Customer Reviews

Pentax 62556 10x42 DCF CS Binoculars (Black)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I did a lot of research in buying these binoculars. Originally I bought a Barska 10x42 on a local retailer visit. I knew the optics could not be that good given the price ($40) but I wanted to have a pair of compact 10x binos. After using the "cheapo" binoculars for a few months, I knew I was missing a lot so I decided to research and test different units. I looked at Nikon's Monarch ($320) Leopold's ($499) offerings. For good measure the sales guy at Bass Pro showed me a pair of $2,000 Swarowski binos. All three were good. I was told for very far viewing the extra money for the Swarowski's pay dividends. Well I am a photographer and use premium lenses to capture images. I know the glass makes all the difference. I have always been a Pentax fan. The reviews on Amazon and few others pointed me to the Pentax unit. One major deciding factor was to be the warranty coverage. According to all that I read just about all of the units mentioned above had 25 years to lifetime guarantees. Pentax has a funny terminology for their warranty which does not spell out the actual length of the coverage.

I took a leap of faith and bought the Pentax unit. I took it out today for a test drive. Wow, I am totally sold on this unit. It is ergonomically a delight to handle. It is light weight and optically it is second to non. BTW, I got the manual out and looked for the warranty disclaimer to put that issue to rest. The manual states that Pentax offers a lifetime warranty on this unit. They are asking for $20 for s&h if you have to send the bins to them for any work.

For a pair of binos with these specifications, you can spend more if you want. But I doubt you will get better performance than these Pentax 10x42s.

I'm a research nut, really picky about my gear, and more than able to pay for what I want. These binoculars kick serious &$%*. 10 power, believe it or not, may be too much. I don't think you would go wrong with 8 but I went with 10 because I often have my rifle scope on 10 power also. You pick up more field of view with the 8 power also. And you can't touch this quality of optic for anywhere near the price of these on Amazon. Note, these are not compact binoculars you will stick in a chest pocket, but they aren't the full size, full frame version either. They're a really good medium size, fit in the cargo pocket on your hunting pants and aren't too heavy to carry. Perfect if you're just sitting on the stand or riding around. The strap needs work though, bad design. I'm looking for an alternative strap.

I have experience with many different binoculars, some very expensive. I found these binoculars to be as good if not better than just about all of the ones i have used. Considering the price, i would consider these to be the best! I highly recommend.

I have owned my pair of Pentax binoculars for almost 10 years now and they have been to Africa three times on hunting safaris and then on sightseeing trips and other hunts. I have used them for hours a day and have never had any eye fatigue. They are crisp and clear and bright. The only problem I had was with the right eye cup. It is a friction extension eye cup with this older pair and the right one became loose so it would not stay extended. I checked the web and found I could send them in for $19.95 and they would be covered under the warranty. Impressive. I just sent them in today so I don't know what will become of them but I have faith in Pentax. I will write an addendum to this review if things turn out bad.

Needless to say, I think these binoculars are the best deal out there for this price, and with a lifetime warranty. I would probably pay more than double for these binoculars after looking at others. One of my best purchases.

Well, let me start off by saying I am no binocular expert--in fact the only binoculars I have ever owned were cheapy cheapos and I could never get those to work correctly. I could never get that nice circle of a view like they do in the movies, and I could never seem to get them completely focused.

After mulling over how it would be cool to have a nice set of binocs for an upcoming trip I started to research them and at first I fell into the trap of wanting really high power binocs. Celestron had a couple of decent priced models but then I started researching "top end" binocs. I have to say I was kind of flabbergasted when I saw they could cost 3k!! (Although I really shouldn't have been that surprised since I own a dslr and those lenses can get very pricey.)

Well, I wasn't going to spend anywhere near 2-3k but I did see a pair of pentax binocs for about 1k which people said were as good as the Leica and Swarovskys. My camera gear is Pentax and they do make some top notch quality glass, so it wasn't surprising that they made quality binocs but 1k was still way more than I wanted to pay.

Then I found these and at 213 I finally found a price point I was comfortable with. And man, these are nice glasses--Night and day from cheapo brands. You can comfortably look through these for hours and not get strained. And the diopter is nice since once you get "your" spot you don't have to look through the binocs to get your right eye focused.

If you are looking for good but well priced binocs or if you've never had decent ones, go for it. You won't be disappointed.

BTW, someone mentioned that 10x is about tops for hand held and I would have to agree. Well, maybe if you are a brain surgeon you can go higher. But realistically don't go thinking you are going to be hand holding 12X+ binocs without severe shake--unless you get electronically stabilized ones$$$.

I had been looking to replace my nikon binoc's after they were stolen. I was sceptical about getting a different brand then nikon but i couldn't pass up the bargin price. after i received the Pentax i was very happily surprised at the crystal clear clarity and heavy-duty construction and compactness of my new pentax. While not quite the equal of my old nikon's in very low light conditions, they were just as sharp all the way out to the edges in most lighting conditions. the dioptor adjustment is different than i am used to but is almost instinctive to use. I have worn glasses for over 30 years and these are hands down the most glasses friendly binocs i have ever used. the eyepiece screws out for use w/o glasses and with a twist of the eyecap and tug of the dioptor adjustment you can adjust from no glasses w/ dioptor adjusted to glasses w/the dioptop adjustment cancelled. Very heanv duty construction that isn't the lightest compact glasses i've had but i feel very confident that i won't easily break these.

After enjoying a pair of Pentax 7x35 PCF's for some 15 yrs, I decided it was time to give my tired old eyes a break and update, and myself a break by not having to move the old pair from vehicle to vehicle. I went with Pentax optics again on the strength of past experience with the brand. This time I upgraded to different series and 10 power.
Just got them yesterday, so I can't attest to how rugged they are, but I sure like what I see and feel. They are not a huge framed device, having a nice heft to them without being overly heavy (22 oz.). In a side by side comparison, don't seem any heavier than my old 7x35's with the same rubbery feel for a secure grip.
I was a little apprehensive after reading some reviews that maybe I had gone too high with the power and they would be difficult to hold on target without it dancing in and out of the field of view. I found that if I held my elbows against my body, this seems to steady my view through them very satisfactorally (is THAT even a word?).
The optics are bright and clear. As I adjusted the focus and dioptor for the first time on a lone distant tree (at a measured 4 tenths of a mile), I clearly saw a lone dove flare as she lit in it. I am pleased.
I am not gonna say they are the best, but they do compare very favorably with my friend's Steiner Midas 10x42's I have been admiring.
The fact that mine cost about 1/2 as much makes the deal that much sweeter! Check them out!

Found this pair of binoculars to be the right combination of price and quality. To be used mostly for viewing nature.