20X Binocs: Alternative to BigEyes?

Nodak7mm · #1 11-19-2002, 02:55 PM

Has anyone experience with the Pentax PCF 20x60 binocs? I am entertaining them as an alternative to a spotting scope.

I have my concerns to their optical quality as their price is very afforadable. I am/was saving to get a Leupold 12x40 S/Scope, but the concept of the bigeyes has me curious.

So I am just checking all the angles as I am a firm believer in quality optics, you get what you pay for. And considering the price of the Pentax binocs, well lets just say I don't want to throw away money that could be used towards a quality spotting scope.

Open to comments, suggestions and opinions..

Nodak

Boyd Heaton · #2 11-19-2002, 03:34 PM

I have a pair.And they work well.But they can'nt compare to The Big Eye's(spacemaster's,Kowa's ect) for extended looking...............

CatShooter · #3 11-19-2002, 04:00 PM

I have a pair of Steiner 20x80's and they are great, very sharp and bright, plus they are light. They come with a tripod mount too.

CatShooter

Nodak7mm · #4 11-19-2002, 04:39 PM

Catshooter, Thanks, I'll take a look at the stieners.

Boyd, speaking from "my experience" using a single spacemaster spotting scope, my head still hurts, & the clarity was less than favorable. But I cannot judge them as a bigeye set up as I have never had the opportunity to look thru them.

I have a pair of top end B&L 7x binocs and love em. I researched and tried out all in that class, only took me 2 years to finally ascertain beyond doubt, the B&L's were for my eyes. Now in that two years I learned alot about optics. Thats what has me concerned about the Pentax as I looked through dang near every 7 & 8 x binocs made and did not find (IMO) a pair that was decent for my eyes under $400. Those Pentax 20x list on BearBasin for $229 so I am shy.

My confusion on the bigeyes, in part comes from my experience with a single spacemaster. I can see the eye strain going away using big eyes, but I'll still question the optical quality or lack thereof.

Until I get a chance to look through a set myself, I better shut-up commenting on something that is held in high regards that I have no experience using. I certainly hope that I have not offended anyone as my observations are my own and not intended to piss anyone off.. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Guess I just gotta get my rear to one of the 1K matches and have a look see. As the biggest thing I learned about optics is to look through them under the conditions your to use them in, if you like them, thats all that matters....

Thank you all for your time...

Nodak

Mysticplayer · #5 11-19-2002, 05:21 PM

Been thinking the same thing with the 16X60 set. From their brochure, they do use BaK4 lenses and they are supposed to be multicoated. That is good. Also the lenses are Aspherical which will help with edge distortion. Also good. They may not be waterproof, just water resistant.

My guess is that Porro Prism tech is a lot cheaper. Like you, I would love to hear from anyone who has used these glasses.

Jerry

Boyd Heaton · #6 11-19-2002, 08:11 PM

Like I said.I have a pair of Pentex 20x60's and they work well....You won't go wrong by buying them..

PrimeTime · #7 11-22-2002, 08:30 AM

I used my 12 power Nikon bino's for a year and a half (excellent glasses) and realized they just weren't enough for the type of long range bench shooting that I was engaged in. I looked at most of the high power bino's and couldn't find any that met my needs. Finally, I bit the bullet and bought a set of Swift big eyes with 22 power wide angle lenses. By far the best investment I have made to date. They cost around $900 but well worth it to me.