First Scope - Pentax PF-65EDAII? Recommendations? (1 Viewer)

[JaneB]

Hi there,

I am currently in the process of trying to decide which scope to buy. I am located in Canada and would like to spend under $1500. I've read loads of forum posts and have researched several scopes in this price range. Based on what I've read so far it seems that the Pentax PF-65EDAII with the XW 14 eyepiece may be one of the better options within this price point coming in around $1150 with tax.

I'm wondering what others think about this setup. Should I spend the extra $$ for the 80 EDAII or would you recommend an entirely different setup altogether? Vortex warranty is especially tempting.

Thanks in advance for your insight!

Jane

 

[gcole]

Hi there,

I am currently in the process of trying to decide which scope to buy. I am located in Canada and would like to spend under $1500. I've read loads of forum posts and have researched several scopes in this price range. Based on what I've read so far it seems that the Pentax PF-65EDAII with the XW 14 eyepiece may be one of the better options within this price point coming in around $1150 with tax.

I'm wondering what others think about this setup. Should I spend the extra $$ for the 80 EDAII or would you recommend an entirely different setup altogether? Vortex warranty is especially tempting.

Thanks in advance for your insight!

Jane

Hi Jane … I highly recommend the little Pentax 65 EDII, my favorite was the Pentax XW20 when choosing among Pentax’s line up. I have also used the XW14 when wanting higher power. Both are among the best for this scope in the low to medium power range . One of the best value to Optics Quality in the 65mm class range. …. Gwen

 

[JaneB]

Hi Jane … I highly recommend the little Pentax 65 EDII, my favorite was the Pentax XW20 when choosing among Pentax’s line up. I have also used the XW14 when wanting higher power. Both are among the best for this scope in the low to medium power range . One of the best value to Optics Quality in the 65mm class range. …. Gwen

Thank you for this reassurance, Gwen. Super helpful. I've placed the order and can't wait!

 

[gcole]

Thank you for this reassurance, Gwen. Super helpful. I've placed the order and can't wait!

Your very welcome. Make sure you follow up after your scope arrives, so we all can read about what you think about your new purchase.

 

[almond68]

I recommend the Pentax PF-65ED body and the Pentax XW-10 eyepiece, giving a 40X magnification. That combination gives a large 1.5 degree field of view, and an 20mm eye relief. Compared to the Pentax zoom eyepiece at the same magnification, you’ll get a wider field of fire and a longer eye relief.

 

[G8trwood]

Also looking at the Pentax 65mm and a fixed eyepiece. I have an old Vixen variable to use.

Any recent comparisons on the Pentax vs the Vortex Viper or Athlon Ares G2 (same price as pentax body)

Or better recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[jring]

Hi,

first of all, welcome to birdforum to both!

Pentax scopes can be very nice, if you get a good example (as with all spotting scopes, there is sample variation unfortunately). The usual reasons for choosing one are either the need for decent eye relief wide angle eyepieces in the form of the quite famous Pentax XW series (but that need can also be satisfied by classic Nikon Fieldscope ED models) or because the buyer already has a collection of 1,25" astro EPs and hopes to reuse these (or hopefully some, most will physically fit but not all of those will come to infinity focus in spotters with an 1,25" mount).

So if you really like the Vixen zoom and find some evidence that it comes to infinity focus in the Pentax or can try yourself in person before buying, why not...

Joachim

 

[G8trwood]

Thank you. I do have a small collection of astro eyepieces in suitable FL and good eye relief. Nothing as nice as the XW. I was hoping to repurpose some of these.

I did reach out, friend of a friend, and find someone with a Pentax who will let me try my eyepieces in their scope as well as try some of their eyepieces. Eye relief and fov would be nice.

 

[Elkhornsun]

Hi there,

I am currently in the process of trying to decide which scope to buy. I am located in Canada and would like to spend under $1500. I've read loads of forum posts and have researched several scopes in this price range. Based on what I've read so far it seems that the Pentax PF-65EDAII with the XW 14 eyepiece may be one of the better options within this price point coming in around $1150 with tax.

I'm wondering what others think about this setup. Should I spend the extra $$ for the 80 EDAII or would you recommend an entirely different setup altogether? Vortex warranty is especially tempting.

Thanks in advance for your insight!

Jane

I have been using the Pentax 65mm for years. It uses a common diameter for the eyepiece which is a plus. It also includes a very nice carry case. Whenever I consider a larger scope and look at the greater weight or a couple of pounds, I decide to stay with what I have. My Pentax included a zoom eyepiece and if you need to buy one for the Pentax be sure to include that in the cost comparison against the Vortex Viper that includes a 15-45x eyepiece.

Vortex Diamondback are entry level scopes and binoculars and I recommend going up to the Viper ones.

 

[CMB]

We have the Pentax 65mm with a Televue Delite fixed power expiece (reaches infinity focus) and like it very much. We recently added an Opticron MM4 60mm with the SDL 3 zoom.

The price of the Opticron is very close to the price of the Pentax, but the Opticron doesn’t take 1.25” astro eyepieces. Before purchasing the Pentax, consider pricing out an Opticron MM4 60mm

Overall we give the edge to the Opticron because:

• the optics are really good. A tad more crisp than our Pentax and a tad more contrast. Not a huge difference though.
• it is lighter weight (huge benefit when traveling and carrying long distances)
• slightly smaller in size (an edge over the Pentax when traveling)
• fully weather proof when using the SDL 3 zoom (our Pentax / Televue option is not)
• the 15-30x zoom range is very useful versus a fixed eyepiece
• the Opticron’s dual speed focus is great. The fine focus is very fine letting one get the focus right.

Both are very nice scopes. Since getting the Opticron MM4 60mm we haven’t used the Pentax 65mm.

 

[CMB]

Forgot to mention we also have the Pentax 80mm EDA II with fixed power eyepiece, and also a Kowa TSN-883.

We started with the Pentax scopes and used them for a number of years, and really like them for the price point.

When the budget allowed we added the Kowa TSN-883.

When we started to travel more, and hike greater distances, the Opticron was added.

We have used all four scopes side by side quite a few times, and have had all four setup for members of our bird group to view rarities, etc. The general comment by folks looking through all four on a sunny day is that all four scopes are very clear and provide good views. The Kowa TSN-883 is the largest and provides the best resolution, handles CA the best, and is sharp.

The two Pentax scopes (with fixed power eyepieces) and the Opticron are basically equal.

Our experience is that both the Pentax 65mm and Opticron 60mm get dark when pushed beyond 40x. The sweet spot on both (to us) is around 36 and below. At the same time the Opticron SDL zoom is reaaly nice, and is compact and looks right on the scope. While we think the Pentax XW eyepieces are huge on the Pentax 65mm scope.

Where we think the Opticron really shines is as a lightweight scope for carrying long distances and travel.

 

[Granpoli]

Anyone have uses one 1.25" Ep. Ultra wide angle and low Mag. With the Pentax 65 ?