Pentax 62216 Papilio 8.5x21 Porro Prism Binocular by Pentax
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Digital camera reviews of Pentax 62216 Papilio 8.5x21 Porro Prism Binocular
Digital camera Review: Great for all-around nature study
Summary: 5 Stars
These binocs are perfect for anybody who is interested in all creatures, not just birds. We used them at the Everglades and were equally pleased with the views of birds, alligators, crabs, insects, etc. They have gotten me interested in butterflying, and for this purpose they are superb. I expect that in time, you will see rave reviews on butterfly websites. Being able to focus to 20 inches or so allows me to watch insects & spiders with as much detail as if my eye were just a couple inches from the object (if the naked eye could focus that close). The view is gorgeous. At close range, it is somewhat like looking through a dissecting microscope. Amazingly, the quality of the image is very good (for both near & far objects). I tried some truly bad binoculars ($100 cheapies, zoom binocs, etc.) while shopping around and the Papilio is definitely at a much higher level of quality. To me, the quality is not noticeably different from that of the $350 birding binoculars (8x32, etc.) that I have tried. Perhaps a trained eye could find a difference, but I don't notice any. A potential concern with close-focusing binocs might be eyestrain, but the Papilio is very easy on the eyes even at close range. I have been using these binocs intensively for three weeks, and I am still delighted with them. I was also concerned about the small (21 mm) objectives, but I have not found the image to be noticeably dark.
Basically, these binocs are a real treat to own and well worth the price. I hope that Pentax (and hopefully other companies) continue this line of product development. If an image-stabilized version of the 8.5x21 came out for $400, I think I would buy it and just keep the other pair around as a spare. Hand-shake is not especially an issue with these binocs (compared to any pair with 8-9 power), but with the gorgeous views you will want to really run your eyes over all the details in the image, so a stabilizer seems like the next step. Fortunately, there is a tripod hole. Actually, you could use these for doing fine crafts, but only if you are least 5'10" or so (i.e. with long enough arms), and even then it would be awkward for long periods. Hopefully they will come out with a model that focuses to a few inches; that would probably require a longer barrel so it would be less portable. It would also be nice to increase the field of view if possible; it is pretty hard to follow a flying insect with these. If you specialize in birding, you may object to the field of view and the smallish objectives.
Anyway, for general nature study, the only real complaint I can make about the Papilio is that, because of the special mechanism that slides the objectives closer together for close-focus, there is a protective sheet of glass right near the end to keep grit out of the mechanism. I am concerned about getting fingerprints on it or hitting it on something. The glass doesn't look very thick so I assume it's more breakable than objective lenses would be. The case is OK, but it is too much trouble to keep pulling them out every time a bird or butterfly shows up. Anyway, at this price, I wouldn't feel too bad just buying a new pair every few years if I should break this pair. In fact, at only around $150, they're cheap enough that you might want to order one even if you haven't had a chance to try one out in a store. Since close-focusing is the special feature, I recommend the 8.5 x 21 to get the big views of insects that you want. I haven't tried the 6.5 x 21 but I imagine it has a bigger field of view and is better for hand-shake.
Digital camera Review: Great for backyard birding
Summary: 4 Stars
These were a present for my parents who regularly watch the birds at the feeders they have set up outside their window. Although their other pair are higher powered and see a little more detail, they are heavy and give eye fatigue. These are lightweight, easy to adjust and very clear. We did play around with super close-ups with the indoor plants and were amazed at the detail we could see at such a close range. My parents were pleased with them and will probably be using them a lot more than the heavy binoculars. I definitely will consider buying them for myself when we need a pair of lightweight quality binoculars.Digital camera Review: Great little glasses
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the Pentax Papilio binoculars for when I go metal detecting. I own three other pair of binoculars (8x30, 7x50, and 20x60) but these are my main binoculars on a daily basis. I really love how I can view insects and lizards with them. I refuse to look at a spider with them because I think spiders are big enough with the naked eye. You will love these binoculars if you watch birds at a feeder.
Digital camera Review: Great little product
Summary: 5 Stars
These binoculars are as good as or better than any $300 and under binoculars available today, just as straight binoculars. Add to that their remarkable ability to focus down to 1/2 meter (watch a mosquito feeding on your knee like its on large screen tv!) and they are unbeatable value as an everyday binocular. They are especially useful for getting a good look at lizards that are in leaf litter and move a short way off as you walk by and stop. With ordinary binoculars it will often be too close to focus on, and if you move back to get focus they invariably take off! Also great for spiders, grasshoppers and butterflies. Get it while you can.Digital camera Review: Great pair of binoculars
Summary: 5 Stars
I lost my original pentax binoculars which I had been very happy with for many years. After doing some online research I decided I would go for another Pentax. The feature that attracted me to them was the ability to focus on something fairly close to you (butterflies etc.). When I received them I was amazed at how wonderful they are. I am extremely happy with them and definitely recommend them for this price range.