Kowa 10x25 BD Series DCF Compact Binoculars

These are useful for general purpose sightseeing where you want something compact and lightweight. The field of view is acceptable and the focus is easy to use. The clarity of the image is OK although in comparison with top class binos it is not quite in the same class. Obviously it's not going to work in low light situations. Stick it in your pocket for sightseeing but get something better for your wildlife trip.Mine was supposed to be used, like new, but it came without a neck strap or instructions. The product support page says Amazon can provide replacement parts and support for two years. I have to say this was not true in my case. All they could do was refund or put me in touch with the manufacturer. If you are going to buy something like this, check out your dealer's price first.

I started from the premis that with lenses as small as 25mm only binoculars of very high class would be worth buying at all. This dimension provides an exit pupil of only 3.1mm (the theoretical 'ideal' being 7mm) so only the very best optics can deliver a truly clear, sharp and bright image and that is exactly what these Kowa's do.I can find no mention of chassis construction for any of Kowa's binoculars- is it magnesium or polycarbonate? I do not know. Along with most makers of compacts Kowa consider ED glass unnecessary for such very small lenses, but their 'eco glass' is a special formulation. In fact ED glass is not listed for any of Kowa's model ranges. The 'C3' prism coating is of the high grade diaelectric type and as expected and despite their small size these binoculars are phase corrected, fully multicoated,weatherproofed and nitrogen purged. The field of view is respectable for a compact, giving 110 metres at 1000 metres. The weight is 320 grams, which is average in their class, but there is a lot of glass in them. The BD series DCF is one of Kowa's high ranges (second only to the XD): they cost me £161 but were originally advertised at £100 more than this and the 32mm models still list at over £400.The first four 'Amazon' photo's are wrong- they show a different, larger model. Also mine are a hansom dark green colour, not light grey as shown. The design is simple and personally I prefer the single, central hinge to the double hinge type- it's more like a miniture version of full size binoculars and permits the fitting of a good size focusing wheel. This wheel turns very smoothly, although it is somewhat high geared, making focusing a little delicate. Ths is my one significant criticism since with very small lenses the depth of field is limited and frequent focus adjustment is sometimes required. The dioptic adjuster ring on the right side is deliberately made quite stiff and it cannot be turned easily with the eye caps twisted down, so once set it is unlikely to be moved accidentally. This does mean, though, that people who wear spectacles may have a little difficulty with the focusing. The twist- up eye caps turn smoothly though they do not have intermediate click- stop positions: the eye relief they provide is very generous (15.8mm). There are four lens caps (not always supplied with compacts): these have attachment loops but they are too small to take the neck strap cords. I have tied the rain guard ones on with bits of shoelace and leave the other two at home! There is no bush for fitting a mono/tripod, though that is rarely a requirement for small 8 x binoculars like these.Quality is not just in the optics. I look for little things. The covers that attach the thick to the thin parts of the neck strap are real leather and the stitching is quite beautiful. The carry- case is made of leather and features a proper spring fastener instead of the usual velcro, There Is a belt fitting and the binoculars own strap can be pulled through when they are carried with the case fitted. The overall finish of these binoculars in their rubber armour is superb and they are genuinely made in Japan- although 'made in China' is no cause for abuse these days.The old adage that you 'get what you pay for' does not always hold true, but these rather expensive small binoculars are well worth the money and indeed may be regarded as cheap at the price, especially given that they will probably get a lot more use than most of the full size ones in my collection. Incidentally I paid somewhat more for delivery from Germany rather than risk despatch from Japan and they arrived safely within three days.

Bought these after reading reviews on specialist Binocular sites. The construction is excellent, the single fold makes getting them on to subject fast and easy and the optics are superb. These will fit easily into the pocket of any "outdoor wear" jacket or coat and they come with an excellent soft carrying case and strap if you'd rather carry them round the neck. A quick Google search will find you any number of technical reviews.

Binoculars themselves are light and powerful do regret purchasing from overseas though as we didn't really save money and had to wait quite a while for delivery.

Excellent set of bins

Reasonable light retention

Excellent pair of pocket binoculars - solidly made, definition very good, aberrations in general very low. Very pleased with them.

Reasonable quality at distance but close up view is very soft so not useful for intended purpose of insect observation.