Hi everyone,

I am thinking of getting a full size bin to complement my Meopta 8x32s. I was thinking of the Meopta 8x42s. I did wonder about the 7x Meoptas but I decided that I don't want to lose mag, so then I thought well why don't go up in mag instead, as I've already got 8x.

So having done some more research, I am now looking at the Kowa Genesis XD 8.5x44. I have read Holger Merlitzs review and everything I can find on here but there is little else to read about them (and not that much here on BF compared to many bins). What I have read is mostly good apart from weight and narrow fov, both of which I feel I can live with. They sound like they arenearly up there with the best but can be had for £700 instead of £1200-1400. Very important as I am a skinflint miser!

Has anyone got any experience with these bins since they were last discussed on here?

If I try the Kowas and like them, I may even trade my 8x32 Meoptas for some 8x32 SEs. I reckon that the Kowas and the SEs sound like a great combination. A small light porro for good weather and a big heavy (i.e. steady in the hand) roof for wet, windy weather.

So, my post in brief is:

Has anyone got anything to add to what's already been posted here about the Kowa Genesis 8.5x44?

Best wishes
Martin