Fit Pentax
An ingenious solution to the problem of super close focus: The Papilio by Pentax
Introduction: The best among the best in ability to focus very close are the Alpen Apex 8×32, the Columbia Backcountry 8×25 Pocket Roof Prism Binocular and the Eagle Optics Ranger STR 8×32, as well as the Zumell Signature 10×42 and Hawke Endurance Close Focus 10×42, both normal size binoculars. These binoculars can focus on an object as close as 3.3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters), which is unequalled and makes them perfectly fit for observing insects like butterflies and dragonflies.
If it’s exceptional being able to focus as close as 1 meter/3.3 feet, what superlative words can be found to describe the ability of the Pentax Papilio, with its close focus ability of 18 inches(46 centimeter)?
The problem with focusing really close:
Binoculars are actually two telescopes working in unison. Each objective lens delivers a distinct image to its eyepiece. This means that the viewer actually receives two different images through the eyepieces. However, in his mind these two images are integrated into one – as long as viewing something not up close. However, the closer the object, the more difficult it gets to integrate the two images, until it is not possible anymore. Most manufacturers limit the close focus to the closest distance at which the two images overlap. As said above, this could be a close as 1 meter. However, some of these super close focus binoculars do give you focus at such close ranges, but the images from the two barrels/telescopes are not entirely integrated.
What is the solution to this problem presented by Pentax?
Pentax’s solution to the problem is a groundbreaking new technology known as CLOSE : Convergent Lens Optical System Engineering. The key to this technology is the fact that the objective lenses and the eyepieces are no longer in the same housing; the objective lenses are placed in a solid housing separated from the eyepieces. Adjusting the barrels to fit your eyes has no impact on the position of the objective lenses, as in the case of all other binoculars.
For focusing you use the knob at the top between the eyepieces. Focusing is done by moving the lenses closer or further apart from one another and not, as in the case of other binoculars, by moving the lenses closer or further away from the eyes of the viewer.
Ever noticed that the objective lenses move further away or closer (or the eyepieces) when you focus with an ordinary pair of binoculars? Well, with the Pentax Papilio the objective lenses themselves converge on one another within the solid housing when you’re focusing. The closer you get with ordinary binoculars, the more difficult it gets to integrate the two images from each telescopic unit, until it’s not possible anymore. Not with this binocular. Since the two lenses move closer to one another, converging the two images is no problem for the Papilio – not even as close as 46 cm! No double or half-overlapping images at such a close range – one single integrated image. And that without any special effort from your own eyes!
The closer the object on which you are focusing, each eye’s line of sight converges with the other’s, so you’re constantly looking at the same object with both eyes.
Overall size:
The Pentax Papilio is a compact binocular of the “reverse porro” type, 4 inches long and 4.5 inches wide, weighing only 10.5 ounches. The size of the apertures is 21 mm.
Different models:
Two models are available: The Pentax Papilio 6.5 x 21 and the Pentax Papilio 8.5 x 21.
Different applications:
“Papilio” is the Latin word for “butterfly”, so Pentax clearly developed this instrument as a specialist instruments for super, super close viewing of insects like butterflies. In this regard it is unrivalled. The only limitation it has as far as viewing objects close and far away is the size of the apertures (21 mm), but that applies to all compact binoculars in any case.
About the Author
For more information and comparisons, please visit my website at www.pocketbinoculars.net.
