Kowa Genesis 22 8×22 Prominar

Specifications:

Objective diameter:  22 mm
Magnification:  8 x
Exit pupil: 2.75 mm
Eye relief (acc. to spec): 15 mm
Usable eye relief (measured from rim of eyecup): 12.5 mm
IPD: 35  – 72 mm
RFOV:  7.5  degrees = 131 m
AFOV (measured, rounded): 59 degrees
Minimum focus distance (measured): 1.3 m
Focus type:  CF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: > clockwise)
Degrees of rotation of focus wheel from 3m to infinity (measured): 170 degrees
Extra travel of focus wheel beyond infinity: ca. 7.5 dpt
Prism system:  Schmidt-Pechan
Waterproof: yes
Weight (measured, with eyepiece cover and strap): 351 g
Made in: Japan

Remarks:

The smallest of the “Genesis” models, Kowa’s top line of binoculars (see separate posts about “Kowa Genesis 8×33” https://binocular.ch/kowa-genesis-xd33-8×33/ and “Kowa Genesis 8.5×44” https://binocular.ch/kowa-genesis-xd-8-5×44/) is a bit larger than the very small 8×20 pocket binoculars (see separate posts about various 8×20 models by searching “8×20” on this website), on the other hand a bit smaller than the recently more popular 8×25 models (see separate posts about various 8×25 models by searching “8×25” on this website), but still a “pocket” instrument in  the true sense of the word. With its double hinge design, it is foldable to a small size and fits in a regular coat pocket. The Genesis 8×22 belongs to the upper range of the pocket bino market, both in terms of price and performance. It is very nicely designed and finished; optically, BINOCULARS TODAY rates it slightly lower than today’s top pocket binoculars such as the Zeiss Victory 8×25 (see separate post https://binocular.ch/zeiss-victory-pocket-8×25/) or Swarovski CL Pocket 8×25 (see separate post https://binocular.ch/swarovski-cl-pocket-8×25/).

Ratings: