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Kowa Genesis Prominar Binocs

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JGRaider View Drop Down
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    Posted: June/28/2010 at 08:46
What's the consensus on the Kowa Genesis 8.5x44 and 10.5x44 prominar binocs?  For the guys who have looked through them, what would you compare the view to?  Does anyone know how good Kowa's customer service is?  Thanks. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/28/2010 at 11:09
I've only seen them inside, but as best I could tell in indoor lighting, they looked comparable to some of the best binos you can buy.  The few reviews I've read have placed them in the "alpha competitor" category.  I would expect they would be very good based on their pedigree.
 
I believe Koshkin has tested them.  He told me once that he thought they had excellent resolution and contrast, but I believe they are lacking a little in FOV. 
Ted


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/28/2010 at 15:57
I have not done a full blown test on them, but I have looked at them a fair bit and was impressed.  They have a very contrasty image and the colors really "pop". 

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/28/2010 at 16:34
I wonder why they aren't more popular than they are, especially given the accolades given to their spotters.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/28/2010 at 17:10
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

I wonder why they aren't more popular than they are, especially given the accolades given to their spotters.

Beats me.  Perhaps, I should do a full test.  Maybe there is something I am not aware of.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/28/2010 at 19:42
Ilya, I think you should.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/28/2010 at 20:25
I second that motion!
Ted


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/28/2010 at 22:46
CLICK HERE FOR SPEC'S 


Edited by Bird Watcher - June/28/2010 at 22:48
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NDhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/28/2010 at 22:56
I see the specs state XD lens elements, now I have heard of ED and HD glass in binoculars,
so does this really mean anything, or is it just a marketing thing?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/29/2010 at 07:20
It's just another term for the same thing.  XD = "extra low dispersion."  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/29/2010 at 08:28
+1 with Ted,I would like to add that the Prominar glass has a very high level of florite in it & that supposedly is what makes the color stand out above the rest.I'm sure the DLoO can be give alot more info on this subject.Kowa 88mm is rated as the best spotting scope in the world & I beleive it's because of the florite glass!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/29/2010 at 13:30
88mm Prominar actually uses a Fluorite crystal element in it, rather than Fluorite glass.  That is one of the reasons for its excellence.

The binocular uses some sort of ED/XD glass in it.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/29/2010 at 18:19
Dark Lord yud the manBow
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