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Kowa YF Binoculars

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8x32 Binoculars

Description of Kowa YF Binoculars

One of the most compact Porro prism binoculars on the market – Kowa YF series offers two models with 6x or 8x magnifications for daytime use. The low power magnifications offer extremely wide field of view suitable for safari, sports events, hiking, traveling and other nature observations of enthusiasts allowing them to scan larger field. This traditional system has integrated advanced and high quality technologies using the best materials in sports optics. The modern solutions consist of a thick armouring for protection of internal optics and great ergonomics for comfortable handling, together with fully multi-coated system that offers extraordinary view-through with incredible brightness.

Basic Features

Kowa offers a series of binoculars with Porro prism system that is quite unique in this class. Together with lower magnifications and 30mm objective lens diameter making them not suitable to use in poor light conditions, these binoculars integrate central focusing mechanism and right-eye diopter, which are mostly seen in the roof prism binoculars. The central focusing is quite exceptional too with its unique design that offers you extremely firm grip and allows you to make very quick adjustments even when wearing gloves. With right-eye diopter, these Porro prism binoculars present unique modern touch that some nature enthusiasts find quite appealing. Challenging weather won’t compromise the performance with this YF binoculars, since they are fully protected with tight seals, making them 100% waterproof. They are also purged with Nitrogen gas to prevent the formation of condensation when facing quick temperature changes. The ergonomics of this binoculars are also amazing, extremely lightweight and with great weight distribution that helps you to hold them in the hands without fatiguing for longer periods of time.

Optical Properties

The eyecups on these classical Kowa binoculars are multi-positioned to help you make a proper eye-relief even if you are wearing glasses. They are also softly tethered and when pressed against the face they feel very comfortable – the feature that is again, mostly seen only in binoculars with the roof prism. Kowa also applied multi-layers of high-quality coatings on all glass surfaces, and integrated phase correction to make them even more bright. The fully multi-coated system helps with contrast, colors and resolution – making less glaring images, reflections and chromatic aberrations for clean and razor sharp observations. Let’s not forget about the water repelling KR outer lens coatings that prolong the life of the binoculars since they help you to minimize the wiping and cleaning and thus protects them against scratches.

Accessories

Kowa SV includes padded neckstrap for comfortable carrying around the neck and case for storage. They are also equipped with objective covers and eyepiece covers to protect the lenses against scratches and impacts.

Features of Kowa YF Binoculars

Fully Multi-coated
Hydrophobic Coating (KR)
Single-hinge Design
Porro Prism
Phase Correction
Bak4
Wider FOV
Central Focusing
Right-eye Diopter
Twist-up Eyecups
Waterproof
Fog-proof (Nitrogen filling)
Tripod Adaptable (L-mount)

Accessories of Kowa YF Binoculars

Padded Neckstrap
Storage Case
Objective Lens Covers
Rainguards
Lens Cleaning Cloth

Available models of Kowa BD Binoculars

YF 6x30	Short range, daytime binoculars
YF 8x30	Short range, daytime binoculars

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Kowa gives 10 years of Warranty for YF Binoculars. The company repairs or replaces damaged products, without charge. However, it doesn’t include No Fault Policy – doesn’t cover damages due to mishandling, misuse, neglect or accidental damage. Kowa is not responsible for lost packages. You can claim the warranty with warranty card given by Kowa. Wearing parts such as carrying straps, protective overs, armoring and cases are not covered under this warranty.

You can learn more about our own warranty policy on the following link:

https://www.optics-trade.eu/en/warranty-policy.html

No matter what happens to your binoculars, we will be here to help you.

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Kowa YF II 6x30

$135.00 $149.00

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Kowa YF II 8x30

$145.00 $159.00

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VIDEO

Compact binoculars are a versatile category of binoculars, a great choice for various outdoor activities. Even though they are not as small as pocket binoculars, they are considerably less bulky than 42mm objective lens binoculars. That makes binoculars suitable for sports, hiking, traveling, safari, camping, and even birdwatching and hunting.

The narrow objective lenses (28–36 mm in diameter) provide a small exit pupil, which is why observing in low-light conditions does not bear fruit – this type of binoculars are best used during the daytime. Binoculars easily fit into pockets of trousers or shirts and are very easy to hold in hands and carry around the neck.

There is no need to mount binoculars on a tripod because they are light – the shaking of hands isn't as noticeable as with bigger, heavier binoculars.

