Pentax Binoculars

Pentax DCF ED 10x50 Binoculars

About Pentax
Pentax now comes under the Ricoh Sport Optics umbrella, which in turn is part of the HOYA Corporation, a massive company that employs about 35000 staff worldwide and has a turnover of nearly US$50 billion. They are best known for their cameras and are one of the world's leading suppliers of innovative and indispensable high-technology optical products in four main fields of business:

  • Imaging - compact and digital SLR cameras, interchangeable lenses and binoculars.
  • IT - mask blanks and photo masks for semi-conductor devices and liquid crystal panels, optical lenses and glass memory disks.
  • Eye care - eye glasses and intraocular lenses for cataract surgery, as well as operating contact lenses retail shops
  • Life Care - endoscopic medical equipment and systems

The Pentax Binocular Range

Pentax offer a wide range of binoculars and with many years of experience as a world leading optical instrument manufacturer, Pentax feature a good selection of high and medium quality binoculars with a variety of optics, magnifications and styles.

They have both roof and porro prism designs. From the excellent top of the range Pentax DCF ED binoculars that feature extra low-dispersion, ED glass to the wide range of compact Pentax binoculars, that are good quality take anywhere binoculars.

Marine binoculars come in the form of their PCF WP II Series, these full sized waterproof porro prism binoculars are ideal for use on and around the water, as well as for observations in harsh weather and extreme climates.

Popular Pentax Ranges:

 

Pentax V Series

The V Series from Pentax is a truly ingenious range of instruments that the Transformers would be proud of and is actually quite difficult to describe in just a couple of lines, but in a nutshell, at the time of writing is consists of just a couple of products, but each of these can be altered and used in a number of different ways:

Pentax VD 4x20 WP Binocular, Monoculars & Spotting Scope

Pentax VD 4x20 WP Binocular, Monoculars & Spotting ScopeFirstly there is the VD 4x20 that is described by Pentax as being probably the World's first three-in-one binoculars. Starting off as a tiny, true pocket sized 4x20 binocular they can be split into half to form two separate monoculars, which can be ideal for sharing. These two monoculars can then be joined together en-on-end to for a mini 16x Spotting Scope!

  • Mid-High End Compacts: Approx: $249 / £244 / €245
  • True Pocket Sized Design
  • Detachable Single Hinge Body with Metal Bridge
  • Fully Waterproof (JIS Class 7)
  • Twist-Up Eyecups
  • Fully Multi-Coated Optics
  • Roof Prisms incorporating both Bak4 and BK7 Glass
  • Phase-Coated & Dielectric multi-layer coatings
  • Ultra Wide FOV: 1525ft @ 1,000 yards / 175m @ 1,000 meters
  • Ultra Close Minimum Focus: 0.5m /1.6ft
  • Eye Relief: 19mm

After extensive testing and use out in the field, I found them to be a truly ingenious as well as fun instrument that will be useful in a wide range of areas. The overall build quality is outstanding and they feel both comfortable to hold and robust as is the mechanism in which they split apart and come back together, which for me is one of, if not the most important aspects to them. Read the full Pentax VD 4x20 WP Binocular & Monoculars Review

Pentax VM 6×21 WP Monocular & MicroscopePentax VM 6x21 WP Monocular & Microscope

The 6x21 VM is a high performance, very easy to use and very compact monocular that with the complete kit transforms it into an 18x microscope or with your mobile phone attached, a telephoto camera.

The small, ergonomic body shape and rocker focus adjuster allow for easy single handed use.

  • Fully Multi-Coated Optical system
  • Phase coated Prism
  • Waterproof to 1m
  • Close Focus Distance: 2.0ft / 70cm
  • Eye Relief: 21mm

Pentax VM 6x21 WP Monocular & Microscope Kit Review

Buy & Compare Prices for Pentax V Series Instruments

Pentax Papilio II Binoculars

Pentax Papilio II BinocularsI tested the previous incarnation of this cracking compact binocular many years ago (see details of the older, original Pentax Papilio Binoculars below) and to this day it remains one of my absolute favorite instruments.

Since then Pentax has continued to work on and improve the Papilio series making them even more versatile than ever.

Containing just two models, the Pentax Papillio series binos have either a 6.5x or 8.5x magnification. Both models are reverse porro prism compacts and use the same body and 21mm objective lenses.

