GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION - Kowa High Lander Prominar Binoculars
I wrote a blurb a couple of weeks ago promoting the Kowa Highlander Prominar binoculars based on the fact that they are being used by a number of people whose opinions I respect but I really needed to use them myself in the field before I could recommend them to you. I was also a little surprised at the strong response that I got to that piece which means there must be a fair amount of interest in big binoculars. Fortunately, I have friends in high places that could help me out. Floyd Green, one of the best lion hunters in the country and owner of The Outdoorsmans in Phoenix, set me up with a pair for a couple days. He even gave me something to compare them to.
From left to right-the Docter Optic Aspectem 30x80 High Power Binoculars on a Manfrotto 055XV tripod, the Kowa High Lander Prominar 32x82 binoculars also on a 055XV, Leica 10-15x50 Duovids on an Outdoorsmans Lightweight Tripod which is my favorite hunting set up, and a short WalkStool.
We headed North of town to do some glassing with these big binos. It was really nice to have the Docters along because our Zeiss and Leica 15s just weren't going to be able to hang with 30+ power for any kind of descent comparison.
As I said in the earlier piece, the Kowa (pronounced coe-ah) binoculars are big. In fact, both the Kowas and the Docters weigh about 14 lbs and incorporate a carrying handle into their design. They are best for using out of the truck or Ranger or maybe a pack horse rig if their protective suit cases are packed right. However you get them to where you want to use them, once you set them up, the power and ability to use it with both eyes is impressive.
As we went back and fourth between the Kowas and the Docters three things became obvious to me. 1) The Kowas are substantially better than the Docters. They are clearer, brighter, offer better contrast when you are looking into the shadows and they are easier to adjust and focus. 2) The Manfrotto 055XV is not substantial enough for these big glasses. They are just too top heavy and the view suffered from vibration in light and moderate wind. I don't know yet exactly which tripod would be best for them, maybe the 058B 3) Hunting Coues deer and sheep is not the only thing these would be good for. Astronomical observation, which is what they are actually made for, is obvious but with a good vantage point the amount of real estate that could be covered effectively with these glasses is truly awesome. In fact, you could make a good case for spending the $4500 it takes to buy the Kowas if you consider the potential reduction in fuel and manpower it takes to cover say a border area or security sector. What else? How about keeping track of alpine climbers from base camp, looking for lost ones from the command post, performing wildlife unit surveys and counts, or conducting long range surveillance and targeting.
One thing you need to think about. These Kowas were designed for looking up at the sky so they have a 45 degree bent tube configuration. It doesn't take long to get used to but looking down in front of you can be tricky.
A couple of other things to mention. The High Lander "Prominar" models have Fluorite crystal lenses. The eye pieces are focused individually, which I really liked, and can be swapped out easily for optional 21x and 50x power units. The housings are dry nitrogen filled, waterproof and made of die cast aluminum for durability. And they come with a lifetime warranty.
These are made for specialized applications that require high end, high power optics. If you need to look for and watch things at great distances for long periods of time, the Kowa High Lander Prominar is the best you can get.
Wade Nelson
Editor
From left to right-the Docter Optic Aspectem 30x80 High Power Binoculars on a Manfrotto 055XV tripod, the Kowa High Lander Prominar 32x82 binoculars also on a 055XV, Leica 10-15x50 Duovids on an Outdoorsmans Lightweight Tripod which is my favorite hunting set up, and a short WalkStool.
We headed North of town to do some glassing with these big binos. It was really nice to have the Docters along because our Zeiss and Leica 15s just weren't going to be able to hang with 30+ power for any kind of descent comparison.
As I said in the earlier piece, the Kowa (pronounced coe-ah) binoculars are big. In fact, both the Kowas and the Docters weigh about 14 lbs and incorporate a carrying handle into their design. They are best for using out of the truck or Ranger or maybe a pack horse rig if their protective suit cases are packed right. However you get them to where you want to use them, once you set them up, the power and ability to use it with both eyes is impressive.
As we went back and fourth between the Kowas and the Docters three things became obvious to me. 1) The Kowas are substantially better than the Docters. They are clearer, brighter, offer better contrast when you are looking into the shadows and they are easier to adjust and focus. 2) The Manfrotto 055XV is not substantial enough for these big glasses. They are just too top heavy and the view suffered from vibration in light and moderate wind. I don't know yet exactly which tripod would be best for them, maybe the 058B 3) Hunting Coues deer and sheep is not the only thing these would be good for. Astronomical observation, which is what they are actually made for, is obvious but with a good vantage point the amount of real estate that could be covered effectively with these glasses is truly awesome. In fact, you could make a good case for spending the $4500 it takes to buy the Kowas if you consider the potential reduction in fuel and manpower it takes to cover say a border area or security sector. What else? How about keeping track of alpine climbers from base camp, looking for lost ones from the command post, performing wildlife unit surveys and counts, or conducting long range surveillance and targeting.
One thing you need to think about. These Kowas were designed for looking up at the sky so they have a 45 degree bent tube configuration. It doesn't take long to get used to but looking down in front of you can be tricky.
A couple of other things to mention. The High Lander "Prominar" models have Fluorite crystal lenses. The eye pieces are focused individually, which I really liked, and can be swapped out easily for optional 21x and 50x power units. The housings are dry nitrogen filled, waterproof and made of die cast aluminum for durability. And they come with a lifetime warranty.
These are made for specialized applications that require high end, high power optics. If you need to look for and watch things at great distances for long periods of time, the Kowa High Lander Prominar is the best you can get.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
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Posted by Wade Nelson at Friday, July 18. 2008 
Categories: Optics-Ranging-Cameras, GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
Tags: best high power binoculars best observation binoculars
Categories: Optics-Ranging-Cameras, GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
Tags: best high power binoculars best observation binoculars
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