Cameras and Lenses
Birds and Stars - Pentax V Nikon
Hi all, I've been screening the Binocular section of the forum for a few days as a means of gathering information prior to purchase of my first "bins".
I live in Australia and visit the Outback 2-3 times a year and would like to explore both bird watching and astronomy using binoculars. I don't go shooting or hunting, although enjoy bushwalking and looking at animals from a distance.
From what I can gather so far for birdwatching 8X40 is a reasonable first choice, and for astronomy, proabably 10X50 is a good starting point. There may be an occasional sports game in there somewhere as well.
I don't really understand a lot of the terms used (porro etc) except in a reudimentary way. However it seems like a good option if visual quality is required, so I think that's the path I'll take.
I have an reasonable Pentax camera system, which began in the early 80's and I'm very loyal to the brand, for no real reason other than I've enjoyed the product and design ethos of the company. That's not to say I wouldn't entertain other options. I do however have a lot of respect for Japanese manufacturing systems and quality control processes.
Having looked at costs, I think I'm down to a Nikon Action Ex Vs Pentax PCF WPII. I'm in my 40's and have young children who would also use the binoculars. I don't wear glasses.I have a sturdy manfrotto tripod with a quick release plate.
I'd appreciate any feedback from the group about the direction I'm heading in, and whether I should be considering other options. If I am heading in the right direction, is either of these models "better" or more appropriate for my needs?
Thanking you in advance - RalfR.
[QUOTE=RalfR;1190329]Hi all, I've been screening the Binocular section of the forum for a few days as a means of gathering information prior to purchase of my first "bins".
I live in Australia and visit the Outback 2-3 times a year and would like to explore both bird watching and astronomy using binoculars. I don't go shooting or hunting, although enjoy bushwalking and looking at animals from a distance.
From what I can gather so far for birdwatching 8X40 is a reasonable first choice, and for astronomy, proabably 10X50 is a good starting point. There may be an occasional sports game in there somewhere as well.
I don't really understand a lot of the terms used (porro etc) except in a reudimentary way. However it seems like a good option if visual quality is required, so I think that's the path I'll take.
I have an reasonable Pentax camera system, which began in the early 80's and I'm very loyal to the brand, for no real reason other than I've enjoyed the product and design ethos of the company. That's not to say I wouldn't entertain other options. I do however have a lot of respect for Japanese manufacturing systems and quality control processes.
Having looked at costs, I think I'm down to a Nikon Action Ex Vs Pentax PCF WPII. I'm in my 40's and have young children who would also use the binoculars. I don't wear glasses.I have a sturdy manfrotto tripod with a quick release plate.
I'd appreciate any feedback from the group about the direction I'm heading in, and whether I should be considering other options. If I am heading in the right direction, is either of these models "better" or more appropriate for my needs?
Thanking you in advance - RalfR.[/QUOTE]
Hello!
I have a PCF WP II 8x40, and I can recommend it.
The optical quality is very good.
To improve optically, you'd have to go into the Zeiss/Swarovski realm.
The field of view (angle) is not very wide, but within what it offers it competes favorably with more expensive instruments.
It is very well built and water/dust-tight.
With more than 800 grams it is not the lightest, but it is a very sturdy instrument.
I can't say anything about the Nikon EX, as I have never been able to handle one; they are simply not on offer over here.
The have a wider field of view but I don't know and am not sure if it's better or as good as the Pentax's.
I consider the value-for-money ratio of the Pentax WP II very good.
The Pentax is made in China (like most "japanese" gadgets these days), but quality control seems to operate just fine.
Maybe there's something useful in here for you.
Best regards,
Thomas (ME super, MX, Super A, P30, Z20 
)
If your kids are going to be using them as well, they might find both the Nikon and Pentax booth too heavy and cumbersome and the IPD spacing may not fit their eyes (depending on their size and age of course). For a very good, inexpensive all around binocular take a hard look at the Leupold Yosemite. They come in 6x30 and 8x30 versions. They have wonderful optics, are lightweight, have nice wide fov, and they were designed from the get-go for kids and smaller stature people. They also work fine for large adults as well. They are my pick for the best value for the money binocular on the market. For about $90-100 US, you get a $500 view. It will take a lot of money to improve these much.