DCF SP 8X43

This is my 2nd pair of Pentax DCF 8*43 binoculars. The focus mechanism in the first pair broke six years ago (a year after the 5-year warranty expired!). I then went for Nikon Sporter 8*36, but thought the build quality was pretty good, the handling and especially the optics never convinced me. So last month I finally got around to ordering a pair of Pentax DCF SP 8*43. Now I simply can't understand why I waited so long! They are head and shoulders above my previous Pentax and the Nikon. Optically they are very close to the "big four" (Leica, Swarowski, Zeiss and Nikon HG), whereas the build quality is a little further behind. But then again, they are less than 25% of the price. The only negative I can think of is the extreme close focus (less than 2.5m) where there are ghostly shadows from the tubes in the field of view. But even considering that, these bins are extremely good value for the money.

Thomas

Searched Australia for these, tried Nikon, Leica, Swarovski counterparts before eventually finding a pair of Pentax. Experienced the wow factor & for the price a no brainer. A top bino for the birder who desires a quality product &/or value for money.The binoculars are a 10 but I deducted one point because of the cheap,ill fitting protectors.Our Bushnell protectors are now on the Pentax. I do not find the field of view a problem as these,for me, are an aid to photography.

PENTAX DCF SP 8 X 43. EXCELLENT OPTICS VERY BRIGHT SHARP IMAGE. BIN WEIGHT VERY LIGHT. BEAUTIFUL DARK GREEN ARMOR. EYE RELIEF IS UNBELIEVABLE 22 MM. CLOSE FOCUS IS FANTASTIC 6.5 FEET. FOCUS HAS JUST THE RIGHT FEEL. VERY LITTLE CHROMATIC ABBERATION. THE ONLY BAD THING ABOUT THESE BINS IS THE FOV IS VERY NARROW ONLY 6.3 DEGREES. GREAT PAIR OF BINS FOR THE BIRDER WITH A BUDGET. THEY REALLY STAND UP TO THE TOP BINS OUT THERE.