Pentax 62216 Papilio 8.5x21 Porro Prism Binocular Review
Small, compact and excellent binoculars for close-up viewing...and that amazing close-up viewing aspect of these binoculars is probably their main selling point. When you can get a close-up view of your subject down to 18 to 20 inches you found a pair of binoculars worth considering. Almost every user reported being amazed at the crisp, detailed up-close viewpoint they were able to get of birds, insects or butterflies outdoors or during conservative tours. The close-up view capabilities are the result of a unique convergent lens optical system... you just use the focusing dial to bring your subject in close and the proprietary system automatically slides the left and right objective lenses toward the center to achieve the crisp close-up focus. The long 15-millimeter eye relief allows eyeglass wearers use these binoculars easily without removing them. The rubber coating allows users to maintain an easy grip and also will protect the binoculars although some users felt this rubber coating could be a bit more substantial to offer better protection. At 8.5x these binoculars are also adequate for distance viewing of your viewing targets such as birds as well. Note that these binoculars are not designated as waterproof or fog proof.
Pentax 62216 Papilio 8.5x21 Porro Prism Binocular Extra-Short Minimum Focusing Distance The close mechanism is designed such that it can automatically slide with ease from right to left and back and offers a minimum focusing distance of just 50 centimeters (approx. 1.6 feet). Long Eye Relief These binoculars offer great viewing and with a long 15-millimeter eye relief that assures effortless viewing of the entire image field, even for eyeglass wearers, a feature often neglected by manufacturers. Features and Specifications:
Pentax 62216 Papilio 8.5x21 Porro Prism Binocular B&H Customer Score: There are 25+ reviews on B&H "If you are looking for a quality, inexpensive binocular the Papilio should be in your short list of options." "Small, light, solid construction,superb image quality and bright for a binocular with small objective lens. Great for viewing over a distance with close resolution capabilities, easy to adjust and use." "They are light and one hardly realizes that they are around ones neck until you call upon them to see that miniature flower growing close to the ground. As with other Pentax products, this one is of high quality." "I have several binoculars and used to consider 6 feet close focusing. Having the stereo vision and looking at insects and plants at 8.5 magnification from a foot and a half away is incredible." Retrevo Customer Score: There are 85+ reviews on B&H "I own a 6.5x model, having bought it on the premises that it provides a brighter picture. However, I have now bought a 8.5x for my son. This has provided the opportunity for some direct comparisons. Over all, I think the 6.5x is more suitable if one uses it often for very close objects. Shake and loss of light as well as depth of field make the smaller magnification more attractive to me for that purpose. However, I had a real WOW experience with the larger mag for more distant (classical binoculars use) objects. What a fine and contrasty view! I think, anyone who is planning on using the Papilio mainly for distant objects should opt for the 8.5x model. Even under less than optimal light conditions, one still gets a very decent picture." "I have no problem holiding the 8.5x steady (though its a bit less steady than the 6.5x). Both have tripod mounts which are a great feature if you are observing a fixed site (a particular flower or a insect nest) though not quite though out given the porro 2 design with "downward" bending eyepieces (unlike the upward bending EPs on Canon IS bins). That makes them easier to point but means a lot of tripod mounts are too big for the space they allow. And you only need a tiny tripod if you are observing things on the ground. I have an 18 inch Slik that works great with these but would be useless with all my other optics. And it does make for a fixed image and frees up your hands to make notes." ""good for hunting I have some excellent binoculars, but I got these because they focus on objects that are very close." Amazon Customer Score: There are 55+ reviews on Amazon "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." "This binocular is a wonderful instrument! Its close-focusing ability is nothing short of astonishing. Carrying one of these in the field is like having a long-distance dissecting microscope in your pocket. I purchased mine prior to a hike to Paradise Park on Mt Hood in Oregon, and I could not be more pleased with its performance. " "I'm almost 70 and like to be outdoors curious about nature, etc. Its not always easy (or wise) to bend down to shoe-top higth to examine an interesting bug, snake or plant. These binoculars can focus on your own toe! My wife and I love them." "As a new butterfly enthusiast I needed a pair of close focusing binocular. The Pentax Papilio provided a light weight, easy to focus, and comfortable to carry binocular. Since I began using them my ability to see details was greatly enhanced." "I considered purchasing these binoculars for quite a while because of its ability for close focusing. I researched the market and couldn't find anything else to match the close focusing functionality. I was very pleased when I began using them." "I recently found out about these binoculars through a local butterfly conservation group. These binoculars open up a whole new world."
Pentax 62216 Papilio 8.5x21 Porro Prism Binocular Conclusion: Great for detailed viewing in a very compact design. Accessories for the Papilio include: neck strap, eye piece lens cap and center focusing lenses. |
