PF 65EDA

I have the straight version (don't like angled scopes....too hard to find & track moving objects), used in conjunction with 3 XL ep's, for 18.5, 28 & 37x....couldn't ask for more. Got the scope for $450 from Adorama....unbeatable. Except for use in really lo-light circumstances, is every bit as capable and pleasurable to use as the PF80 (which is saying something). I sold my 80 after 6yrs of great use & rplcd with the 65 due to the physical size....can now fit scope, 3 ep's, 2 binos, bird guide and misc items (cleaning cloth, lens brush, pens, compass) into one hard case, tho' I still hafta carry the tripod on a shoulder sling.

This is a fairly new scope and is available in Japan and the USA for about $500-$700 which is pretty good value for a waterproof ED scope. In fact I do not think it is possible to buy a new scope of this quality at this price.

One major plus point of this scope is that it uses any 1.25 inch astro eyepieces. These range from top of the range Nagler (and Pentax XW) eyepieces which may cost nearly as much as the scope itself down to cheap plossls which can be picked up for a few $. There are several cheaper Pentax XF eyepieces which were designed with this scope in mind. I have been using the XF12 which gives a mag of 32x. It is a great combination which gives beautiful clear images with no CA or yellowish edges. Eye relief is 18mm. The premium XW eyepieces have longer eye relief and wider FOV (and are fully waterproof). I also got a generic Vixen zoom off e-bay, a 8-24mm eyepiece which gives a mag of 16-48x. The fixed eyepiece is sharper but only slightly. I would be perfectly ok using only this zoom.

One thing about the eyepieces is that it is very quick and easy to change them-just twist and pull. Focusing is easy and smooth.The scope comes with a stay on case which is perfectly useable.

I have never used the larger Pentax scopes so do not know how much the Pentax engineers have altered the optics (if at all). These larger scopes have had somewhat mixed reviews but most of the stuff about the smaller model has been positive. I do not know whether this is down to quality control or redesigned optics.

If you want a good value 65mm scope I can recommend this highly.

Apologies for the strange wording and grammar-for some reason the apostrophe key on my Japanese keyboard does not like the review forum!