I think I posted some queries about binoculars last winter when I was trying to
settle on a new pair to take to New Guinea and I don't think I ever let people
know how that turned out. I ordered the new Kowa 7 x 40's and was initially
disappointed to find that 1) they didn't fit my face well, 2) they didn't fit my
hands well and 3) I had to mess with the right eye piece as well as the center
focus wheel every time the distance I wanted to focus to changed significantly.

However, the rest of the story: I took them to PNG anyway, got used to them and
now find myself grabbing them every time there's a bird to look at. My old 10 x
40 Leica's are hanging lonely on the wall. I think the reason is that, once I've
gotten focussed on my subject, it just looks so luscious in the Kowas. And stays
so steady! I'm not getting any better information as to field marks, just seem
to be seeing more beautiful birds.

Although they're not waterproof, I had no problems in New Guinea, but didn't
bird in really wet conditions.

Chris Maack
Anchorage, AK
73201.3124 at compuserve.com