Kowa Verrekijker XD44 8,5x44

Good Points: Optics are pinpoint sharp no C/A .close focus is great for watching insects. The image is I would say is virtually 3D .Ive tried sworos and these compete as well ,I would say better especially for the price. The quality is top notch which is what you would expect from a product built fully in house by a great Japenese optics company. Improvement Points: They are bit heavy but you just get used to them just like when you wear a new watch it's a small price to pay for great optics. The lens covers are bit under par and tend to fall off. The carry case is also average sort these small points out and I couldn't fault them.

Good Points: These binoculars exceed my expectations. Well done Kowa. Improvement Points: Very slightly heavy but does not impact on my enjoyment. The case has no strap and there are two lugs on the inside which catch on the lens covers when you remove the binoculars from the case. A touch irritating.

Good Points: Better than the equivalent from swarofski Improvement Points: No bad points

Good Points: Great brightness, lovely and sharp. Improvement Points: Maybe a little to heavy but not a problem for me.

The binoculars virtually without flaws. It didn’t have a weak or below-the-average result in any category. If only Kowa improved a bit the astigmatism correction, the light fall-off at the edge, and added a tripod exit, we would have a market hit which would be able to compete with the most cult brands’ products. Even now we deal with an exceptionally well made set of binoculars – it would be difficult not to recommend it. A standing ovation!