KorHaan
Well-known member
Hi Dennis,
You're right about always discovering something new. I didn't even consider 6.5x mag to be interesting at all, but it was a coincidence of circumstances that led to the Papilio's. First of all, I strained a muscle in my shoulder after a long day with the Canon 18x50 IS's. I had trouble lifting my right arm and got me a video breast rest support arm to use with my 18x50's. The 18x50's with tripod socket went on without problems, but the sheer weight of the Canons made the whole contraption awkward to use, and besides that, the stabilization didn't work as well than without the support.
So I went looking for a lightweight bin with a tripod socket underneath, to put onto the video support arm, and from memory the Pentax Papilio seemed the logical choice.
I went for the 8.5x21, but the store had only the 6.5x21 in stock. When I tried them, I was amazed how good they were. It was everything done just right, and 900 grams less than my 18x50 Canons, purchase was a no-brainer.
I use them at all distances. The only shortcoming in really long distance viewing is the magnification; 6.5x has its limits, but the bins are so sharp and easy to hold steady, that it is a pleasure to hold them up and simply gaze for minutes until I can feel my shoulder muscle protesting. I then put them on the video support arm and can hold them effortlessly with only my left hand. The focus knob is buttery smooth and though not very large, it is placed just right, sticking out a bit.
The one thing that is absolutely fantastic is, that I can bring them to my eyes in a split second on a flying bird. Even fast birds are no problem, it's amazing how less weight lets you get spot on on birds that I usually missed with my bigger bins.
Waterproof reverse porro's do exist, I can think of the Binolyt Rock 8x27, which is completely waterproof, but weighing 450 grams. I don't know if these are still being made, or discontinued. The Pentax 8x25 UCF WP and 10x25 UCF WP are JISS-level 6 waterproof, being submersible to 1 m for 5 minutes. These models are equipped with tripod sockets underneath, just like the Pentax Papilios.
I know of no 8x30 fully waterproof reverse porro's. I once tried ( some fifteen years ago) a Binolyt MC 8x30 reverse porro, which was very nice to hold but also had a noticeably soft image.
I think my big 18x50's will see little use in the future. After discovering the staggering amount of CA in the stabilized mode, I can only think of putting them on a tripod for further use without batteries. I just don't feel like lugging them around with a tripod as well. Maybe I'll opt for another scope in the future. Seeing how well inexpensive reverse porro's can perform, leaves me doubtful if I ever want to splash out on full-sized bins. I already am in the proces of selling my second-hand Zeiss Dialyts 10x40 BT*'s. The Papilio's are way easier to use, with the same level of satisfaction.
Even 710 grams for a full-sized bin can be a pain after hours in the field.
Best regards,
Ronald
You're right about always discovering something new. I didn't even consider 6.5x mag to be interesting at all, but it was a coincidence of circumstances that led to the Papilio's. First of all, I strained a muscle in my shoulder after a long day with the Canon 18x50 IS's. I had trouble lifting my right arm and got me a video breast rest support arm to use with my 18x50's. The 18x50's with tripod socket went on without problems, but the sheer weight of the Canons made the whole contraption awkward to use, and besides that, the stabilization didn't work as well than without the support.
So I went looking for a lightweight bin with a tripod socket underneath, to put onto the video support arm, and from memory the Pentax Papilio seemed the logical choice.
I went for the 8.5x21, but the store had only the 6.5x21 in stock. When I tried them, I was amazed how good they were. It was everything done just right, and 900 grams less than my 18x50 Canons, purchase was a no-brainer.
I use them at all distances. The only shortcoming in really long distance viewing is the magnification; 6.5x has its limits, but the bins are so sharp and easy to hold steady, that it is a pleasure to hold them up and simply gaze for minutes until I can feel my shoulder muscle protesting. I then put them on the video support arm and can hold them effortlessly with only my left hand. The focus knob is buttery smooth and though not very large, it is placed just right, sticking out a bit.
The one thing that is absolutely fantastic is, that I can bring them to my eyes in a split second on a flying bird. Even fast birds are no problem, it's amazing how less weight lets you get spot on on birds that I usually missed with my bigger bins.
Waterproof reverse porro's do exist, I can think of the Binolyt Rock 8x27, which is completely waterproof, but weighing 450 grams. I don't know if these are still being made, or discontinued. The Pentax 8x25 UCF WP and 10x25 UCF WP are JISS-level 6 waterproof, being submersible to 1 m for 5 minutes. These models are equipped with tripod sockets underneath, just like the Pentax Papilios.
I know of no 8x30 fully waterproof reverse porro's. I once tried ( some fifteen years ago) a Binolyt MC 8x30 reverse porro, which was very nice to hold but also had a noticeably soft image.
I think my big 18x50's will see little use in the future. After discovering the staggering amount of CA in the stabilized mode, I can only think of putting them on a tripod for further use without batteries. I just don't feel like lugging them around with a tripod as well. Maybe I'll opt for another scope in the future. Seeing how well inexpensive reverse porro's can perform, leaves me doubtful if I ever want to splash out on full-sized bins. I already am in the proces of selling my second-hand Zeiss Dialyts 10x40 BT*'s. The Papilio's are way easier to use, with the same level of satisfaction.
Even 710 grams for a full-sized bin can be a pain after hours in the field.
Best regards,
Ronald
