Kowa 8x42 BD II XD Wide-Angle Binoculars

BH #KO8X42BDII • MFR #BDII 42-8XD
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Kowa 8x42 BD II XD Wide-Angle Binoculars
Key Features
  • Extra-Low Dispersion PROMINAR Glass
  • Phase-Corrected Schmidt-Pechan Prisms
  • Anti-Reflection Fully Multi-Coated
  • Oil-Resistant KR Exterior Lens Coatings
Engineered with a moderate magnification that contributes to its wide field of view, long eye relief, and wide exit pupil, the Kowa 8x42 BD II XD Wide-Angle Binoculars produce bright high-contrast images with true-to-life color and crisp clarity even when observing in low and challenging light.
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Kowa BDII 8x42 Overview

Engineered with a moderate magnification that contributes to its wide field of view, long eye relief, and wide exit pupil, the Kowa 8x42 BD II XD Wide-Angle Binoculars produce bright high-contrast images with true-to-life color and crisp clarity even when observing in low and challenging light.

To deliver their performance, Kowa binoculars employ complementary technologies, including the use of proprietary PROMINAR extra-low-dispersion fluorite glass, anti-reflection fully multi-coated optics, and highly reflective C3 and phase-correcting prism coatings that work together to produce crisp, clear, and bright high-contrast images with accurate color rendition across the entire spectrum. Added to this performance is a short close-focus distance, an ultra-wide angle of view, and a comfortable eye relief, which produce an immersive observational experience for any user. The expansive field of view also reduces the need to move the head very much and makes viewing through the optic more comfortable.

Designed for extensive outdoor use, the lightweight magnesium alloy chassis is wrapped in a protective rubber armor with a slip-resistant textured grip to provide secure handling in cold and wet conditions. To ensure a compact and highly packable form factor, Kowa utilizes Schmidt-Pechan prisms that allow for slimmer optical tubes but deliver the performance of conventional roof prisms. The optical tubes are nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme temperature or humidity changes.

Optical Performance
  • Moderate 8x magnification enables detailed observations of distant subjects like animals, athletes, and architectural details without sacrificing its wide field of view, long eye relief, and wide exit pupil
  • 42mm objective lenses deliver the light-gathering capability required for extended use during the pre-dawn and late dusk hours
  • Schmidt-Pechan prism design corrects the view while allowing for thinner optical tubes versus the more common Abbe-Koenig design
  • PROMINAR XD extra-low dispersion glass reduces chromatic aberration, which causes halos and fringing, for improved color rendition and contrast
  • Proprietary PROMINAR lens glass is made of chemically stable artificial fluorite crystal that is free of impurities, so it will not fluoresce in UV light or have a tint that can impede accurate color fidelity
  • Anti-reflection fully multi-coated optics improve light transmission, color rendition, clarity, and contrast
  • Phase-correcting prism coatings eliminate internal light diffraction to improve clarity and contrast
  • C3 prism coatings improve internal light transmission to higher than 99% across the entire visible spectrum to improve color rendition, clarity, and contrast
  • Short close focus distance of just under 6 feet enables users to make detailed observations of small subjects like bugs and insects or flora and fauna
  • Wide 66° apparent angle of view helps to minimize the appearance of the distracting hand shake often associated with high-power optics while offering an immersive observational experience
  • Spacious 429' field of view at 1000 yards
Use and Handling
  • Closed-bridge configuration provides a solid and stable platform for the internal focusing mechanism
  • Textured center focusing wheel is easy to manipulate, even in cold and wet conditions or when wearing gloves
  • Right-eye dioptric correction allows the user to fine-tune the focusing to their individual eyesight—even if they wear corrective lenses
  • Integrated 1/4"-20 threaded adapter socket on front of bridge hinge allows the optic to be tripod mounted with an optional adapter
  • Twist-up multi-position rubber eyecups for comfortable use and correct eye relief, with or without eyewear
  • Long 17mm eye relief reduces eyestrain and improves overall viewing comfort
  • Large 5.25mm exit pupil will completely cover pupils as the open and fully dilate in low light, ensuring the entire scene remains in view without vignetting
Construction Details
  • Prism design allows for thinner optical tubes, contributing to the overall compact form factor and providing a more comfortable feel in the hand
  • Lightweight and durable magnesium alloy chassis reduces weight without sacrificing strength and stability
  • Nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme temperature changes or environmental conditions
  • Protective rubber armor provides a slip-resistant grip
  • Oil-resistant KR exterior lens coatings make it easy for dirt, sap, and oil to be cleaned off without smudges or residue
  • Light 22.5-ounce weight
UPC: 879110002156

