Kowa - 12x56 BD56-12 XD Prominar Binoculars

The B&H Binocular Buying Guide

Characterized by a bright and long-reaching design, the Kowa 12x56 BD56-12 XD Prominar Binoculars features an advanced optical system with a series of multicoatings to provide clear viewing in a variety of conditions. Dual Prominar XD elements are used to minimize chromatic aberrations for greater color accuracy, and the phase-corrected Schmidt-Pechan roof prism design avails consistent brightness with a sleek form factor. A C3 coating has also been applied to the glass elements to improve contrast and produce consistent and accurate colors. The 12x magnification and wide 66° AAoV is ideal for viewing distant subjects and when all combined with the large 56mm diameter objective lenses, this binocular is especially adept when viewing in difficult and low-light conditions.

A rubberized chassis offers durable and secure handling and the housing has also been nitrogen filled for water and fog resistance. Twist-up multi-step eyecups benefit clear viewing in bright lighting conditions and a KR coating has also been applied to the exposed optical surfaces to protect against dust and dirt, and to aid in cleaning.

Todd Vorenkamp

5 years ago

Joseph Albanese

5 years ago

Todd Vorenkamp

5 years ago

Christopher Witt

4 years ago

Optical Performance

12x magnification

56mm diameter objectives

Roof prism optical design

Two Prominar XD glass elements are used to reduce chromatic aberrations, improve contrast, and provide greater viewing clarity

A C3 coating has been applied to the Schmidt-Pechan prism in order to increase reflectivity for brighter viewing with more accurate colors

Fully multicoated optics also contribute to brighter, more color neutral viewing with high contrast

Phase-coated prism surfaces reduces interference to bring the light paths into phase

5.5° angle of view, 66° apparent angle of view

Minimum focusing distance of 9.8'

16mm eye relief

Use and Handling

Twist-up multi-step eyecups

Compatible with optional tripod adapter

Center focus design and internal focus system

Compatible with optional photo adapters for smartphone viewing and recording through the binocular

Construction Details

Nitrogen filled housing for water and fogproof performance

KR Coating has been applied to the eyepiece and objective lenses to aid in cleaning and prevent dust or dirt from affecting viewing

Rubber-coated chassis

• Characterized by a bright and long-reaching design, the Kowa 12x56 BD56-12 XD Prominar Binoculars features an advanced optical system with a series of multicoatings to provide clear viewing in a variety of conditions. Dual Prominar XD elements are used to minimize chromatic aberrations for greater color accuracy, and the phase-corrected Schmidt-Pechan roof prism design avails consistent brightness with a sleek form factor. A C3 coating has also been applied to the glass elements to improve contrast and produce consistent and accurate colors. The 12x magnification and wide 66° AAoV is ideal for viewing distant subjects and when all combined with the large 56mm diameter objective lenses, this binocular is especially adept when viewing in difficult and low-light conditions.
A rubberized chassis offers durable and secure handling and the housing has also been nitrogen filled for water and fog resistance. Twist-up multi-step eyecups benefit clear viewing in bright lighting conditions and a KR coating has also been applied to the exposed optical surfaces to protect against dust and dirt, and to aid in cleaning.