10x 42mm - MPN: 62613
Strengths: Great optics, very brilliant, true color, outstanding sharpness.
Weakness: None, still trying to find one.
I can honestly say that for under $300 this was the best deal I came up with. My budget was $300 at the time and of all the pairs I compared to in this price range, the Pentax DCF HR II gave me the brightest and sharpest image of all.
The binos I compared to was the Burris siganature, Bushnell legends, Nikon Monarch, Weaver grand slam and the Leupold Pinnacles. All were good, except the Pentax were the only ones to stand out from the crowed based on resolution, brightness and clarity.
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TopStrengths: Good construction. Waterproof. Twist-in eyecups.
Weakness: Marginal optical performance. Poor cap and raincover design.
The optical performance is visibly lower than the previous genration of DCF HR binoculars. The resolution is lower than and the light transmition is on par with the old HRs. Both are worse than the DCF SP series. Severe color rings on the bright color edges makes this binoculars very unpleasant to use during the daytime hours. And it was the biggest issue for me. However, for the money, it is not too bad. But I would rather buy an old HR, if still can be found, or a Canon for the comparable price. If you want the best performance, buy a Zeiss FL or a Nikon SE (glass wearers may find the SE has some black-out problems). Leica and Swarovski all have some color ring problem, you may find them not worhty the money.
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TopI have to disagree with yang9595, I have the Pentax DCF HR II and I happen to like these binoculars. I've compared the old HR's to the HRII and I see a sharper, brighter image with the HRII. About the color rings, "What are you talking about"? I've seen the top euro's and all the pentax binoculars and I've never experienced this before. I think you are buying defective or black market binoculars.
Color rings?? I've only seen them on a cheap ($29)chinese made pair of Barska binos. I have a Nikon Monarch and a Pentax HR II both comparable and both free of "color rings". Maybe u got a defective bino but the color rings should not be there.
Strengths: The strength of the lens are efficient for viewing birds from afar. I appreciate the clarity since this was a factor in buying this product.
Weakness: It does take some practice to view the surrounding environment after pin pointing an object. But since this is not always necessary it poses no real problem.
This product proved to be a most efficient and satisfactory item. The water proof construction convinced me to purchase this as it was needed for the outdoors.
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Top
Check eye relief.
Strengths: 10x, well made.
Weakness: Lacks the outstanding eye relief of the Pentax 8x42 DCF HR II.
I tried alongside the Pentax 8x42 DCF HR II. They're NOT the same binoc! I couldn't infinity focus the 10x42 DCF HR II with or without glasses, and the eye relief (ability to use with glasses) was poor. Try before you buy, especially if you wear glasses. These 10X42's may work fine for eyes different than mine.
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