The BD II 8 x 42 binocular from Kowa incorporate our proprietary XD lenses to ensure a sharp and color true image. The BD IIs have some of the widest field of views and an impressive close focus. The binocular is compact and lightweight as well as waterproof and fogproof. If it's crystal clear, it's Kowa!
The BD II 8 x 42 binocular from Kowa incorporate our proprietary XD lenses to ensure a sharp and color true image. The BD IIs have some of the widest field of views and an impressive close focus. The binocular is compact and lightweight as well as waterproof and fogproof. If it's crystal clear, it's Kowa!
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The lowest price for Kowa BD II XD 42mm Binoculars (8x42) right now is $617.00 at Amazon.com.au.
The all-time low was $594.00 on 27 Feb 2026 — today's price is 4% above the lowest ever. This is at or near its all-time low — a good time to buy.
Prices last updated 21 Mar 2026.
Kowa BD II XD 42mm Binoculars (8x42)
The BD II 8 x 42 binocular from Kowa incorporate our proprietary XD lenses to ensure a sharp and color true image. The BD IIs have some of the widest field of views and an impressive close focus. The binocular is compact and lightweight as well as waterproof and fogproof. If it's crystal clear, it's Kowa!
The BD II 8 x 42 binocular from Kowa incorporate our proprietary XD lenses to ensure a sharp and color true image. The BD IIs have some of the widest field of views and an impressive close focus. The binocular is compact and lightweight as well as waterproof and fogproof. If it's crystal clear, it's Kowa!
Last updated at 21/03/2026 16:19:24
Kowa BD II XD 42mm Binoculars (8x42)
Free delivery
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originally posted on jacobsdigital.co.nz
Very helpful staff at JDs showed a variety of Bins with very good knowledge gave time to digest info . Encouraged client to view outside in street with no pressure. Eventually after trying 5 -6 Types I bought Kowa BD ll 8 x 42 excellent quality for 100 dollars discount on the day . Very happy with purchase. Thanks
originally posted on jacobsdigital.co.nz
It was great to go into a shop and be served by experienced & knowledgeable staff. Also the stock selection over a varied budget was exceptional. Happy with my binoculars for wildlife study. The only down was the credit card added percentage. This was overcome but when you are spending $1000 it could have been a no deal scenario. With the present climate it is wonderful to have a specialist shop to kiwi back.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Coming to these from a 9-year old pair of Celestron Nature DX 8x42's I was impressed with how bright, clear, sharp, and colorful these Kowa binoculars are. I bought them used (B&H rated them 10 which was conservative--they were basically Open Box). I was interested in these because, at least on paper, they are comparable to the Nikon Monarch M7. However, I quickly noticed that, although the Kowas have a generous field of view, the edges were blurry. When I twisted the focus knob they did come into sharp, clear focus...but then the image in the center was out of focus. I have a background in photography, so I know camera lenses--particularly wide angle lenses--sometimes suffer from field curvature because the focal plane is spherical, rather than flat--and as a ... MoreComing to these from a 9-year old pair of Celestron Nature DX 8x42's I was impressed with how bright, clear, sharp, and colorful these Kowa binoculars are. I bought them used (B&H rated them 10 which was conservative--they were basically Open Box). I was interested in these because, at least on paper, they are comparable to the Nikon Monarch M7. However, I quickly noticed that, although the Kowas have a generous field of view, the edges were blurry. When I twisted the focus knob they did come into sharp, clear focus...but then the image in the center was out of focus. I have a background in photography, so I know camera lenses--particularly wide angle lenses--sometimes suffer from field curvature because the focal plane is spherical, rather than flat--and as a result the corners and the center are not both in focus at the same time. With a camera lens I would stop down the aperture to compensate, but with binoculars you can't do that, you just have to live with fuzzy corners. Perhaps I'm making mountains out of molehills here--it's not really a dealbreaker because if I'm scanning the treetops for birds the edges are in focus enough to detect peripheral movement--and at that point I'll frame the bird so it's in the nice crisp center. If I had paid full price I would return these, but I got such a good deal on them that I'll just keep them until I can afford a pair of Nikon Monarch M7's.
| Product Dimensions | |
| Length | 5.5 in |
| Height | 2 in |
| Width | 5 in |
Kowa BD II XD 42mm Binoculars (8x42)
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Very helpful staff at JDs showed a variety of Bins with very good knowledge gave time to digest info . Encouraged client to view outside in street with no pressure. Eventually after trying 5 -6 Types I bought Kowa BD ll 8 x 42 excellent quality for 100 dollars discount on the day . Very happy with purchase. Thanks
It was great to go into a shop and be served by experienced & knowledgeable staff. Also the stock selection over a varied budget was exceptional. Happy with my binoculars for wildlife study. The only down was the credit card added percentage. This was overcome but when you are spending $1000 it could have been a no deal scenario. With the present climate it is wonderful to have a specialist shop to kiwi back.
