Customer Reviews

Pentax 62593 8x25 DCF SW Binocular - Black

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

 

 

I selected these since I wanted a lower cost version of my 8x20 Zeiss Victories. The zeiss' are fantastic but I am around water a lot, the zeiss are now very expensive and I'm retired. I wanted a pair that I could afford to replace if I lost them. (I use the zeiss only on Sundays. Since I'm 66 years old with no heirs, it's idiotic to baby the zeiss but I do.) The Pentax would have served well. Crisp and sharp image, full field of view with glasses, bright, weight low, and overall pretty compact. I got a very good price too. I would have kept them but the focusing had a soft spot where turning the knob didn't change the focus. I tried to get used to it but just couldn't. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another pair but the price ($125?) isn't around now. If you feel like spending an additional $500 or so, get a pair of the Zeiss. Otherwise the Pentax are just fine.

These compact binoculars are perfect for the casual outdoorsman or sports enthusiast. While I have not tested their claim to be fully waterproof, they have remained fog-free in wet and humid environments. The image is sharp and bright in the full field of view, and the focus knob is tight and responsive. Its eye-relief is suitable for eyeglass-wearers.

The build quality is phenomenal for the price point. The hinges are thick and sturdy, and the entire binocular is clad in a thick, durable, rubberized housing. The eyecups click into position with authority. The understated design and the dark matte finish make it equally suitable for hunting or the opera house. While the 8x mag may seem excessive for indoor use, I have found it quite adequate for concert viewing.

The only drawbacks stem from its compact design. The focus knob is quite small, and may present difficulty for thickly gloved hands in winter. The neckstrap attachments are awkwardly placed on the inside of the barrels, interfering with the quick use of these binoculars. But these are forgivable faults given its overriding imperative for compact size.

These are not made by Zeiss or Leica, but for anyone looking to spend less than $500, these are the compact binos to buy. Far superior to the cheaper offerings, and equal to offerings costing twice as much, you get top-quality Japanese glass in a well-built, waterproof housing. For the backpack hiker, you get impressive capability for very little weight and bulk.

I bought these for use at the IND Airport. I need to read aircraft "N" numbers and ship numbers from a distance in snow and dark and wet conditions. These are a perfect combo - fit in my pocket, waterproof, great eye relief and high quality construction. Recommended!

This is my first pair of "decent" binoculars, so I'm by no means an optics expert, but they seem very solidly constructed, and the images are crisp and bright.