Pentax packs bright optical performance into the compact DCF SW. The double-hinged design allows the barrels of the binocular to fold underneath the bridge to a slim, pocket size. The fully multi-coated optics and phase corrected prisms present a bright image and true color resolution. The Pentax Worry-Free warranty guarantees enjoyment of this binocular for years to come.
Optical Features
Fully Multi-coated Lenses
Increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Phase Correction
Enhances resolution and contrast through roof prisms.
BaK-4 Prisms
Optimize light transmission.
Construction Features
Roof Prisms
Appreciated for a streamlined shape and durability.
Rubber Armoring
Provides a secure, non-slip grip.
Multi-position Eyecups
Twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Center Focus Wheel
Adjusts both binocular barrels at the same time.
Locking Right Eye Diopter
Adjusts for differences in a user's eyes. Located by the right eyepiece.
Design Features
Waterproof
Optics are sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from getting inside the binocular.
Fogproof
Barrels are filled with nitrogen gas to inhibit internal fogging.
I looked at the Pentax DCF SW and the Brunton Eterna as possible replacements for a 16 year old pair of Orion Ultra View 8x22. These cost about half as much as the Eternas, and I was prepared to take that into account in comparing them.
The optics on the Pentax are (to me) surprisingly good. The image seemed bright and sharp pretty much to the edge, and the depth of field was quite nice. The focus wheel worked well, neither too loose nor too tight, but I thought getting a precise focus on a distant object was a little fussy. The specs say the field of view is 280 ft. at 1,000 yards. Although I had read the specs and expected this, I was surprised by how much I noticed it. The Orions by comparison have a FoV of around 340 feet, so I was looking at a definite step down from what I was used to. Of course in every other respect the optics in the Pentax were a huge improvement.
The SWs seem reasonably well balanced and their weight is reasonably light at 10.6 oz. The binoculars themselves seem sturdy enough. On the whole I would say handling was nice but nothing special.
My impression of the build quality was strongly affected by the twist up eye cups. There seems to be a stop immediately after they're opened (maybe half a millimeter out) but otherwise they are continuous. The cup on the right barrel was noticeably easier to turn and it seemed like it was easy to push back without much pressure, although I did not think they were defective. It did give me the impression that they are little less sturdy than I'd like.
In terms of optics, I thought the SWs were slightly less bright than the Eternas and perhaps not quite as sharp. I'm not sure I could distinguish between them in a blind test, but going back and forth between them I thought I saw some difference. The Eternas have about the same FoV (270 ft), and at 12 oz. are noticeably heavier.
If you're looking for an inexpensive compact that you can carry easily I think the SWs are well worth considering. The optics seem to me to be quite good for the price. However, I don't think they would hold up under very rough service. If you need something for hunting or backpacking, I suspect they would not be the best choice.
I'm not sure how to award the stars. Within their price range I think they are pretty good and I was impressed by how well they compared to the Eternas, given that the latter cost roughly twice as much. Trying to look at them in their own terms, I gave them a four. If you put less weight on their price class, then I'd say a three.
Perfect for the theater or race track
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06/12/2012
by
Robert from New Hartford, NY
I bought the Pentax DCF SW 8x25 not for birding, but for use at the race track or in a theater. They are extremely light weight, no problem to wear around your neck all day. They fold up very small for travel. I'm very happy with the field of view for the purposes noted above.
Startled by Pentax 8x25 DCF
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04/07/2012
by
Paul from Indiana
I received a pair of 8x25 Pentax DCF today, 24 hours after placing my order with Eagle Optics. Wow! These are very impressive for a compact binocular. What I received really did startle me. Clear, bright, images which are sharp edge to edge; no noticeable curvature of field; perfect eye relief for eyeglass wearers; a binocular which will easily fit in my pant or jacket pocket.
This is my first Pentax product and I am impressed, to say the least, by the optical quality. On top of that, Eagle Optics sold these to me at a great price. It just doesn't get any better than this in the real world.
The only negative, if you want to call it that, is the field of view. I worried about this, but truthfully after looking through the binoculars, I would gladly trade a smaller field of view for the optical quality of the 8x25 DCF. I can't speak to the ruggedness of the binoculars, since I just received them, but the build quality looks very good. FYI, the click stops on the eyepieces are at the fully closed and fully open positions which seem to work fine. I have to say I didn't realize compacts had gotten this good! The Pentax are worlds better than my Steiner Safari 8x compacts.
I am very happy with this purchase and with Eagle Optics customer service.
Great optics for their size, good value
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01/15/2012
by
Peter B from Severna Park, MD
I'm a birder, so these are the smallest binoculars I've ever bought, and my expectations were low as a result. I was pleasantly surprised at their optical quality, so I think are great choice if you need ones that are small and light, and they are also an excellent value. They have excellent eye relief (they work well with glasses) and would be great for kids since the distance between the eyepieces can be very small.
They have a few drawbacks if you want to use these for birding. They have a limited field of view (only 288 feet), which makes it hard to watch a group of birds, and a limited depth of field, which makes it harder to get your subject into sharp focus. The focus knob would be easier to turn if it were larger. They seem dim in low light when compared to my 8x42 birding binoculars, and are a bit dimmer than the Pentax 8x28's I have (no longer made), but that's inevitable given the smaller objectives (25 mm). Gathering less light is not a big deal in good light, and they are much cheaper and smaller than either of the larger models.
Perfect purchase!
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07/27/2011
by
Donna S. from IL
I am very pleased with this purchase! The image is clear and crisp, small so it is easy to pack on the motorcycle, lightweight, the travel pouch that goes on my belt is convienent, great to have the fog/waterproof etc - everything I needed.
These binoculars have a dual hinge design that allows them to fold down and slip into an adequately padded case that measures L-4 5/8" x W-3" x D-1 7/8". You can comfortably and discretely carry them in a pant pocket, which is the way I like to carry my binoculars. The case also has a belt loop as well.
Pentax is known for its outstanding optics, and these do not disappoint. The optics are clear and bright. The binoculars have a solid look and feel. I have large hands and I can comfortably hold and focus these compacts without any issues.
Since I wear glasses, the clincher for me was the generous eye relief. At 21mm there are few binoculars at any price or size that can match it.
Plus Pentax backs all this up with a lifetime warranty. You only pay $20 and you get a new pair, even if the damage was caused by your own negligence.
Pentax DCF SW8x Binocular Manual
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