edwincjones
Well-known member
Still no side by side comparison of the old and new Papilios? Here or on other sites? Really looking forward to one.
?still none?
edj
Still no side by side comparison of the old and new Papilios? Here or on other sites? Really looking forward to one.
?still none?
edj
Is there a reason to upgrade from Papilio I to II? Or maybe I should add the Papilio II 8.5x and keep the older 6.5x?
You need a very small contact plate at the tripod to be able to screw it in. Only my Joby did fit.My original 8x has an integrated tripod thread located underneath towards the objective end.
Stan
Just received the Papilio 2 today and would concur with previous findings that they are definitely better in terms of light scatter, backlight (eyepiece) light intrusion, brightness and sharpness. The difference is easily seen.
I found this picture on flickr, a user has built himself a device to protect against reflexions from the eyepieces.
I must thank the OP and the many contributors to this thread for their views and reviews. The Pentax Papilio II 6.5x21 will do very well until I can find the old Leitz Trinovid 6x24 at a reasonable price!
I have become interested in owning a pair of binoculars that offered a very close focus for insect and floral viewing and narrowed it down to the Pentax Papilio II's. Price was right, thus stepped out on a limb...
I had considered the 8.5X for the additional resolution reasons, but decided on the 6.5 to garner a wider FOV, wider EP and less hand-holding shake. Unfortunately, the 1st 6.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binocular I got came in Out of Collimation! I was really stern with the vendor when requesting an exchange, as the first pair came in with the OEM box set loosely inside the much larger shipping box (No Padding), allowing it to bounce around on it's 1500 mile journey (Sure it was out of collimation...Go Figure)! :-C
Received the exchanged Papilio II in Perfect collimation! However, the smooth focuser was hitting high resistance when out at 100yds or so. If I went steady to infinity, no hang up. But when I stopped around a focus of 90 to 110 yds, it took good effort to break the resistance for either going back to CF or up to infinity...Weird. Worked it steady for a couple of days with No Improvement...Had to go Back! Actually, the 1st & 2nd Papilios had serial numbers that were just 2 digits apart, both must have been manufactured on a Monday morning...After Holiday!! A 2nd exchange (3rd Papilio) was quickly on the way, with hopes a 3rd time would be the charm. Otherwise, it would have been like, "3 strikes-Your Out"! :storm:
Well, the 3rd Pentax Papilio II 6.5X21 has hit a Grand Slam! :bounce:
Functions and features are very impressive:
*super smooth even focus with no slack, no stickion, this unit has 1 revolution of focus for 5ft down to an amazing CF of just 15", 1 revolution for focal sweep from 5ft to 100ft, another full revolution beyond infinity
*IPD smooth with perfect resistance, perfect collimation, eye cups comfortable with great 3 position lock-ins
*solid grippe armor, full bino strap 360 deg rotation, good Ocular cover, nice cordura case and just 10oz of bino weight
Optically, these bat well above their price point:
*FOV is crystal clear and is sharp out to 90%+...Big Sweet Spot
*Colors are a little on the warm side with bright images-even in the shadows
*Pin-point focus and superb resolution details for a 6.5X
*CA and glare issues appear well controlled
*Reverse porro design presents a nice DOF stereopsis
*Good eye relief (no glasses) with quick FOV acquisition
Overall, I'm impressed with these 6.5X21's as they can offer a comfortable view throughout, Especially within their Amazing CF Range!! The vendor (B&H) has listened and the past 2 OEM boxes were well protected with BW (bubble wrap) and arrived in perfect collimation. The only real negative is that these are not weather proof, thus need to be treated accordingly!
Ted
Great and interesting review! I tried one in a store a few years ago just to satisfy curiosity. I was astounded at it's close-focus ability.
I'm surprised at how poorly B&H packed them. I've ordered a lot of things from them over the years, and have always been very happy at how well they pack items for shipping. I will also say that for the few times I have needed their customer service, they handled things quite well.......
They most certainly are. I agree with all the positive things Ted has said about them (and am glad to have avoided the packing and shipping problems when B&H send me mine).You know I have never even picked up a pair of those! They sound like pretty good little binoculars!