Kowa BDII 8x42 Specs

Key Specs
Prism Type
Schmidt-Pechan
Magnification
8x
Objective Lens Diameter
42 mm
Angle of View
8.2° (Actual)
Field of View
429' @ 1000 yd / 142.43 m @ 1000 m
Exit Pupil Diameter
5.25 mm
Prism Type
Schmidt-Pechan
Performance
Magnification
8x
Objective Lens Diameter
42 mm
Angle of View
8.2° (Actual)
Field of View
429' @ 1000 yd / 142.43 m @ 1000 m
Minimum Focus Distance
5.9' / 1.8 m
Exit Pupil Diameter
5.25 mm
Eye Relief
17 mm
Diopter Adjustment
Yes
Focus Type
Center
Features
Fogproof
Yes: Nitrogen Filled
Environmental Resistance
Water-Resistant (Unrated)
General
Dimensions
5.5 x 5 x 2" / 13.97 x 12.7 x 5.08 cm
Weight
22.5 oz / 638 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.13 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.5 x 6.5 x 3.2"

Kowa BDII 8x42 Reviews

Phenomenal

By Micah
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-07-12

Amateur birder here, was looking for my first pair of “serious” bins… did quite a bit of research and tried a couple pairs in person around the same price point ie celestrons mainly, was not super impressed. Since I could not find these to try irl I took the chance and ordered them thru b and h and was blown away. Light weight, extremely clear, and very sturdy feeling. I don’t feel as though I need to baby these bins due to the solid construction! They are also quite aesthetically pleasing looking irl, the green is darker than the photos. Overall blown away!

Spectacular combo of price, size and image

By Dirk
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-07-29

I've used a handful of cheaper binocs over the years and as a photographer knew there were always better options. I took a (returnable) chance on the Kowa's and have been super impressed. Everyone that's used them immediately comments on the clarity and sharpness of the image. The only drawback is some distortion around the edges which you only notice when panning around. Compared to the Nikon Monarch M7s, I think the Kowa's center image is crisper, but the nikon's have a little less edge distortion. Overall I'm extremely pleased with these, they're the smallest, lightest binocs in their class with only one drawback. The field of view is on par with the best and the focus wheel feels amazing. Oh and the close focusing is fantastic, had a hummingbird buzzing around about 5 feet away and I was blown away by getting a somewhat brief look at it.

See any errors on this page?

Country of manufacture?

Country of manufacture?
Asked by: Mike
China. I received conflicting information but confirmed on my unit that they are made in China.
Answered by: Hang
Date published: 2023-01-17

Specs for this compare favorably to the Vortex ...

Specs for this compare favorably to the Vortex Viper, which I'm also considering. How does the view and build quality compare?
Asked by: James
Here is a link comparing the two field of view and build quality. https://bhpho.to/3oj77nu
Answered by: Reuben K
Date published: 2021-11-07

These look like they are lighter and have a wider ...

These look like they are lighter and have a wider view angle than the Vortex Viper HD. How does the build and image quality compare?
Asked by: James
The image quality is outstanding. They are as bright as my Swarovski ELs and approach them, to some degree, in contrast and definition (sharpness), but, obviously, are not at that level. Theyre certainly not bad, though. I take my Kowas hiking a little more often than my Celestron & Swarovski binoculars.
Answered by: Jose
Date published: 2022-10-16

what kind of warranty?

what kind of warranty?
Asked by: Warren
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Answered by: Shalom
Date published: 2020-08-21
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