KOWA SV 12x50

Kowa SV 50 Roof Prism Binoculars
The Kowa SV 50 Roof prism binoculars are a new offering from the world famous Japanese scope and binocular manufacturer. Kowa have infused over half a century of heritage in optics design and manufacture into this new series, which boasts top end features such as Kowa Repelling (KR) lens coatings and 100% waterproofing. The SV Series represents the perfect balance between optimal performance and modern construction, with one of its most striking attributes being their unrivalled light weight.

Lightweight, despite the high specification
Due to large 50mm objective lenses, binoculars in this class tend to have an average weight in excess of 1kg. However, the Kowa SV 50 Series binoculars have been specially designed from lightweight and composite materials, therefore weighing in far below the average at just 740g. Thanks to this dramatic weight reduction, the difficulties commonly experienced in transporting and holding these large diameter binoculars are greatly reduced. In fact, the Kowa SV 50 Series binoculars are so light that you could even compare them by weight to a 42mm objective diameter binocular.

Robust by Design
The Kowa SV Series binoculars have been built with the more demanding user in mind, with each model boasting a set of features to match. Firstly, they are wrapped in extra thick rubber armour, designed to appropriately protect the internal optics from casual knocks and scrapes. Next, a new protective measure: where Kowa engineers have proportionately increased the size of the objective lens’ outer armour when compared to other models of this type. This innovative measure helps to act as a buffer, providing an extra layer of protection for the fragile 50mm front lenses.

Fully protected against the elements
As well as making the binoculars robust, Kowa have also designed their SV Series to be fully optimised for use in any climate. Firstly, all body joints and cavities have been fully sealed to make the binoculars 100% waterproof. Each pair is thoroughly water tested after production to ensure that they hold up to their 100% waterproof claim- if a pair fails any of these stringent tests then it does not leave the factory! The second area of climate optimisation is the body and surface design. The body of the binoculars incorporate several natural contours, exaggerated by the surface texture’s variation between soft and granular. The combination of these two design features, make the binoculars feel gratifying in the hand and allows for good grip to always be maintained, whether wearing gloves or in wet conditions. Kowa engineers have added a final level of climate protection by injecting and sealing each barrel of the binoculars with nitrogen gas. This measure counters any internal fogging of the lenses, a common problem when the binoculars are subjected to varying temperatures.

Incorporating reliable everyday features
The SV Series incorporates a set of practical features that help to enhance the daily user experience. Kowa has substantially increased the size of the large, centrally-positioned focus wheel, and used an inner grip design to ensure that the wheel responds well to fine-tuned movements.. This inner gripping has also been applied to the dioptric adjustment ring, which is conveniently located under the right eyepiece. The next feature is three-click turn and slide eyecups which allow the user to optimise the distance between pupil and eyepiece. These eyecups are also designed to accommodate spectacle wearers, so they too can enjoy a complete field of view. Finally, a centrally positioned tripod socket allows the binoculars (with use of an L-mount adapter) to be attached to a tripod.

Kowa lenses and prisms
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 SV Series are manufactured from high quality Japanese eco-glass and all surfaces are fully multicoated. The Roof prisms have also been treated with phase coatings in order to increase their reflectivity. These coatings, working in synergy with the generous 50mm objective lenses, ensure that 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.