Pentax Papilio 6.5 x 21 and 8.5 x 21
A review by Bernie Starkie

Long overdue? A good quality binocular with exceptional close focussing, normally only found in specialist monoculars. These new Papilio binoculars from Pentax are a wonderful tool for the all round naturalist who is as likely to be looking at lichens and fungi one minute and butterflies and birds the next.

Though still very much a compact binocular and extremely lightweight, the Papilio is big enough for larger hands to grip comfortably while remaining small enough to fit in the pocket or carry bag.

Both pairs tested focussed much closer than the stated 0.5meter, but there is more to these binoculars than this. Brightness and resolution of objects over distance was very good, comparing favourably with other similarly priced binoculars. Particularly impressive was the 6.5 x model which performed especially well in low light conditions. It provided an impressive depth of field, and large angle of view all combining to make them a very pleasing binocular to use.

At the price this is, I believe, going to fast become a binocular found in many rucksacks and pockets