to the Papilios?
I'm pretty sure the Genesis focus wheel isn't metal, but some sort of fancy plastic.
Nope. Its metal.
Have you seen any official information or is this based on physical evaluation?
Since we've veered off topic to the Genesis, does anybody have a feeling on where the new BDII XD will sit in the pecking order compared to the Genesis? I know it's speculation at this point, but what are the areas where the Genesis would be expected to still be superior - or not? Just interested in people's thoughts.
The focussing wheel on the Genesis is definitely anodized Aluminium. The dark grey of mine is showing a slight sign of wear in one area and the bare metal is shimmering through.
Roger Vine of "Scope Views" also thought it was plastic, but if that were the case, how on earth would you get it out of the mould?
18000bph;3879194 I don't think the hot needle test is proof of anything. [/QUOTE said:My pal is a bino dealer and if a customer queries the material used on binos or scopes he uses a red hot needle in a discrete place on a demo unit to test for metal vs plastic.
He hasn't met a plastic yet that hasn't melted a tiny hole when a red-hot needle is applied. I suppose there is always a first time but it would be hard to understand why an ultra-high melting-point plastic (is there such a thing or have we moved into ceramics at this point?) would be specified for a bino focus wheel.
Anyway Kowa have kindly cleared up this question.
Lee
Does anyone know if these will have a Made in Japan or Made in China designation? Not that it necessarily matters, but that is something I've yet to see mentioned.
Justin
I emailed Kowa US and got the following response to a few questions:
The new BD II XDs will be available for purchase on Oct. 1st.
They are produced in China but designed and QC’d by our headquarters in Japan.
Retail price on the 32mms will be $399.
Thanks Beth, I was actually just above to email them, but checked this thread first.
That's too bad about the MiC tag, but as long as they honour their warranties I'm not too concerned.
Thanks again!