Engineered with a moderate magnification that contributes to its wide field of view, long eye relief, and wide exit pupil, the Kowa 8x42 BD II XD Wide-Angle Binoculars produce bright high-contrast images with true-to-life color and crisp clarity even when observing in low and challenging light. To deliver their performance, Kowa binoculars employ complementary technologies, including the use of proprietary PROMINAR extra-low-dispersion fluorite glass, anti-reflection fully multi-coated optics, and highly reflective C3 and phase-correcting prism coatings that work together to produce crisp, clear, and bright high-contrast images with accurate color rendition across the entire spectrum. Added to this performance is a short close-focus distance, an ultra-wide angle of view, and a comfortable eye relief, which produce an immersive observational experience for any user. The expansive field of view also reduces the need to move the head very much and makes viewing through the optic more comfortable. Designed for extensive outdoor use, the lightweight magnesium alloy chassis is wrapped in a protective rubber armor with a slip-resistant textured grip to provide secure handling in cold and wet conditions. To ensure a compact and highly packable form factor, Kowa utilizes Schmidt-Pechan prisms that allow for slimmer optical tubes but deliver the performance of conventional roof prisms. The optical tubes are nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme temperature or humidity changes.