The Kowa BD II XD 8x42 is a wide-angle, roof prism binocular designed for outdoor enthusiasts such as birdwatchers, hunters, and nature observers . It is part of Kowa's BDII-XD series, positioned as offering advanced optical performance in a rugged, compact, and affordable package without compromising on quality . The model is often described as an "official wide-angle binocular" with class-leading field of view .
Key Features
Optical Excellence
Kowa XD Lenses (PROMINAR XD): Features extra-low dispersion glass with characteristics similar to fluorite crystal. This significantly reduces chromatic aberration (color blur) and ensures edge-to-edge sharpness, bright images, and high contrast .
Wide Angle Design: Offers a class-leading, expansive field of view (143m at 1000m). This allows users to locate subjects quickly and enjoy sharp imagery across the entire field, right into the corners .
Advanced Coatings:
C3 Coating: Applied to the Schmidt-Pechan roof prisms, this highly reflective coating achieves over 99% reflectivity across the visible spectrum for accurate color reproduction .
Fully Multi-Coated: All lens surfaces are multi-coated to maximize light transmission and provide precise color definition .
KR Coating: Kowa's proprietary protective coating on the outer lenses repels dirt, oil, and water, making them easy to clean .
Robust and User-Friendly Design
Magnesium Alloy Chassis: Constructed using a lightweight yet incredibly strong and durable magnesium alloy, often via thixomolding technology, ensuring the binoculars can withstand severe conditions .
Rubber Armoring: A protective layer of rubber armor surrounds the chassis, providing a secure, comfortable grip and added protection against impacts and scratches .
Weather Protection: The chassis is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged, making it both waterproof (JIS Protection Class 7) and fog-proof to ensure clear viewing in all weather conditions and climates .
Twist-Up Eyecups: Multi-step, twist-up eyecups allow for customized eye relief, providing comfortable viewing for both eyeglass and non-eyeglass wearers .
Close Focus: An impressive minimum focusing distance of just 1.8 meters (approx. 5.9 feet) allows for detailed observation of close-range subjects like butterflies and plants .