Pentax DCF MC II 8x25 Binocular

by Pentax

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 7 inches ; 10.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00076QUX8
• Item model number: 62591
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,365 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 11, 2005

Product Description

The high-performance DCF MC II 8x25 binocular combines fully multi-coated optical elements with BaK4-glass roof prisms treated with phase coating and super-reflection coating to produce a high-resolution high-contrast image over the entire image field. T

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars They're okay for pocket binoculars., June 30, 2008

By 

A photographer (Planet Earth) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pentax DCF MC II 8x25 Binocular (Electronics)

The main problem with these Pentax pocket binoculars is that they are pocket binoculars. They are easy to carry with you most everywhere but significantly harder to use than larger binoculars.

First, an 8x25 binocular only has an exit pupil of just over 3mm. It's difficult to align this small area of light with the center of both eye at one time. If you wear eyeglasses, it can get really frustrating. This small exit pupil also means the binoculars are dark. Adequate for bright light but not for low light levels. Second, the small focus control on tiny binoculars can be hard to use precisely which can affect how they are held as well as how they are focused. With these Pentax models, I have to use my thumb and first finger to turn the knob and it's almost always a see-saw action in finding the point of focus. They are not useful for moving subjects but they are fine for those that are stationary. Third, pocket binoculars are small and weigh very little. This presents a problem, not only in being able to find a position for a good grip but also in holding them steady. Heavy binoculars are easier to hold steady on the subject but a literal pain-in-the-neck to carry around all day.

All that having been said, these Pentax models perform pretty good once you accept their inherit shortcomings. If you are able to hold them steady enough to adjust the barrels and manipulate the right eye adjustment to match the left and you can maintain a good grip, you will discover the image is pretty sharp and contrasty. They are "weatherproof" instead of waterproof, which means you can't immerse them in water but you can get splashed by water and they will survive. They appear to be pretty well made--I can't detect any misalignment of the barrels, something that can lead to a headache very quickly. They fold up nicely and fit into a very tight nylon case with minimal padding. They have a string-type nylon strap that is adequate for such small binoculars. I carry them in my camera bag or in my pocket when I don't want to carry full-size binoculars.

I'm not a fan of pocket binoculars. If you only want one binocular to satisfy your overall needs, get something more useful. A full-size 7x35, 8x40, 8x42, etc., is far more useful than any of the tiny little binoculars.

These Pentaxes are relatively inexpensive and perform adequately within the limitations of their size. You might get better performance with Leica, Swarovski or Zeiss models but you will pay significantly more money and still only have a little binocular with limited usefulness.