7 replies to this topic

[celltx]

I just bumped into BCN Award site with binoculars' market shares in Japan:

 

#1 - Kenko with 31.2%

#2 - Vixen with 23.5%

#3 - Nikon with 18.5%

 

So, the top 3 companies together take more than 73% of the market. Surprising results. I thought Nikon is #1 among Japanese brands.

 

https://www.bcnaward...ntents_type=371

Edited by celltx, 26 April 2025 - 11:10 AM.

[Knighton]

Kenko and Vixen ahead in sales but surely Nikon is ahead in quality and optical performance? Or is the old dinosaur Nikon on its way to extinction? What does this tell us? 

When was the last time Nikon blessed us with a "new release" (binocular)? Could we say Nikon has pretty much mastered "the binocular" and regular new product releases are not necessary? 

Edited by Knighton, 26 April 2025 - 02:23 PM.

[Mike W]

Market shares in JAPAN, I doubt word wide.

Don't know, my 8X42 MHG are pretty much perfect. Hard to upgrade the Mona Lisa! LOL (Of course unless you threw another $1000.00 at it)

 

https://www.birdforu...l.410002/unread

Edited by Mike W, 26 April 2025 - 03:30 PM.

[wrighty338]

Kenko manufacture for a lot of other brands don't they?

[Chuck2]

Since Tokina merged with Kenko, does that combine their market share to place them #1.
Wonder what their share would be individually compared to Nikon?

 

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[pat in los angeles basin]

award the manufacturer with the highest sales volume in each category.

 

That's the sole criteria and they have a limited number of sales outlets , I question whether the award means anything to the consumer other than inferring they sell a lot so they must be good... This would just reward the company that potentially pushed stuff out the door. I'm just a cynical old fart that mistrust rating systems that appear to show bias and the purpose of most rating systems is not necessarily to help the consumer, rather to  profit from them.   Pat

[Chuck2]

award the manufacturer with the highest sales volume in each category.

 

That's the sole criteria and they have a limited number of sales outlets , I question whether the award means anything to the consumer other than inferring they sell a lot so they must be good... This would just reward the company that potentially pushed stuff out the door. I'm just a cynical old fart that mistrust rating systems that appear to show bias and the purpose of most rating systems is not necessarily to help the consumer, rather to  profit from them.   Pat

Agree.

The BCN Award clearly ranks (share), not best build quality.
Market Share is driven by better business practices that surpass the competition, such as…

• manufacturing location
• distribution network
• retail presence
• advertising
• market penetration
• range of product offering
• multiple price categories
• customer service
• quality & warranty

It’s up to the buying consumer to determine which of the above criteria are most important for their individual purchase. Unfortunately, availability, ease of purchase, fair price with a decent return policy, checks off most of the buyers needs.

Edited by Chuck2, 26 April 2025 - 05:55 PM.

[celltx]

When was the last time Nikon blessed us with a "new release" (binocular)? Could we say Nikon has pretty much mastered "the binocular" and regular new product releases are not necessary? 

If my memory serves me, the last Nikon binoculars were announced half a year ago:

 

https://www.cloudyni...act-binoculars/