Papilio 8.5x21

I received the Papilio II 8.5x21, which is now fully multi-coated, and had a chance to use them for the past few days. I should note that I have never seen the first generation model, so I can't compare it to that. However, I can draw other optics that I have either used or own as a reference point - namely, the Zeiss Conquest HD, HT, Swarovski line of binoculars, spotting scopes, and rifle scopes, the Leica HDB binoculars, the Schmidt and Bender PMII line of rifle scopes, Vortex Razor HD binoculars and scopes and a myriad of cheaper hunting optics (Nikon, Pentax, etc).

The unit is compact and lightweight. The build quality is what would be expected for a binocular in it's price range. I doubt I would feel comfortable beating on these.

The binoculars fair well in the day time, but under dim conditions, they suffer.

The contrast, clarity, and colour are excellent for it's price range. I was very pleasantly surprised.

As others have mentioned, where this unit shines is close up. These are amazing for viewing the details on flowers, insects, or anything else for that matter. These have even impressed my friends that only use alpha-level optics.

One of the main drawbacks is that it is not a waterproof or fogproof unit. However, again, at this price range, that can be forgiven.

The biggest drawback to me is that the eye relief is too much for the eyecups. Even with the eyecups fully extended, I can't get a good view and have to brace the binoculars against my eyebrows. If this issue could be solved, I would rate these a 10/10 without hesitation.

I would highly recommend these to anyone that has an interest in looking at anything close-up. They are very unique in this matter. As far as distance viewing, these are average, but there are better choices.

I just got my Papilio 11 bins and they are much better than the original model. More contrast and no reflections from the external surface of the eyepiece! I called Pentax and also some stores to ask if the new 6.5x model had any improvements or was the new designation just a marketing ploy. I received conflicting information. I ordered the 11 anyway and compared the coatings on the eyepieces. The new version was greenish, suggesting multicoating. The original version had no apparent color, and reflected light back into my eyes from the eyepieces. The images in the new version were sharper and were noticeably contrastier. I recommend the Papilio 11 verson highly.
Light weight. Comfortable. Nice FOV. I won't be using my 8x42 stabilized Canons as much now. Too heavy for long term carrying. The Papilio 11 is more useful and convenient especially at closer distances.
I hope this post is helpful.

I have 6.5x21 version.
View is somewhat dim and contrast is not as good as in typical reverse porro. There are plastic elements inside (put two polarizers - one @ the front, one behind ocular and see for yourself).

Focusing wheel is delicate and very sensitive - this is an issue for birdwatching, as Papilio can refocus from touching your shirt. Not waterproof.

View is sharp (but low contrast, so bird identification can be hard) and flat (easy panning). But close focus images are stunning.

All in all - perfect for a kid/teenager/nature lover/insect watcher. For a birder it is a compromise and not a best one. But still much better than cheap small roofs or good binoculars left home Also - paired with small inexpensive 20x50 scope would be a nice first birding outfit for a beginner...

I have the 6.5x21 model. In addition to uses listed above, they are great for reading small print. Since they are reverse porro, they also allow following the erratic flight of insects.

I have 6.5x21 version. Not a very bright view. Great focusing mechanism and good optical resolution allowing for very good sharpness. Nice wide fov. Large sweet spot. Light weight and good carrying strap and case. Small and portable. Not at all clunky. Close focusing is fun and interesting. Desirable beyond its rating by me. Still I would like a much less dark and more brilliant, lighter view.

I have 6X and 8X versions and prefer the 6X for its sharp image. Nothing else like them. They are a long distance stereo microscope. I even bought a spare pair because I like them that much.

REVISED from 2008, 09/07/2011:
I recently purchased a pair of Pentax's Papilio 8.5x21 Binoculars. My areas of primary interest include animal behavior, specifically of American Crows, and of ants. I hoped the glasses could do both in a pinch. The Papilio's ($110-139, USD) are marketed primariliy to Butterfly fans. The name is butterfly in latin. The close focus on this model (they also come in a 6.5x version), is 18"-20". Recent discussions on cloudynights.com point out the Papilio's actually go to a higher magnification as you focus closer, since this is achieved by moving the objectives relative to the eyepieces. So in effect, mine hit a little over 10x at close focus. Comparing the view to one with a 10x Hastings Triplet, i would have to agree.

Pentax claims the Papilio allows a single, image, even at 20". As you know, that can be hard to achieve with binoculars, at what ever their close focus distance. I found that at or near closest focus, if you have the IPD set just right, and I relaxed my eyes, this is true.

Build is ok, apparently all plastic, other than the glass elements. They are porroprism (maybe reverse porroprism, actually). There is a tripod socket on the bottom. The socket is plastic. This is a nice idea, since the best use as i will describe further on, is as a long distance magnifying loupe, so to speak. Optics.
The depth of field i have found is very narrow. If i was planning on using these only at normal binocular distances, i would pick something else. I had thought that "at normal distances, there is softness of the image and noticable chromatic abberation is pronounced. Interestingly, at close focusing distances, the image appears cleaner."
That is not the case. The optics are quite good, exspecially for a compact. But, your focusing has to be very precise. I think i perceived a difference in quality between normal/close, simply because I focused with precision close up.
My close viewing of the ants, was not a novel act for me. I regularily use 10x or 14x Hasting Triplet loupes in the field. I also use a well illuminated stereoscope and a compact field macroscope. The novelty of the Papilio is the ease of watching live ant behavior in their natural environment. The view was similar (except with a wider field in the Papilio) to 10x Coddington (doublet) loupe. That is pretty good for an inexpensive compact binocular.

Of course, the fun i guess, is being able to do that comparison for this money, with one pair of compact binos. :t:
I recommend these for, in my mind, the following uses:

1. Anyone interested in insects (other than large flying ones)
2. Anyone very keen on plants, fungi, etc.
3. Anyone painting or drawing any of the above.
4. Natural History museum goers.
5. Anyone who collects small things and goes to shows to look at/buy them.

If you intend to use them also at "normal" distances, be sure to get in the habit of focusing exactly, to get the full value of this glass.
They are extremely useful.
Additional comment 12/302011: on my pair of 8.5x, the focus speed & smoothness remains in cold weather conditions.