The unique selling point of the Papillio and indeed where their name comes from (Papillio is french for Butterfly) is their incredibly close minimum focusing distance of only 50cm (1.6ft), making them perfect for observing anything from very close range, including butterflies. However, part of their versatility lies in the fact is that you can also use them just like an "ordinary" / "normal" binocular to focus on distant objects, which when combined with their wide field of view, small body and many other features makes them an excellent choice for many uses including birding, hiking, wildlife observation, camping, watching both outdoor and indoor sporting events, concerts and many others. For more: Pentax Papilio II 8.5x21 Binoculars Review.

  • Low-to-Mid Price Compacts: Approx: $129 / £119 / €129
  • BaK-4 Reverse Porro Prisms
  • Aspherical lens elements for edge-to-edge sharpness
  • Fully Multi-Coated Optics
  • Twist-up Eyecups
  • Weight: 10.2oz (290g)
  • Dimensions: 11.6cm x 11cm x 5.5cm

Configurations & Reviews:

Price to Performance Ratio
The 8.5x21 Pentax Papilio II Binoculars currently retail for around $130 / £120 putting them just on the edge of what I class as a low-cost ($50 – $130) instrument here on BBR, yet the level of optics and features far exceeds what I would expect at this level and instead they match that of most mid-level binoculars, which is impressive.

Buy & Compare Prices for Pentax Papilio II Binoculars

Pentax ZD ED 8x43 BinocularsPentax Z Series ED Binoculars

Taking over, but still very similar to the now discontinued DCF ED, the new Z Series ED binoculars now fly the flag for Pentax Sport Optics as their most advanced range.

Available in three configurations, with either 43mm or 50mm lenses, Pentax ZD ED binoculars contain all the companies finest components and coatings:

The single bridge bodies are made from magnesium alloy that is both lightweight and durable. All ZD ED binoculars are completely sealed, filled with nitrogen and has a JIS Class 6 waterproof rating.

Like the DCF ED series, these use aspherical lenses with extra low dispersion glass elements (ED Glass) to ensure the lowest levels of color fringing. The roof prisms are made from BAK4 glass and are both phase corrected and dielectrically coated and every single glass surface throughout the optical system has had multiple anti-reflection coatings added to them to ensure maximum image quality and brightness.

The external lens surfaces also have a tough protective coatings applied to them that also repel water, dust and oil.

Sizes & Reviews:

Price Range
Depending on which model you choose, they range in price from about $800 - $1200 in the US and £800 - £900 in the UK. In terms of features and components, these are competing with the very top end end binoculars, but remain cheaper than many of the best known European brands.

Pentax A-Series Binoculars

Pentax AD 9x32 WP Binoculars With a selection of both porro and roof prism models and available in a range of different magnifications, the Pentax A-Series is a diverse range, but the one thing they have in common is that they all have objective lenses of less than 36mm.

In terms of quality, they are one step below their flagship Z-Series bins and thus contain many high end features and optical components and are obviously aimed at those who want the extra convenience that you get from a smaller device, but who also are not willing to sacrifice too much in terms of the optical performance.

Sizes & Reviews:

Price Range
In terms of price this varies considerably depending on the model, but all sit within the mid level to high end ranges. For latest prices and where to get them in your country, take a look at the link below:



Pentax DCF ED 10x50 BinocularsPentax DCF ED Binoculars

Now discontinued, the DCF ED's were once the top of the range binos from Pentax and so as you would utilize many many high end features, including fully multi coated optics that combine hybrid aspherical lenses with extra low dispersion glass elements (ED Glass) with full reflection and phase coated prisms.

Built to last with they come with a tough, yet lightweight magnesium alloy body that is waterproof (JIS Class 6) and fogproof.

The DCF ED binoculars also have a durable and a hard coating to protect exposed lens elements and their coatings.

Sizes & Reviews:

Price Range
Whilst these once cost between $800 to $1200 in the US or £800 - £900 in the UK, you can now find them for around $700 to $900 / £750 to £800 as they are now a discontinued line. However this should not put you off, as apart from a few very minor differences they are almost identical to the Z-Series bins above and so still every bit as relevant today as when they were first introduced. So if you can find a pair, you can get yourself a great bargain on a very high end bin:

Pentax DCF BR 9x42 BinocularsPentax DCF BR Binoculars

The DCF BR is another high end series from Pentax that currently only contains one model a roof prism bin with a polycarbonate open bridge body design with a 9x42mm configuration.

High end features include fully multi-coated optics with phase coatings on the prisms which also have highly reflective silver mirror coatings on them.