Features of Compact binoculars

binoculars are suitable for daytime observations
versatile
easy handling and carrying
easy to store
binoculars have a wider field of view
steady images
binoculars are not suitable for low-light conditions

The compact binoculars are great for

Hiking
Traveling
Camping
Sporting events
Bird watching
Hunting in the mountains
Safari

Binoculars for hiking

When you go hiking, you want your gear to be as light as possible. Carrying heavy equipment can be strenuous, especially if you plan to hike for a whole day or multiple days. In the mountains, where there are plenty of scenic viewpoints and interesting wildlife, having binoculars with you is a superb idea.

Compact binoculars are perfect for such occasions as they are light and small in size. They take up a small amount of space in a backpack.

On top of that, binoculars can be easily carried around the neck.

Binoculars for kids

Compact binoculars are a great gift for a child.

Firstly, children are fond of smaller binoculars because they do not weigh as much as standard binoculars.
Secondly, a short interpupillary distance can be set – children's faces are smaller than that of adults.

Only by setting a proper interpupillary distance can a child benefit from a full, clear image.

Binoculars for bird watching

Even though birdwatchers are fond of 42mm objective lens binoculars, they sometimes go for the compact ones as well – birdwatching takes place during the day, so the poor low light performance of compact binocular is not an issue.

Binoculars for hunting

As far as hunting is concerned, compact binoculars are mostly used for stalking in the mountains because they are extremely light.

They can easily be worn around the neck, making it easier to move in difficult terrain where having both hands free is incredibly beneficial.

They are not the best for the low light use, so 42mm and 56mm objective lens binoculars are much more popular among hunters.

Binoculars for sporting events

If you are a huge fan of a particular sport and like to watch live sporting events, consider buying a compact binocular.

When you are sitting or standing far away from the action, compact binocular will prove to be a worthy companion.

Binoculars for Safari

Many compact binoculars are of sand and grass colors which makes them blend with the surroundings better. Because they are light, carrying them around the neck is not a problem, even for longer periods of time.

For all these reasons, these types of binoculars are a great companion on safaris.

Compact binoculars vs 42mm Objective Lens Binoculars

Even though the 42mm objective lens binoculars are the most versatile ones, compact binoculars are advantageous in certain aspects. The most obvious advantages of compact binoculars are size and weight. Consequently, you can use them for longer periods of time.

The shaking of hands will not be as noticeable because your arms won't tire as quickly. Usually, this type of binoculars also provide a wider field of view. 42mm objective lens binoculars are considerably better in the dusk because of the wider exit pupil.

Compact vs Pocket Binoculars

Compact binoculars have a lens diameter of 28–36 mm – even though they are not bulky, they are bigger than pocket binoculars.

Pocket Binoculars

Pocket binoculars often feature a two-hinge design which makes them even more foldable than compact binoculars where a one-hinge design prevails. Nevertheless, compact binoculars are much more comfortable to use because of the wider eyepieces. These allow the user to press the binoculars against the face when observing.

Compact binoculars are a better choice for longer observations – with pocket binoculars, eye fatigue can occur when using them for too long. Both types of binoculars are not designed to be used in the dusk but the compact type of binoculars will provide a somewhat brighter image because of the bigger exit pupil. If you are a glasses wearer, go for compact binoculars.

Prism types in compact binoculars

The most common prism type used in compact binocular is a roof prism of the Schmidt-Pechan type. Porro prisms are known for their great light transmission rate – since light transmission rate is not of much importance with compact binocular, these prisms are scarcely found in compact binocular.

Even though the combination of a compact chassis and Porro prisms is rare, it is not non-existent. A great example of a compact Porro prism binocular is Swarovski Habicht 8x30 W.

Best compact binoculars

The best compact binoculars are produced by the renowned European sports optics manufacturers – Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss. These companies have plenty of experience in this field, which is why both the mechanics and optics of their binoculars are top-notch.

They use high-quality coatings on the lenses to provide the user with the best optical experience possible.

You can get decent compact binocular even if you are not ready to spend a considerable amount of money, but we highly recommend that you spend at least 100 € to avoid disappointment.

In principle, there are four price classes when it comes to compact binocular

Under 100 €
100–300 €
300–500 €
500–1000 €
1000 €+

Read our Ultimate Compact Binoculars Buying Guide here.

A short presentation of Compact-Binoculars Buying Guide is available here.

Short Presentation | Low light binoculars | Optics Trade from Optics-Trade