Pentax 8x43 DCF SP, Superior Performance Water Proof Roof Prism Binocular with 6.3 Degree Angle of View, Dark Green & Black, U.S.A.

2010-01-11T19:00:00

I used these new binocs on a recent cruise around southern South America and they were great for identifying sealife at a distance. The best thing is the optics. I don't know how anyone could want any better. There is no eyestrain no matter how long you use them. The worst thing is the strap that comes with them, it is much too narrow for glasses this heavy. I had to buy a wide Nikon strap from you to use with the 10X50s and now I'm advertising Nikon instead of Pentax.

River

2009-05-16T21:00:00

This is my 2nd Pentax 8*43 DCF. The first was a less good construction that broke a year after the (5-year) warranty expired. After that I got a Nikon 8*36. But after six years with the Nikon (which still work) I'm back with Pentax. The DCF SP is a great improvement compared to both my first Pentax and the Nikon. Optically, it's a major step forward compared to the Nikon, and to some extend also to my first Pentax, and the construction is head and shoulders above both. Optically, the DCF SP is sharp from edge to edge with excellent color reproduction, and very little distortion (though there is some). The close focus ability is good, but the extreme CF leaves a little to be desired (the reason for "only" giving it four stars). Bottom line is that these binoculars are optically very close to the top four I have tried (Zeiss, Swarowski, Leica, and Nikon HG), and a little further behind in terms of construction. But they are only a fraction of the price.

TJS

2009-02-25T19:00:00

Last month my friend bought two pairs of these binoculars through Adorama for both of us. (Order # 5504117-1). I found the offer price in Adorama is much cheaper compared with other online dealers. I live in India & use these binos for pure Bird Watching. I found the image clarity & sharpness of this bino really Superb !! Being 8x power gives really bright & steady images. Good eye relif of 22mm, gives strain free viewing. Being waterproof I don't have to worry about Internal fogging & fungus attack. Moreover this binos are "Made in Japan". A good Binocular form PENTAX !!

Ginu G.

2009-02-19T19:00:00

nice bino with good optics

palop

2008-12-02T19:00:00

As a ornithologist I like to have binoculars all over the place , in balcony , living room , bedroom in the car and garage and I hiding one old porro prism Pentax bino even in the garden just in case ...., I have Pentaxes PCF binoculars even in panniers on my bicycles so I can miss and observe any birds at any time when in cycle tour .... I use Pentax product long time and because binocular harness is repairman's enemy I never ever had any problem . I own to many PCF 7 x 35 , 8 x 42 , 10 x 50 . 20 x 50 is good enough when you are lazy when hot weather to carry spotting scope and tripod , small rugged 10 x 28 MP fit nicely to any packet of my birding west or jacket so I have binocular with me even when on city , I like 8 x 42 DCF SP because perform well even in bad weather when watching and tracking sea birds in flight , PCF 7 x 50 porro prism is perfect for me when birding in the forest , 10 x 50 DCF ED outperform Swarovsky and I can say same about all the spotting scopes if I compare my spotting scope Pentax 100 ED - Once it permit me to observe nightjars and owls at nights in flight - all you need is patience , little luck , stars and moon ... Water proof binocular Pentax 10 x 50 DCF SP is well priced and it is superior performance binocular for rear field for birder who do not afford Leica or top of the line Nikon , it is just little on heavy side , well build and balanced , focusing knob is more then first class , optics is sharp there is no noticeble distortion - good enough for birds detail even when light condition deteriated , I had numerous oportunity compare this bino on the field when on bird counts and it outperform more expensive binoculars . All Pentax DCF SP is eazy to use , long eye relieve give you more viewing comfort , it is eazy to clean , I use Pentax or Optex cleaning cloth only . For all rugged Pentax DCF SP is best use when birding in bad weather around the ocean , this binocular takes a lots of abuse , dust , rain , salty sprey , sub zero temperature and heat , it was even submerged in sea when in kayaking trip in Arctic .... Pentax is not destructable and have good warranty but best warranty if you must abuse binocular is its durability . Only the complain I hear was 5 degree angle so traking some fast sea or shore birds can be for novice birder little challenge .

One b.

2008-07-06T21:00:00

I bought these as a backup pair of binoculars to my other, Euro-made, very expensive 8x that cost 4 times more. While those are better, these are very good, and a steal at the price I paid here at Adorama. I have since bought another pair for my son. Pros are great color transmission, close focus, large field-of-view, sharp image, easy focus, lightweight, great construction. They also feel great in the hand, almost as good as those aforementioned glasses. The downsides for me are a slight color halo around backlit objects (like hawks overhead), and the wide spacing between the oculars, which require me to really close them up to fit my eyes. I tried the ED's in the field which, if you can afford it, offers a much better image without the halo, but in the same physical size and package.

CT B.

2008-03-07T19:00:00

Love the binoculars. Adorama offered a significantly better price than almost all other on-line providers.

William A.

2007-05-08T21:00:00

have been looking for a few years to replace my binoculars and when I looked through these Pentax, i was immediately impressed with the sharpness, clarity, weight and price--contacted [...]and got the best price!

Karin

2007-05-07T21:00:00

The Pentax DCF SP are very high quality roof prism binoculars with magnesium housings coated with rubber armour. The phase coatings used on the roof prisms eliminate interference and the fully multi-coated lenses reduce reflections even with very high glare viewing. Edge to edge image sharpness allows for use in astronomy, although anything above the 12X model should probably be used with a tripod. The 8X and 10X can be hand-held even for astronomy. Very high quality optics in an affordable package.

STL

2007-03-11T21:00:00

These Binoculars are very sharp in 95% of the field of view. Every part of these Pentax Binoculars is of the highest construction quality. Perfect multi-coating and Phase coating. These are the best binoculars comming out of Japan.

WILLIAM B.

2007-02-11T19:00:00

excellent in the field

little b.