Kowa YF Series Porro Prism Binoculars

The Kowa YF Series Porro Prism Binoculars are a new range from the world-famous Japanese scope and binocular manufacturer. Kowa have infused over half a century of heritage in optics design and production into the new YF Series, which boasts top end features such as Kowa Repelling (KR) lens coatings and 100% waterproofing. The YF Series represents the perfect balance between retro design and modern functionality, with one of its most striking attributes being aesthetic beauty.

Improved focusing

The YF Series has focussing at its core, and various enhancements have been made to the standard focus functions that are usually found on binocular models. For example, the central focus wheel has been substantially increased in both size and stiffness. Furthermore, a large dioptric adjustment ring has been conveniently positioned under the right eyepiece and purpose grooved to give users extra grip when operating. These improvements ensure that the binoculars can be precisely focused and tailored to a user’s individual preference to give a clear and crisp image.

Where retro design meets modern thinking

The Kowa YF Series has a modern take on traditional thinking. Kowa have taken a heritage Porro prism optical configuration and enclosed it in a modern form, offering a unique and unrivalled user experience. Various modern features have been added, including thick rubber armour designed to protect the internal optics during more demanding use, as well as smooth-to-grainy body surface texture, giving users an optimal balance between comfort and grip. Also, unique to the YF Series, are the specially moulded soft contours which are designed to improve ergonomics, ensuring that the binoculars sit naturally in the hand during prolonged use.

Stunning wide field of vision

Balancing the traditional Porro prism configuration (providing for a large distance between each objective lens) and a low power magnification (6x or 8x), the YF series boast an extremely wide viewing field (140m and 132m at 1000m for 6x and 8x respectively). This unique feature allows the user to observe a large field from one position providing a more pleasurable viewing experience.

Kowa lenses

The internal optics are the backbone of any binocular on the market today, and it is an area that Kowa places in the highest regard. All optical components in the YF Series are manufactured from high quality Japanese eco-glass and all surfaces are fully multicoated. These coatings ensure that light transmission, colour definition, brightness and contrast are always performing at a maximum. The binoculars therefore produce clear, vivid and crisp images, creating natural and representative viewing subjects.

The eyepieces and objective lenses are covered in Kowa’s unique formula: Kowa Repelling (KR) technology. The KR technology works to stop grease, fluid and dirt from accumulating on the surface of each treated lens, making cleaning much simpler. Furthermore, the KR technology reduces the risk of scratching a fragile lens surface, as less pressure needs to be applied to remove dirt during cleaning. This type of lens coating is a feature only usually found on far more expensive binocular models. 

Fully protected for use in any climate

Unlike the majority of traditional Porro prism binoculars, the YF Series from Kowa are 100% waterproof. Previously, it has not been possible to waterproof Porro prism binoculars due to an externally positioned focus function which can easily let water seep inside the body. However, the YF Series user can now enjoy the benefits of a Porro prism design and the peace of mind that their binoculars are 100% waterproof. To further optimise this innovative waterproof design, textured surfacing has been added to the binocular body to ensure that when they do get wet, a firm grip can still be maintained. Kowa engineers added a final level of climate protection by injecting and sealing each barrel of the binoculars with nitrogen gas. This measure works to counter any internal fogging of the lenses, a common problem when the binoculars are subjected to temperature change.

Kowa Konect Club

Once a Kowa YF Series binocular has been purchased, the serial number can be optionally registered on the Kowa consumer products website. In doing this, a user becomes a verified member of the Kowa Konect Club. This is an exclusive club which Kowa have created in order to enhance their user experience. Membership entitles multiple benefits including Kowa sponsored open days, access to monthly competitions and free giveaways, to name just a few!

Supplied with useful accessories

The Kowa YF Series binoculars come with a set of useful accessories. A durable case with belt loop is designed to protect the binocular when not in use. A premium quality neck strap is constructed of durable neoprene, and a rubber underlining which combined with its broad width ensure that the binoculars sit comfortably around the neck during use or transport. Finally, a high quality rainguard and a pair of objective lens covers which ensure that all lens surfaces are protected when not in use.

Many wide-ranging uses

The Kowa YF Series binoculars have a wide range of applications due to their ground-breaking features. Thanks to the Porro prism design and subsequent wide field of view, the binoculars are ideally suited for use in stadiums, watching sports events and other general observation. The top quality image reproduction also means that finer details can be observed in stunning clarity.

The 100% water and fog proof and rubber armour features, ensure that the binoculars perform well in wet and rugged conditions. This makes them suitable for activities such as bird watching or sailing, where low temperature and wet climates are often prevalent. Furthermore, the KR lens coatings mean that the binoculars are also easy to maintain in dusty and sandy conditions, making them equally suited for use on safari.

Finally, thanks to the extreme flexibility of the binocular bridge, the binoculars would make a great family or sharing device as both long and short inter-pupillary distances can be accommodated.