The body as you would expect is fully waterproof and nitrogen-filled but is tested to the JIS Class 6 standard and thus submersible to a depth of 1m.

Sizes & Reviews:

Price Range
The Pentax 62598 9x42 DCF BR Binocular currently sells for around $280 / £380 but varies a little depending on where you buy:

Pentax 9x32 DCF BC BinocularsPentax DCF BC Binoculars

There is currently only one model in this series, the Pentax DCF BC 9x32 which has an ergonomic open bridge body and has been described by Pentax as a "gap-filler"

This is because it has cut straight through the middle of tradition with 9x magnification and is therefore aimed at people who are looking for more power than an 8x binocular, but also want a wider field of view than what you get with most mid-sized 10x binoculars in their price range.

Quality optics include smc fully coated lenses, phase correction and silver-evaporated coatings on the BaK4 prism. The tough polycarbonate housing weighs only 500 grams is fully water and fogproof and comes with 5-stop, helicoid eyecups.

Read My Full review of the Pentax 9x32 DCF BC Binoculars

Sizes Available:

  • 9x32

Related Articles

Price Range
At around $250 (£300), I would say that the Pentax DCF BC 9x32 makes really good value for money.

Pentax 8x36 DCF NV BinocularsPentax DCF NV Binoculars

Currently there are two models within the PENTAX DCF NV series, an 8x36 and a 10x36. With their somewhat unusual 36mm objectives they can be looked at as either small full sized bins, or large-mid sized bins. Pentax says that this gives you the ideal combination of a small size & low weight, but with bright optics that are thus ideal for all around use.

Optical highlights include fully multi-coated lenses, roof prisms that have been coated with phase correction coatings as well as "super-reflective" coatings.

Read My Full review of the Pentax 8x36 DCF NV Binoculars

Sizes Available:

  • 8x36
  • 10x36

Related Articles

Price Range
These mid priced bins currently cost about $150 (£160), which is you consider the excellent build quality and high spec components is excellent:

Pentax 9x28 DCF LV BinocularsPentax DCF LV Binoculars

There is currently only one model in the DCV LV series, the Pentax DCF LV 9x28 which is a rather unique compact binocular in that it comes with a 9x magnification that offers just a little more reach than the more commonly found 8x binoculars, but without sacrificing too much field of view.

The body is fully rubberized and waterproof and has also had the internal air replaced with dry nitrogen gas to help protect the inner optics from fogging up. It has a large focus wheel and twist-up eyecups for comfortable handling

Quality optics include fully coated lenses, phase correction and coatings on the BaK4 roof prism.

Read My Full review of the Pentax DCF LV 9x28

Sizes Available:

  • 9x28

Price Range
At around $200 (£175), I would say that the Pentax 9x28 DCF LV makes really good value for money compact binocular.

Pentax 10x30 PCF CW BinocularsPentax PCF CW Binoculars

In the Pentax PCF CW series, Ricoh are filling a niche that is becoming more and more popular. That is low costing, compact porro prism binoculars that due to their simplicity of the prism design have the potential to optically outperform similar priced roof prism compacts. I go over the details of this in my review of the 10x30 model (see link below).

Features include a compact porro prism binocular with 30mm objective lenses, fully multi-coated optics, BaK-4 prism glass protected in a waterproof and nitrogen filled tripod adaptable body.

Read My Full review of the Pentax 10x30 PCF CW Binoculars

Sizes Available:

  • 10x30
  • 8x30

Price Range
These are what I would consider to be good quality low cost binoculars and at the time of writing had a retail price of around $80 to $90 (£90) - you can check the current prices and see where to buy below:

Pentax 8x33 DCF XP BinocularsPentax DCF XP Binoculars

Excellent quality at a great price, the nitrogen-filled bodies of the DCF XP series prevents fogging and condensation of the lenses in inclement weather. A very long eye-point allows for a full field of view for eyeglass wearers. The high resolution phase-corrected roof prisms of this series are convincing in their luminous intensity and brilliance. And the multi-coated lens elements provide for clear and high-contrast viewing. Every detail has been considered: the diopter adjustment has very fine click-stops to prevent unintentional changes. The unique inner focusing system means that the binoculars are not only water resistant, but fairly compact as well as lightweight.

