[fkbr]

Did anybody use or test Pentax DCF 9x28 LV? Can you advise something else in that price and size (compact) range?

[ceasar]

Originally Posted by fkbr

Did anybody use or test Pentax DCF 9x28 LV? Can you advise something else in that price and size (compact) range?

A very good binocular for the price IMO. It is lightweight, easy to use, reasonably compact, (will fit into a large flannel shirt pocket) well built, and it has long eye relief if you wear glasses. Field of view is a bit narrow at 294' @ 1000 yards and there is some softness at the edge of the view. I have one. My wife considers it her's though and it is currently in Chile with our son who is an exchange student there. I hope he hasn't lost it or I will have to get another one!

The only other one I have tried like it is the Nikon Travelite 9 x 25 which is a porro prism. It is very good for a $90.00 binocular but I think that the 9x version is discontinued. Nikon also makes a sturdier waterproof version called the ATB in 9 x 25-also a reverse porro. It is somewhat thicker and shorter but weighs about the same and costs about 80.00 less than the Pentax.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/n...page=nikon7484

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/n...page=nikon7509

Bob

[fkbr]

Originally Posted by ceasar

A very good binocular for the price IMO. It is lightweight, easy to use, reasonably compact, (will fit into a large flannel shirt pocket) well built, and it has long eye relief if you wear glasses. Field of view is a bit narrow at 294' @ 1000 yards and there is some softness at the edge of the view. I have one. My wife considers it her's though and it is currently in Chile with our son who is an exchange student there. I hope he hasn't lost it or I will have to get another one!

The only other one I have tried like it is the Nikon Travelite 9 x 25 which is a porro prism. It is very good for a $90.00 binocular but I think that the 9x version is discontinued. Nikon also makes a sturdier waterproof version called the ATB in 9 x 25-also a reverse porro. It is somewhat thicker and shorter but weighs about the same and costs about 80.00 less than the Pentax.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/n...page=nikon7484

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/n...page=nikon7509

Bob

Thank you Ceasar. I'll probably go with Pentax. Nikon may be pretty good for its price, but am I correct that higher price for Pentax still means better quality? BTW I do not limit myself at 9x; I look at 7-8x as well, but I did not find what I like.

[ceasar]

The Pentax are better IMO on overall build quality.

Also, although the Pentax are very well built their prisms are different. The roof prisms used in the Pentax are more costly to make but the resulting binocular is thinner and usually lighter. In a large binocular the one with the porro prisms will be significantly wider than an equivalent binocular with roof prisms. The prisms in the Nikons are reversed Porro Prisms and are wider. Also the edges of the view in the Nikons are somewhat sharper than the Pentax. The prisms play a factor in this difference. Both the Nikon ATB and the Pentax are waterproof.

If you are willing to try a 7 x 26 reverse porro prism binocular here is one that is generally considered the best of the bunch. It is very good and costs about the same as the Pentax but is not waterproof. I have one too. I like it quite a bit and optically it is better than the Pentax 9 x 28 and it has a much wider Field of View but I'd rather use the Pentax. I like it's ergonomics and ease of use better.

http://www.eagleoptics.com/binocular...pact-binocular

They are both fine binoculars for the price. You should try them both and see which one you like best if you can. I could live with either one of them.

Bob

[fkbr]

Bushnell 7x26 Elite should be a very good piece; many people point to it. However it is a bit out of my price range. I did not find it for less than $220, whereas I can get Pentax for $170. BTW does "not waterproof" mean the binoculars will be damaged in light rain or fog?
As for advice to try first: I was pretty much surprised it is impossible in the area I live. San Francisco area is not very wild or uncivilized, but I can find binoculars only in general electronic stores or general sport stores (most samples for $50-$100 and a couple more serious), Wolf Camera (mostly their house brand) and one specialized optics store, which has limited number of models in show room and a lot in their central storage hundreds of miles away.

[lilcrazy2]

You have a ScopeCity in SF which should carry binos, and there is a Bass Pro Shop in Manteca which would be worth the 1-1/2 drive as they will have a great selection.

The best bang for your buck in a small size bino is going to be a reverse porro such as the Nikon Prostaff 8x25, Nikon Travellite 8x25, or Olympus Tracker PCI 8x25. These should give every bit as good a view as the Pentax 9x28 LV but for less $$.

This would appear to be a very good deal on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-8x25-Prost...item2c59463907

[ceasar]

Originally Posted by fkbr

Bushnell 7x26 Elite should be a very good piece; many people point to it. However it is a bit out of my price range. I did not find it for less than $220, whereas I can get Pentax for $170. BTW does "not waterproof" mean the binoculars will be damaged in light rain or fog?
As for advice to try first: I was pretty much surprised it is impossible in the area I live. San Francisco area is not very wild or uncivilized, but I can find binoculars only in general electronic stores or general sport stores (most samples for $50-$100 and a couple more serious), Wolf Camera (mostly their house brand) and one specialized optics store, which has limited number of models in show room and a lot in their central storage hundreds of miles away.

Light rain won't hurt them if you are careful and keep them covered when not looking through them. Fog is no problem at all. You likely won't use a small binocular often in fog.

$170.00 is a real good price for the Pentax. Or any "good" roof prism for that matter. Good porro's can be had for somewhat less money.

All binoculars are compromises. Between you and the binocular and the uses you intend for it. That is why new users are encouraged to try a variety of them out. But if you REALLY like the Pentax then get it. You won't find it at a lower price.

Bob