Zeiss SFL vs Kowa genesis

Brian.243

FNG
Joined
Aug 3, 2021
Messages
37
I am looking to upgrade my binoculars. I would like to stay under 1500 but do have a little wiggle room to go higher.
I live and hunt mostly California from thick brushy mountains to large open desert area.
I am looking for a recommendation for new glass and want to stay in 10x40 range.
I think I have narrowed it down to these two and would appreciate anyone's opinions or suggestions of other binoculars that maybe I am over looking
Thanks
Brian
 

has530

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 23, 2021
Messages
130
They are both really nice and kind of opposites in most ways. The Kowas have practically no chromatic aberration and seemed to be a little sharper with more pop in the center. The Zeiss had a little but of false color but better edge sharpness. The biggest difference is size and weight. The SFL are just about the smallest and lightest in their class at ~22.5 oz. The Kowas are chunky and weigh in at ~34 oz. Of course the slightly bigger objectives gather ~20% more light but that is offset a bit by the 1/2x more magnification and a 50% weight increase. I prefer the Kowa but I've also got big hands which it fits better in and don't mind the extra weight.
 

Buddha

FNG
Joined
Jan 31, 2019
Messages
35
Location
Colorado
I own both 8x sfl and 8.5 genisis. They are both great optically but the kowa weighs a lot. I hunt w the sfl
 

Fritz D

FNG
Joined
Dec 21, 2023
Messages
96
Location
Idaho
I’ve not tried a Kowa bino but I’m a happy owner of a Zeiss SFL 8x30. Very impressive and super light.
 
Last edited:
Top