Kowa Genesis 8.5x44 Binocular

PROMINAR XD Lenses: Fluorite Crystal and C3 Coatings

The Genesis 8.5x44 uses Kowa's PROMINAR XD objective lenses. Kowa describes XD as high resolution ED glass containing large amounts of fluorite crystal, a material Kowa chose for its light transmission, and its series page credits the view to 4 Kowa XD lenses. Glass of this kind reduces chromatic aberration (color fringing), giving pin sharp images with natural color, high contrast and fine detail.

The prisms are phase corrected and carry Kowa's C3 coating. Kowa states that its prism system delivers a wide field of view and edge to edge sharpness with minimal loss of light, even in low light conditions. Kowa's KR coating repels dirt and fluid, protecting the lenses from dirt and residue.

367.5 ft Field of View and 18.5mm Eye Relief

The optical design of the Kowa Genesis 8.5x44 provides a wide 367.5 ft field of view at 1,000 yards, allowing you to easily scan broad landscapes or follow fast-moving subjects without constantly readjusting your position. This generous field of view makes it easier to locate and track wildlife in complex environments. For close-up observation, the binocular can focus down to a remarkable 5.6 ft, revealing intricate details on nearby subjects.

The 8.5x44 has 18.5 mm of eye relief, the longest of the full-size Genesis models in Kowa's table, and an exit pupil of about 5.2 mm (44 mm divided by 8.5x). Twist-up eyecups let you set the eyepieces at the right distance from your eyes.

33.2 oz Magnesium Alloy Body and Locking Diopter

The body of the Genesis 8.5x44 is made of magnesium alloy, which Kowa says gives the benefits of high strength metal in a lightweight structure. The binocular weighs 33.2 oz and measures 6.5 x 5.4 x 2.5 in (length, width, height). The streamlined, non-slip body is covered in tough rubber armour.

• Locking Diopter: The diopter ring locks in place to prevent accidental changes to your setting.
• Responsive Focus Wheel: Kowa describes the focus wheel as ultra responsive, for quick, precise focus adjustments.
• Ergonomic Design: Smooth, solid hinges, twist-up eyecups and the focus wheel all enhance the operation of the binocular, as Kowa states.

Dry Nitrogen Filled Waterproofing for All-Weather Use

The Kowa Genesis 8.5x44 is fully waterproof and fogproof: Kowa states that the GENESIS PROMINAR binoculars are dry nitrogen filled to prevent fogging.

Kowa says its tough rubber armour makes the GENESIS PROMINAR an extremely durable and reliable binocular, even in the toughest of environments, so a sudden downpour need not end your outing.

Kowa Genesis 8.5x44 vs. 10.5x44: Field of View vs. Magnification

Choosing between the Genesis 8.5x44 and its 10.5x44 sibling involves a direct trade-off between the width of your view and the power to resolve distant details. Both models share the same 44mm objective lenses, 33.2 oz weight, and rugged magnesium alloy construction.

• Genesis 8.5x44 (This Model): Offers a significantly wider field of view at 367.5 ft and more generous eye relief at 18.5mm. This makes it the easier choice for scanning wide areas and tracking moving subjects.
• Genesis 10.5x44: Provides higher 10.5x magnification, which is better for identifying fine details on distant, static subjects. However, this comes at the cost of a narrower 325.5 ft field of view and shorter 16.0mm eye relief.