Just like a portable microscope, the Pentax Papilio is perfect for getting a complete view of the wondrous colors and patterns of butterflies, insects, or flowers. You will enjoy a mosaic of details with the outstanding 1.6 foot close focus. The fully multi-coated optics increase light transmission to deliver the subtleties of nature. 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. |
| BaK-4 Prisms |
Optimize light transmission. |
Construction Features
| Reverse Porro Prisms |
Generally offer a rich depth of field, compact design, and three-dimensional image. |
| 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. |
| Right Eye Diopter |
Adjusts for differences in a user's eyes. Located by the right eyepiece. |
| Tripod Adaptable |
Can be mounted using standard ¼-inch threading. Adapter sold separately. |
Easy to carry - and see - near and far
-
07/31/2009
by
Jay Piper from southern Nevada
The lightweight 6.5 and 8.5 power, 21mm Papilios use an internal focusing system that converges the objective (front) lenses to give a good image as close as 1.6 feet. That is close enough to see the details of a bee's pollen combs and antennae, or the lacework of a dragonfly's wings. At close distances the magnification gets a boost from the internal focusing and the 6.5x21 covers an area about the size of a postage stamp. This close focusing is the novelty that really sets the Papilios apart even from some small roof or reverse Porro binoculars that can get as close as 3-5 feet. The Papilios can even be used as a stereo microscope with the good built-in tripod socket.
The views at middle and long range do not disappoint. I watch backyard mockingbrids, finches, quail and the occasional roadrunner and red racer snake or lizard in sun or shade from back porch. These are light for dayhikes, and also do a good job looking into shadowed areas beside washes or up at petroglyphs on rock walls. They cleaned up fine after a cold and windy whale-watching trip with occasional spray wiped with a sweatshirt sleeve (they are not water proof!) and they gave better views than an inexpensive 7x35 Porro also used on that vacation. At night they give passable views of the moon.
If you are considering compact binoculars be sure to give the Papilios a look. I chose the 6.5x because I wanted the plus side of 3mm exit pupil, and their brightness proved fine for shared family use. If budget allows I'd buy a second pair, another 6.5 or perhaps the 8.5 if budget allowed, because they are so well suited to family hikes and nature observation.
Likes:
- smooth, precise focusing action
- click stop eyecups and diopter stay put
- good surface material, comfortable to grip
- pleasing views near & far, 'macro' to moonrise
- built in tripod socket works well
- clear daytime views even into shaded areas
- 'standard' ~ 50° apparent field of view has sharp field stop, little drop-off at edges
Dislikes:
- eye lenses are not multicoated(?) and have reflections when the sun is at your side (cup a hand between the small binos and your sunward temple to solve this); this is the most noticable distraction or fault.
- internal ghosts seen are when observing bright moon, moon is free from ghosts and sharp when placed just off-axis.
- eye placement is comfortable once set -- but IPD and eyecups need to be set 'just right' with that 3mm exit pupil and that takes a moment switching between each family member.
My basis for comparison, and saying that the Papilio views are fine, are a few older 6x to 12x Porros and recent Bushnell and Minolta 8x42 roof and 50mm Porros.
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