I revisited the Kowa BD42 C3 binocular today at lunch and decided to retest it against a formidable opponent, the Nikon Premier LX 8x42. I am happy to report that the Kowa acquitted itself nicely against this superb Nikon.

The LX was only a touch sharper on the test chart. In fact, I really had to work hard to see any difference between the two, but in the end, I leaned toward the Nikon in the end for its slightly better edge sharpness. Remarkably, image brightness between the two was a dead even draw. I suspect this is a result of Kowa's new C3 phase-coating. In any event, the Kowa was excellent for its color and brightness.

Out in the field, I was surprised to find I liked the views on birds a little better with the Kowa. Color and detail seemed ever so slightly better on a flock of Chipping Sparrows with the Kowa, but again, the difference was by a hair (or should I say feather). Could have easily gone the other way with another tester.

In the end, I concluded that the biggest difference between the two is price. When you consider the Nikon Premier LX is more than twice as expensive as the Kowa BD42C3, it makes the Kowa a tremendous value in a birding glass. The Nikon is certainly worth the asking price when you consider its construction, especially if you will be using a bino under extreme conditions, but the Kowa's lighter weight and slimmer profile make it a winner in the handling category.

Nice job, Kowa.