Pentax DCF SP 8x32 Binocular

by Pentax

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 5 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000093TVO
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 62619
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,379 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 15, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The DCF SP series binoculars feature high-resolution optics encased in a magnesium-alloy body with IS Class 6 waterproof construction. These high-performance models are perfect for a wide variety of applications such as close-up viewing and use in less than ideal weather conditions.

The features

• The DCF SP series is also available in 10x43, 10x50 and 12.5x50 magnifications
• The DCF SP models are housed in a nitrogen-filled magnesium-alloy waterproof body (JIS Class 6) and protected with a full-body rubber housing
• These binoculars deliver exceptional image quality and close focusing with edge-to-edge sharpness
• This quality and sharpness is a result of inner-focus optical design incorporating hybrid aspherical eyepiece lenses, high-resolution phase-coated roof prisms, scratch-resistant hydrophobic coating on exposed objective and eyepiece lenses, and multi-coated optical elements
• Long eye relief and lightweight design provide fatigue-free viewing, even during extended observations
• The DCF SP series come equipped with user-friendly features such as extra-short minimum focusing distance, diopter adjuster with lock mechanism, and four-stop helicoid-type eyepiece rings

Product Description

8x32 DCF SP Binocular

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent mid-priced binocular, August 1, 2009

By 

R. Hiscock "Amazon Birder" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pentax DCF SP 8x32 Binocular (Electronics)

My Pentax DCF SP 8x32 binoculars were purchased 3 years ago for squeezing in birding while on business trips. Over time, I began to carry them in favor of my other binoculars due to their great optics, close focus (for butterflies) and refined focus. These binoculars have not been coddled, having endured punishing hikes in extremes of weather. In comparison to Zeiss Victory FL 8x42 bins, the Pentax came a tad short in brightness, but otherwise, I can detect little difference, except the extra $2000 list price. One reviewer complained of chromatic aberration in some light settings. Since I have never experienced that condition with my Pentax bins, even when trying to force the problem, I believe his may be slightly out of alignment.

If there's any criticism of the DCF SPs, it would be a middling depth of field. This shortcoming is mitigated by the SPs smooth focusing and not special to these binoculars. My 20 year old Nikon
8X porros set a bar in this area that no 8X roof has approached.

Great durability, excellent optics, light weight and compact, the Pentax SPs provide a combination hard, to beat at a reasonable cost. You may be able to buy a better in this price range, but you're more likely to purchase an lesser binocular.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST value in a birding binocular under $1200; bar none, February 7, 2009

By 

Ted Henricks "BlindDogImages" (Scottsdale, AZ) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pentax DCF SP 8x32 Binocular (Electronics)

BEST value in a birding binocular under $1200; bar none

Strong opinion, but I have owned Leica 8x42 Trinovids, Nikon 8x32 LXL Premiers, these Pentax DCF SP's (previously), Leica and Nikon 8x20's, half a dozen other low-end binocs, currently own Nikon 8x32 EDG's, and, without spending another $1000 or more, you simply cannot get a better value in a birding binocular.

Great size; not too big or too small
Perfect power (8x32)
Nice weight; not too heavy
Rubber armoured
Attached objective covers
Really, really awesome optics for the money
Inexpensive enough you won't worry about making the house payment
Great eye-relief
Great adjustable ocular cups
Very, very comfortable
Incredible value (I paid at least 50% more from Amazon several years ago, and then sold them for the current new price!)

I have birded off and on for years, and have come to a few conclusions after owning so many different kinds or optics. 42mm objectives are too heavy and bulky 99% of the time. 32mm is the perfect size, other than traveling ultra-lite. 10x is really too much; 8x allows your eyes to work at their best. Attached front objective covers are invaluable; these have them. Rubber armour is invaluable; these have them. Nitrogen purging and water-proofing; again, invaluable. These are. ED-class glass is great, but easily doubles the cost of a pair of binoculars. 90-95% of the time, you won't notice. What good is a $1300 pair of binocs if you are so concerned about loss that you leave locked up except for special trips? These are such a super value I carry them almost everywhere.

Are there better optics? Sure; but again you have to double your money, and you won't get double the optic. Side-by-side, there is absolutely a noticable and pleasing difference between these and either of my Nikon 8x32's. Unless you are directly comparing them though, you'd never miss the improvements. If I had to choose between field-of-view and ED glass; I'd take the FOV. These Pentax have a narrower FOV than the super-premium binocs, but again, unless you do a side-by-side comparison, you will never miss it.

Your friends with super-premiums will drool over the value vs. performance that these are. Your friends with $150 binocs will think you took out a loan to get these.

I mentioned above I currently own a pair of Nikon EDG 8x32. The fact that again I am purchasing the Pentax DCF SP's should speak volumes. These are the only pair I absolutely regret selling previoulsy.

Buy them! You will NOT regret it!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great set of binoculars for the money, December 16, 2007

By 

S. Kreamer (Hartford, CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pentax DCF SP 8x32 Binocular (Electronics)

I've owned the DCF SP 8x32's for 2 years now and I'm very happy with them. These are perfect for the casual birdwatcher (like myself) since you don't have to spend a fortune for a great quality image. I've used these all over the world and they have been great for 99% of what I've used them for.

For those perfectionists out there, I have noticed that they exibit chromatic aberration in some light settings. I have to give credit to Leica as my wife's Trinovid 8x32's certainly performed better in those settings. Also, this set of binoculars is heavier than its more expensive competition.

If you don't want to pay through the nose for a nice set of Leica's or Swarovski's, you should certainly consider the Pentax DCF SP.