I'd like to hear from anyone with first hand experience with the Kowa's.

They seem to be very similar to the Leupold Yosemites. Same FOV (420'), Exit pupil (5 mm), prism material (BaK4), eye relief (20 mm), close focus (16.4'), roughly the same weight and size, etc. I've heard the Yo's have a warmer view compared to the Kowa's which are more natural.

Which is better?

Kowa: http://www.optics4birding.com/kowa-yf-6x30-porro-prism-binoculars.html
Yo's: http://www.optics4birding.com/leupold-bx-1-yosemite-6x30-binoculars-natural.html

Thanks,
Eric

I had a great conversation with optics4birding, and they said buy the Kowas over the Leupolds. I guess the new YO's have had some quality control issues, stiff focusing, etc.

Eric:

I own the Yosemite 6x30 original version, and I like it and the
build is good. The stiff focusing that you may hear about is
the seal drag that aids with waterproofing. No big deal, and
it seems the Kowa is very similar and may be a clone of the Yosemite.
I would not rate one over the other, but one thing that is
well known, is that Leupold is ranked near the very top with
any warranty issues, and that for me means a lot. With Kowa
I just don't know. Maybe someone could tell us about that.

These small porros are very nice and small, good for younger
users. I have given one Yose. to my nephew, and am thinking about getting another, or 2, as I am starting to have grandchildren, as they will be need to be trained in the great
outdoors.

Jerry

Thanks, Jerry. I owned a pair of Yosemite 6x30's, original version, but sold them here on the 'fire.. I should have kept them. In any case I decided to give the Kowa's a try. I was told it's basically the same thing as the original Yosemites.

Cheers,
Eric

I have the 8x30 Kowa's and really like them. Good size and weight and work well for my kids too. Have not directly compared them to the Yo's but have used them before and feel like the Kowa may be slightly better but that is going on memory (and money spent) not a direct comparison.

Lee

Thanks, Lee. For $99 it's worth a try!

I received the 6x30 Kowa's in the mail today and have to say, I like what I see. They seem to be sharper than the Yosemites. Great FOV, depth of field, ER, clarity... the porro prisms display a nice 3D view. Hopefully they hold up in the field.

Eric