Kowa Genensis 8.5 X 44 (Genesis series)

Let's me start with,  I did not bought this recently but I have been using it a years now. This is little know binocular and not very popular in Malaysia market. Nevertheless the Kowa Genesis Series are meant to rival the other alpha brand such as the Swarovski, Carl Ziess and Leica. Having used most of the brand before I have to say that Kowa Genesis is an mazing binocular. It is something I will recommend to people and I will tell you why later in this article. 

When I purchased this it was only exceed MYR 5k. Considering the range I'm getting and the Kowa lens  below tell you how I felt about the Kowa Genesis.

First Impression

To be very honest the appearance, the box and packaging are very typical. It does not give you an extra elegant feeling probably due to the promotion are not as aggressive compare to other alpha brand. (at least in Malaysia)

When you hold it on your hand it give you a firm and solid feeling. This is where thing changes. Is a kind of feeling now I'm going hardcore as it provide a very hardy feeling. At the same time the drawback is I felt that it is a little heavy for the same range.

Built and Handling

There is no doubt it provide a very solid feeling and grip. The ergonomic is not bad either. Though you don't get the new wavy like body as in other newer brand it does not matter. The fact is that it was design for us to have a solid grip. There is area where your thumb can fit in with the rubber grip. It is impressive and addition to this, I can hold it steadily without worrying at all even in the car or by the beach under strong wind.

The focusing were big and also sensitive enough. There is no reason to be worry if you cannot get to the focusing knob compare to other brand as even after a while of usage, I never find and trouble on it. Close focusing of this unit was also amazing. To be honest I do used them for butterfly watching as well and if I need to score them it will be 10/10. 

Don't get me wrong the Swarovski NL Pure is also another great binocular to do the same and will definitely score the same and have a place in my heart for butterfly watching as well. 

The eye cup and relief were very typical of Kowa Binocular. Although I prefer the eye piece to be placed level to the glass as in other brand. Nevertheless this is not a disadvantages either. The eyecup were solidly made and the 3 point allow us to adjust to our liking. At least for people like me who wear glasses the it does not bother me at all. 

Image Quality and Optic,

Well!! what can I say you get everything you expected from this lens. The contrast was amazingly natural making the view great. 

This create an excitement when observing colourful bird and butterfly and the colour were felt more natural. 

In low light/twilight situation I must say the binocular perform beyond expectation. The contract is colour and sharpness even in the low light condition was just amazing. The focusing was sensitive enough for us to get the maximum sharpness we can get out of that particular time. 

There is technically I don't see any of this make me felt that I left behind form other alpha brand.

Using my field experience in observing harrier coming in to roost and studying nocturnal birds of prey I will say that this binocular is all I need. I have no problem detecting the streaking and barring of the harrier marking even in low light condition. 

While studying max flock in Malaysia will can only provide a thumb up. Together with the focusing which make it easy to focus on the bird and the colour output of the optic was amazing. I can check out different species and focusing of this binocular never let me down. 

Once we were harrier watching and we all realise that under challenging lighting condition the Kowa manage to even pick up the eye colour of the harrier while my other unit are struggling. I technically have a short charge in the field with my wife so I can use the Kowa. :)

Disadvantage

The only disadvantage I can pick up from using this unit is the weight. It is surprisingly heavier than other comparable binocular from other brand. Although Kowa provide good strap you may consider other stars such as harnesses to reduce the weight on your necked. However I have been using the on the box strap and must say it is good enough.

Kowa may also consider a batter rain cover for the binocular eye relief. Nothing wrong with the one they provided but mine broken in less than one year and I need to get it replace. Still before we judge we need to weight in the price we pay for this unit.

Conclusion. 

I believe in my opinion that this is also another binocular that I will say no regret unit. Even for those that are not price sensitive this unit should be part of the option for consideration. 

Unless one complaint about the weight I barely see what can actually go wrong. :) still please try the unit in the shop. Prior to my purchased I get to try the unit out and knows that my wife eye suit the binuclear well. Since then it have been part of the family. I don't believe I will et it go in future either. :)