Kowa Genesis XD 10,5x44

I use these mainly for hunting and scouting. The optics are clear, crisp, and bright. The only downside is the weight - quite heavy after wearing them all day.

I first checked these out at the B&H superstore on a visit to NYC. Yes, I found them to be heavy but this was counter-balanced by their ergonomic handling and their incredible light-gathering capabilities. As the salesman said to me, the weight was in that incredible Kowa glass. (I know about Kowa optics as I also have a Kowa spotting scope.) After I received them, my first real outing with them was to use them to watch Short-eared Owls hunting over a field at dusk. Their light-gathering qualities were put to great use following those owls hunting in the twilight. I could clearly see the dark and light markings on the birds' buffy wings, though the sun had dropped below the horizon 10 minutes earlier and the sky was lit only by its afterglow. They are truly more than a match for any German/Austrian/Swiss glass you can name. I look forward to many years of birding enjoyment with these binoculars.

I was really stunned when I first tried the KOWA 10.5x44 Genesis. Optically they are just perfect with the famous lens technology used in the highly acclaimed spotting scopes. The rubber armouring makes a pleasant and warm feel. The focusing ring was the smoothest of all the binoculars I have ever tried. Highly recommended despite being relatively heavy.