Home > Consumer Reviews > Pentax 62215 Papilio 6.5x21 Porro Prism Binocular

This binocular does indeed focus down to about a foot-and-a-half, far closer than any other binocular I know of. This makes it essential equipment for: art museums, biological fieldwork, any situation where you want to get closer to things you cannot simply GET closer to.

Excellent clarity, as to be expected from a top-line Japanese optical company (as clear as Nikon, for example). Bright enough for the purpose, has diopter (on right, I think), and adjustable for both those who wear eyeglasses and those who do not. They fit my weird, astigmatic, spectacled peepers quite well.

And...they are very reasonably priced. A no-brainer. See Rembrandt's brushstrokes up close! Buy them now. It is the right thing to do. :-)

I have very limited experience using binoculars, but we are going on a cruise to Alaska this spring and felt that we should get some. I studied up on all my options and picked these due to size (they are very compact for the power) and other reviews that I read.
I tried them out in my yard watching squirrels build a nest in a tree far out in the woods. They are fantastic. I could clearly see all the activity during the nest building. I wear glasses and these presented no problems.
I would recommend them to the novice, although I am sure there are better these will meet my needs exactly.

I am thrilled with my Papilio binoculars purchased from [...] through Amazon. I am a butterfly, bird, and natural history hobbyist, so I cannot speak as a professional scientist or discuss optics technically. I bought them sight unseen based on useful reviews here and elsewhere by people far more knowledgeable than I. Small and light as they are, they are substantial in construction and have a great hand feel. The clarity is superb, in my opinion, in distance focus. But it is the 18 inch close range focus that takes my breath away. It's like having a portable microscope, which is useful both in the field, and contexts like museums and conservatories. I am perfectly satisfied with their performance in low light conditions. I chose the 6.5x21 over the 8.5x21 based on reviews of persons who said that they were brighter, had wider range of view (393 ft and compared to 315 in the 8.5x21), which makes them easier to follow small moving objects, like butterflies with erratic flight patterns. I've played with binoculars 3 times the price of these, and I personally do not feel I am sacrificing anything anything significant with the modest investment in this Pentax Papilio. The pouch it comes in is just okay, and I may invest in something more substantial to keep them safe and sound. I recommend them highly.

Pentax has always made a superior product and the really did with this item. I bought these as a gift and am very happy with them. They are a little higher in price but that is the quality item. Why you might ask? They came in a black leather case and a necck strap. They are APPRX. 5 inches high by 5 inches wide and 2 inches deep and are adjustable to your face (eye) speration. Lifetime limited warrenty. Instructions make it very clear to only use lens cleaner no "Windex". These are true binoculars, you do not just adjust one but both for a great three D effect. We used them to look at the mountain that is apprx. 1000 feet from our home and it brought it so close and clear.

I can highly recommend Pentax.

These are very special for viewing close-ups while sitting on your patio or deck, or walking the forest. They act like a microscope, are super bright, and can focus on flowers, insects, hummingbirds, and butterflies within inches!! No others have this super close-up abilities...