Sizes Available:

  • 8x33 mm
  • 10x33 mm

Price Range
Depending on the model, they range in price from about $200 - $400 (£150 - £350) (view and compare all Mid Priced Binoculars that I have reviewed). Overall these mid priced binoculars, have all the features and quality you would expect and more and thus make them excellent value for money:

Pentax 10x43 DCF SP BinocularsPentax DCF SP Binoculars

The DCF SP series of binoculars includes the very popular award-winning 10x50 DCF SP. They combine exceptional image quality with edge-edge sharpness and come with a long list of outstanding features including an inner-focus optical design incorporating hybrid aspherical eyepiece lenses, high-resolution phase-coated roof prisms, hydrophobic coating on exposed objective and eyepiece lenses, and multi-coated optical elements. Coupled with a magnesium-alloy body with JIS Class 6 waterproof construction, these high-performance binoculars are a great choice for those with uncompromising standards without an unlimited budget. Perfect for a wide variety of applications including birdwatching, safaris and other wildlife viewing as well as close-up viewing and use in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

Sizes Available:

  • 8x43 mm
  • 10x43 mm
  • 10x50 mm
  • 12.5x50 mm

Price Range
Depending on the model they are priced between $450 - $1000 (£500 - £950) they have all the features you'd find in higher-priced models at a much lower cost and as such these are great quality binoculars and excellent value for money:

Pentax 8x42 DCF HRc BinocularsPentax DCF HRc Binoculars

The PENTAX DCF HRc range of binoculars are different in that they are full-size binoculars, packed into a smaller package. With 8x or 10x magnification, large 42mm objective lenses for superior light gathering and a fiber reinforced polycarbonate body with nitrogen-filled waterproof (JIS Class 6) construction, these are easier to carry and perfect to use in tough weather and lighting conditions.

Sizes Available:

  • 10x42 mm
  • 8x42 mm

Price Range
Priced between $200 and $330 (£200 - £400), pack full of features and quality components these for me are again excellent value for money:

Pentax UCF R Binoculars (Compact)

Pentax UCF R 8x21 BinocularsThese pocket sized compact binoculars will go any where with you. Offering a versatile 8x and 10x magnification and excellent BaK4 prisms you can be sure of a closer view where ever you go.

Sizes Available:

Price Range
Priced at about $55 (£50):

Pentax Papilio Binoculars (Compact)

Pentax Papilio BinocularsA somewhat different compact binocular in that they have a very close minimum focus distance of only 1.6ft (0.5m) which makes them ideal as binoculars for butterflies, dragonflies, bees and other insects as well as close observation of flowers or even paintings and other objects in a museum.

To achieve this they use a unique image convergence system that moves the objective lenses closer together to allow for parallax and prevent the misalignment of the left and right image fields.

Sizes Available:

Related Articles

Price Range
Depending on which size you choose, they range in price from about $80 - $130 (£70 - £150)

Choosing binoculars for Backpacking, Bikepacking and Camping adventures

Why I chose the Pentax Papilio Binoculars for Hiking, Camping, Backpacking & Bikepacking

An in-depth article on the thought process that I went through and the main features and specifications that I kept in mind when choosing my particular Compact Binocular & Spotting Scope combination for a couple of Backpacking, Bikepacking and Camping adventures that I was busy planning for.

Also includes alternative options as well as other advice on compact scopes and binoculars.

 
 

Where to Buy Pentax Binoculars:

 


Featured Pentax Binocular Reviews

Below are a some featured full reviews that I have written on Pentax Binoculars: View >> All Pentax Binoculars reviewed


Pentax DCF ED 8x43 Binoculars Review

ED Optical glass elements, Fully multi-coated optics, Phase-coated and Full-reflection roof prism coatings, Hybrid Aspherical elements, Hard coatings on external lenses, Waterproof and Nitrogen-filled Magnesium alloy body - the list of very high spec components and features goes on, so make no mistake these premium Pentax binoculars rank up there with the very best.

Price: (5/6) High Value Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 9/10 78%
Excellent
Body Stats: 7/10
Optical Quality: 9/10
Optical Stats: 7/10
Image Quality 9/10
Extras & Details: 6/10


Pentax VD 4x20 WP Binocular & Monoculars Review

A compact binocular that the Transformers would be proud of!

The Pentax VD 4x20 can be split in half and thus converted into two 4x monoculars, which in turn can be placed end-on-end, transforming it once again into a mini-sized, but powerful 16x Spotting Scope!

Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 8/10 82%
Outstanding
Body Stats: 9/10
Optical Quality: 8/10
Optical Stats: 10/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 6/10


Pentax 9x32 DCF BC Binoculars Review

High quality optics, housed in a very lightweight, water and fogproof open bridge body, these 9x32 Pentax DCF BC binoculars are really good value for money and are ideal to take travelling, on safari as well as on most nature and bird walks.

Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 8/10 75%
Excellent
Body Stats: 8/10
Optical Quality: 7/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 6/10


Pentax Papilio 8.5x21 Binoculars Review

Compact Porro prism binoculars with multi-coated optics and an incredibly close minimum focusing distance that is ideal for close observation of birds, flowers, butterflies, bees and other insects and objects both out in the field or in a gallery or museum.

Their compact design makes them easy to carry about and so like any other compact bin, they make great hiking, camping, and general travel companions, as well as for taking to most spectator sports.

Price: (2/6) Low Cost Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 7/10 72%
Excellent
Body Stats: 8/10
Optical Quality: 6/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 6/10


Pentax 9x28 DCF LV Binoculars Review

A rather unique compact binocular with a 9x magnification that offers just a little more reach than those with 8x, but without sacrificing too much field of view.

The tough fog and waterproof body house quality optics that includes the use of Bak-4 Prisms with phase correction coatings and fully multi-coated lenses.

Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 7/10 70%
Excellent
Body Stats: 6/10
Optical Quality: 8/10
Optical Stats: 7/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 6/10

These Binoculars are On SaleDiscounted Binoculars: These Pentax binoculars are available at a discount on their RRP at most online stores including Eagle Optics and Amazon in the US and Warehouse Express (WEX) and Amazon.co.uk in the UK.
>> Check Prices


Pentax VM 6x21 WP Monocular & Microscope Kit Review

Small, lightweight, and versatile monocular when combined with the complete kit easily converts into an 18x microscope.

Highlights include an extremely wide field of view, very close minimum focus distance, plenty of eye relief, and a unique shape and rocker focus mechanism making it both comfortable and very easy to use in just one hand.

Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Monocular
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 8/10 83%
Outstanding
Body Stats: 9/10
Optical Quality: 7/10
Optical Stats: 10/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 8/10



Pentax 8x21 UCF R Binoculars Review

The Pentax UCF R Binoculars are ideal cheap take anywhere compact porro prism binoculars and come with excellent quality BaK4 prisms and feature a tough exterior.

Price: (1/6) Cheap Binoculars



View >> All Pentax Binoculars reviewed on The Best Binoculars & Reviews website.

 


Related Articles & Further Reading

Pentax Contact Details

  • HOYA Corporation PENTAX Itabashi Office 2-36-9 Maeno-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 174-8639 JAPAN tel: (81)-3-3960-5151
  • PENTAX Industrial Instruments Co., Ltd. 2-36-9 Maeno-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 174-8639 Japan tel: (81)-3-3960-0513
  • PENTAX of America Inc. / U.S.A. PENTAX Imaging Company 600 12th Street, Suite 300, Golden, Colorado 80401 U.S.A. tel: (1)-303-799-8000
  • PENTAX Canada Inc. / CANADA 1770 Argentia Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 3S7,CANADA tel: (1)-905-286-5585
  • PENTAX U.K. Ltd. / UNITED KINGDOM Pentax House, Heron Drive, Langley, Slough, SL3 8PN U.K. tel: (44)-1-753-792792
  • PENTAX Europe GmbH / GERMANY Julius-Vosseler-Str., 104, 22527 Hamburg, GERMANY tel: (49)-40-56-19-20
  • PENTAX Nederland B.V. / NETHERLANDS Life Care, Lage Mosten 35, 4822 NK Breda, The Netherlands tel: (31)-76-531-30-31

Pentax Binocular Repairs & Warranty Information

Pentax offer what they call a "Worry-Free" Warranty on all PENTAX Sport Optics products purchased in the United States, on or after March 1, 2006, from an authorized PENTAX Sport Optics dealer.

So if your PENTAX Binocular, Spotting Scope or Riflescope purchased in the USA from an authorized PENTAX Sport Optics dealer requires repair, PENTAX will repair or replace it to the original purchaser (even if damaged by fault) for a charge of $19.95, to cover handling and return shipping.

This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage, theft or loss. (Replacement may be with comparable model at PENTAX's discretion if the original model is no longer available.)

Outside the US
I have been unable to find out the exact warranty information in the UK and other countries, but am sure that Pentax will offer the same kind of service. My advice is to contact the dealer you bought your Pentax Optics from or contact Pentax directly using the contact details above.



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