Kowa BD42-10XD 10x42 Prominar Binoculars vs. Meopta Meopro 10x42 HD Binos

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Jan 27, 2017
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495
Location
UT
I was looking to upgrade from my Vanguard Endeavor ED 8x42 binos. I need more magnification and better resolution for the 1st and last half-hour of the day, particularly to see antlers. I hunt deer and elk in varying terrain in Utah, and looking for one decent set of binos to do it all for now (especially something that works well for an eyeglass wearer). The Vanguards were pretty good for the price, but frankly my vision is not what it used to be, and feel I could benefit with an upgrade.

Unfortunately, alpha glass is not in the picture this year. My price point is $500 or less. I did see that there was a related thread recently, but did not see mention of the Kowas. There is very little info/reviews available on the internet. However, I am aware that Kowa has a good reputation.

Does anyone have any experience with the Kowa BD series Prominars? How do they compare to the Meopta Meopros (seem well-reviewed)? Is there something else I should be looking at for this price point. Please don't suggest I save for Swaros...not gonna happen this year! Thanks.
 
I was looking to upgrade from my Vanguard Endeavor ED 8x42 binos. I need more magnification and better resolution for the 1st and last half-hour of the day, particularly to see antlers. I hunt deer and elk in varying terrain in Utah, and looking for one decent set of binos to do it all for now (especially something that works well for an eyeglass wearer). The Vanguards were pretty good for the price, but frankly my vision is not what it used to be, and feel I could benefit with an upgrade.

Unfortunately, alpha glass is not in the picture this year. My price point is $500 or less. I did see that there was a related thread recently, but did not see mention of the Kowas. There is very little info/reviews available on the internet. However, I am aware that Kowa has a good reputation.

Does anyone have any experience with the Kowa BD series Prominars? How do they compare to the Meopta Meopros (seem well-reviewed)? Is there something else I should be looking at for this price point. Please don't suggest I save for Swaros...not gonna happen this year! Thanks.
I've tried everything you've mentioned. Those Kowas and Meopros (both made in China) are not an upgrade from your Endeavor's (also made in China) IMO. Get away from the made in China bins and get into some Japanese or European glass. The most affordable Japanese glass, and the best value under $500 right now are the Leupod BX-4's. They are fantastic for their price, made in Japan, and have a lifetime warranty supported by Leupold.
 
I've tried everything you've mentioned. Those Kowas and Meopros (both made in China) are not an upgrade from your Endeavor's (also made in China) IMO. Get away from the made in China bins and get into some Japanese or European glass. The most affordable Japanese glass, and the best value under $500 right now are the Leupod BX-4's. They are fantastic for their price, made in Japan, and have a lifetime warranty supported by Leupold.
Just a correction, Meopta's are made in the Czech Republic, not China
 
Just a correction, Meopta's are made in the Czech Republic, not China
I've owned 2 pairs. Pretty sure both had "China" on them. They might be a Czech company, but the Meopros are't in the same league as their Meostars and they reek of Chinese glass to me.

Plenty of companies (even Zeiss) claim to make things where they are located, but only a % of the product is required to be made there for them to make that claim. Some just assemble the product and claim it was made there. Lots of parlor tricks in the optics game these days.
 
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Thanks for the feedback gentleman. I would love to own a set of Meostars, but just isn't in the chips after buying a gun safe. I have quite a few tags to fill this year, and wanted to find something better than I have without making the $1000+ jump.

Thanks Doug for the clarification on the Meoptas...that was my understanding...Czech parts assembled in U.S. I thought Kowas were Japanese, but my understanding is that it is Japanese glass only, but made in China. Guess that didn't sit well with me, despite knowing that the optics industry is pretty well entrenched in China...even for optics that many hunters would not consider "cheap".

Newtosavage...I will have to check out the BX-4s. I have liked Leupold glass in their riflescopes, but was never very impressed by my experience with their binos (perhaps the BX-4 will change my mind). Country of manufacture aside...how do you feel the Prominars and Meopros perform, compared to the BX-4?
 
Thanks for the feedback gentleman. I would love to own a set of Meostars, but just isn't in the chips after buying a gun safe. I have quite a few tags to fill this year, and wanted to find something better than I have without making the $1000+ jump.

Thanks Doug for the clarification on the Meoptas...that was my understanding...Czech parts assembled in U.S. I thought Kowas were Japanese, but my understanding is that it is Japanese glass only, but made in China. Guess that didn't sit well with me, despite knowing that the optics industry is pretty well entrenched in China...even for optics that many hunters would not consider "cheap".

Newtosavage...I will have to check out the BX-4s. I have liked Leupold glass in their riflescopes, but was never very impressed by my experience with their binos (perhaps the BX-4 will change my mind). Country of manufacture aside...how do you feel the Prominars and Meopros perform, compared to the BX-4?
Like I said, I've owned all of those. The Prominars and Meopros went back the same day. Way too much distortion for me. Only the exact center was sharp to my eyes and eye placement was tricky. This is why I suspect Chinese glass, because almost every pair (with one exception) of Chinese-made "HD" bins I've owned had this problem with distortion that led to eye fatigue.

The BX-4's are outstanding binoculars. Zero noticeable distortion. Very large sweet spot. Compact and lightweight in the hands. Durable and very easy, relaxed view. Resolution was on par with my Conquest HD's, which is quite good considering the price of BX-4's right now. The only thing they lack compared to my Conquests is Field of View. But you can't get everything you want in $400 bins, and if I have to give something up, I'd rather give up field of view than resolution or a flat, distortion free image.
 
I almost bought a set of Legend M 10x42 two years ago. I regret not picking up a set since they are now discontinued and hard to find.
 
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