Coming to these from a 9-year old pair of Celestron Nature DX 8x42's I was impressed with how bright, clear, sharp, and colorful these Kowa binoculars are. I bought them used (B&H rated them 10 which was conservative--they were basically Open Box). I was interested in these because, at least on paper, they are comparable to the Nikon Monarch M7. However, I quickly noticed that, although the Kowas have a generous field of view, the edges were blurry. When I twisted the focus knob they did come into sharp, clear focus...but then the image in the center was out of focus. I have a background in photography, so I know camera lenses--particularly wide angle lenses--sometimes suffer from field curvature because the focal plane is spherical, rather than flat--and as a ... MoreComing to these from a 9-year old pair of Celestron Nature DX 8x42's I was impressed with how bright, clear, sharp, and colorful these Kowa binoculars are. I bought them used (B&H rated them 10 which was conservative--they were basically Open Box). I was interested in these because, at least on paper, they are comparable to the Nikon Monarch M7. However, I quickly noticed that, although the Kowas have a generous field of view, the edges were blurry. When I twisted the focus knob they did come into sharp, clear focus...but then the image in the center was out of focus. I have a background in photography, so I know camera lenses--particularly wide angle lenses--sometimes suffer from field curvature because the focal plane is spherical, rather than flat--and as a result the corners and the center are not both in focus at the same time. With a camera lens I would stop down the aperture to compensate, but with binoculars you can't do that, you just have to live with fuzzy corners. Perhaps I'm making mountains out of molehills here--it's not really a dealbreaker because if I'm scanning the treetops for birds the edges are in focus enough to detect peripheral movement--and at that point I'll frame the bird so it's in the nice crisp center. If I had paid full price I would return these, but I got such a good deal on them that I'll just keep them until I can afford a pair of Nikon Monarch M7's.
The weight for a prolonged day of use was not a comfortable as expected. If it wasn't for the beautiful image, I was thinking of trading for an 8X32 pair. The included harness helps for a short walk.
I received these a few weeks ago, and I continue to be amazed at how good they are. Super wide, clear views with great contrast. Great eyecups. The size and weight are perfect, and I can hand hold them quite still. I doubt you can find anything better for $300 more. I own many binoculars and have viewed through many more. These are a steal.
I've shopped a lot of mid-high end binoculars in the last year. For the money these are extremely good, and in my opinion rival bins costing twice-3 times as much. Good feel and balance. Focusing has nice tension and the large knurled focusing wheel is comfortable. Fit nicely in my truck console.
Staff very helpful, informed them of my intended use and budget and was shown a wide range with similar optics. Consequently very happy with my purchase. Value for money. Great optics with bright clear images, quick response when focusing. Compact and light. Without a doubt best to go and try before you buy, and talk to the experts.
We recently shifted to a property close to the Tahuna Torea nature reserve in Glendowie. I required new binoculars for observing and studying the wading birds present on the flats.I looked on-line and found a New Zealand shop in Birkenhead who had a range of binoculars that were especially great for bird watching.I went over to the North Shore and easily found Jacobs Digital. The shop assistant was first classWe discussed the options available in the Kowa range and after trials outside the 8x42 had a slightly wider view than the 10x42. A bonus was that the store was offering a sale price on the 8x42.Later that day we went to the reserve two hours after high tide and the viewing was fantastic. The kingfisher colours were so bright and clear and watching the other ... MoreWe recently shifted to a property close to the Tahuna Torea nature reserve in Glendowie. I required new binoculars for observing and studying the wading birds present on the flats.I looked on-line and found a New Zealand shop in Birkenhead who had a range of binoculars that were especially great for bird watching.I went over to the North Shore and easily found Jacobs Digital. The shop assistant was first classWe discussed the options available in the Kowa range and after trials outside the 8x42 had a slightly wider view than the 10x42. A bonus was that the store was offering a sale price on the 8x42.Later that day we went to the reserve two hours after high tide and the viewing was fantastic. The kingfisher colours were so bright and clear and watching the other birdlife close up was worth the cost of the binoculars.Getting the equipment has radically changed our walking activity from just exercise into a walk and nature study all in one for only $809.My recommendation is buy local in a shop with experts and take their advice.Jacobs Digital Thank youColin Watkins
The binoculars are quite good, optically, but I refuse to give a high rating to ANY company who insists on using an antiquated, screwed-up neck strap design. This is the 21st Century, for G-d'S sake, and binocular companies should be able to come up with simpler means of attaching the neck strap to the binocular. If Kowa's engineers are incapable of doing this themselves, they should just copy the attachment design of companies like Swarovski, Steiner, et al. Because of Kowa's refusal to improve their attachment design, I'm going to rate their 8x42 BD II XD binoculars ONE star!
I've had my Kowa 8x42 BD II Wide Angle Binoculars for less than a month now and am already amazed at the optical quality. The Extra Low Dispersion Prominar Fluorite Glass, Anti Reflection Fully Multi Coated Optics, the highly reflective C3 and Phase Correcting Coatings on the Schmidt-Pechan Prisms really and truly produce bright, high contrast images. When you look through these binoculars, it's almost as if someone has turned on a light to illuminate the landscape. They're that bright! Needless to say, the impressive line-up of the aforementioned features also produces accurate, true to life color, even when observing in low and challenging light. The wide angle with its expansive 8.2 Field of View is terrific, making viewing that much more pleasant. The 17mm Eye ... MoreI've had my Kowa 8x42 BD II Wide Angle Binoculars for less than a month now and am already amazed at the optical quality. The Extra Low Dispersion Prominar Fluorite Glass, Anti Reflection Fully Multi Coated Optics, the highly reflective C3 and Phase Correcting Coatings on the Schmidt-Pechan Prisms really and truly produce bright, high contrast images. When you look through these binoculars, it's almost as if someone has turned on a light to illuminate the landscape. They're that bright! Needless to say, the impressive line-up of the aforementioned features also produces accurate, true to life color, even when observing in low and challenging light. The wide angle with its expansive 8.2 Field of View is terrific, making viewing that much more pleasant. The 17mm Eye Relief is very comfortable, too, and the Diopter Adjustment is very solid as are the twist-up eye cups. I also really like the large focusing knob. Focusing is quick and easy. Another big plus with these great binoculars is how lightweight they are. I can easily hold them for long periods at a time. Overall, they are superb binoculars in every way at a great price! With these Kowas, you more than get your money's worth. Again, thank you B&H for getting these to me so quickly!
| Product Dimensions | |
| Length | 5.5 in |
| Height | 2 in |
| Width | 5 in |