|
|
Isco Gottingen Westron 1:3.5 35mm lens for Pentax M42 fit $220.01 |
|
|
PENTAX BAYONET FIT, HANIMEX LENS AUTO ZOOM C-MACRO !:4.5 F=80-200mm MC , $7.86 |
|
|
ZYKKOR MC AUTO ZOOM 80-200MM 1:3.9 – NO. 912673 – FITS PENTAX $46.95 |
|
|
Brand New Battery Grip Fit Pentax K10D, K20D BP-K20D $67.37 |
|
|
Brand New Battery Grip Fit Pentax K-7 D-BG4 $97.77 |
|
|
PENTAX BAYONET FIT,PRINZFLEX AUTO MC, 1:2.8 F=28mm LENS $7.86 |
|
|
Prinzgalaxy 200mm 1:4.5 Preset telephoto lens for Pentax M42 fit with caps Case $54.99 |
|
|
Prinzflez Auto Reflex 1:2.8 28mm wide angle lens Pentax M42 fit $58.92 |
|
|
Op/Tech Super Pro Strap “A” fits Hasselblad, Kiev, Pentax LX – Red #4202012 $23.95 |
|
|
Takara Miniature Toys Pentax Mini Photo Camera 09 fit SD MSD Obitsu Dollfie $17.99 |
|
|
28mm f2.8 M42 LENS FITS CANON EOS, PENTAX K – GREAT ITEM! $39.29 |
|
|
SMC Pentax-M 50mm f1.7 Prime Lens + Case Pentax K fit Nice!! $16.49 |
|
|
SMC Pentax-M 28mm f2.8 Prime Lens + Case Pentax K fit Nice!! $48.72 |
|
|
Vivitar 28mm f2.8 MC Wide Angle Lens + Case Pentax K fit Nice!! $15.70 |
|
|
Pentax-FA 28-70mm f4 AL Zoom Lens Pentax Digital fit RARE!! $44.00 |
|
|
Op/Tech Super Pro Strap “A” fits Hasselblad, Kiev, Pentax LX – Black #4201012 $23.95 |
|
|
LENS HOOD+FILTER+CAP 67mm fit SONY DSC-R1,PENTAX 50-135 $18.50 |
|
|
SOLIGOR AUTO TELE CONVERTER 2X TO FIT PENTAX-K $5.00 |
|
|
SOLIGOR CUSTOM TELE CONVERTER MODEL 2X LENS LENSES TO FIT PENTAX CAMERA W/ CASE! $33.15 |
|
|
52mm Circular Polarizer Filter fits Pentax 50-200mm $9.95 |
|
|
Battery Charger fit Pentax Optio H90 I90 P70 P80 W90 WS80 39774 KBC88U KBC88J $9.99 |
|
|
Albinar 28mm lens fits pentax k mount cameras $19.00 |
|
|
PENTAX K MOUNT FIT TOKINA 28-70mm 1:2.8-4.3 LENS / HARD CASE $75.00 |
|
|
QUANTARAY 1:4-5.6 f= 70-210mm MULTI-COATED LENS MADE IN JAPAN TO FIT PENTAX, EXC $9.99 |
|
|
Eyecup Mounted Accessory Shoe – Fits Pentax 18x18mm Eyepiece – Japan – USED D6 $11.49 |
|
|
AU/EU/US/UK Charger fit D-LI68 Battery Pentax Optio A36 S10 S12 K-BC68 D-L168 $9.99 |
|
|
Camera Battery Fit TOSHIBA CAMILEO X100 PX1657 NP-120 Pentax Optio 750Z MX MX4 $8.98 |
|
|
*EX* Pentax SMC Pentax-A 55mm f/4 fit pentax 67, 55/4 $460.00 |
|
|
*EX* Pentax SMC Pentax-A 300mm f/4 fit pentax 67, 300/4 $450.00 |
|
|
Vivitar 28mm f2.8 Prime Lens For Pentax PK-A Fit $86.44 |
|
|
**New** Battery Fit PENTAX Optio 330,330RS,430,430RS D-LI2 3.70V Li-ion 1050mAh $5.99 |
|
|
Pentax SMC 50mm f2 Manual Portrait Prime Lens ** PENTAX PK / PKA FIT* $55.01 |
|
|
50mm f3.5 INDUSTAR PANCAKE lens USSR M42 Pentax screw fit $47.13 |
|
|
Battery fit NIKON S550 Pentax M50 EN-EL11 D-LI78 25-146 $14.99 |
|
|
Pentax PK fit PRINZFLEX Tomioka 28MM 2.8 mk11 PRIME WIDE LENS $86.44 |
|
|
Pentax SMC Pentax-A 200mm f/4 fit Pentax 67, 200/4 $299.00 |
|
|
Battery fit Pentax OPTIO W80 DLI78 D-LI78 NEW EN-EL11 $5.99 |
|
|
Eyecup fits Pentax K2000 K200D K110D Super K-m as FO $9.99 |
|
|
LENS HOOD 52mm fit SAMSUNG GX-1S PENTAX K100D K10D K11D $10.50 |
|
|
Prakticar 2x auto teleconverter for Pentax M42 fit $20.42 |
|
|
APS Auto Teleplus 2x for Pentax M42 fit with caps and case $20.42 |
|
|
Charger fit D-LI78 Pentax Optio M50 M-50 M60 M-60 V20 V-20 W60 W-60 W80 W-80 USA $9.99 |
|
|
Prinzflex 2x Auto Converter for Pentax K fit with caps and case $20.42 |
|
|
52mm 2X/X2 Tele Lens Fits Pentax DA 18-55mm DA 50-200mm $14.95 |
|
|
FLASH MODIFIER – DIFFUSER – REFLECTOR – pro model – Fits Canon, Nikon Pentax $29.95 |
|
|
OLYMPUS OM VARIMAGNI/ANGLE FINDER FITS PENTAX TOO @ $145.00 |
|
|
Battery Charger fits Pentax K-5 K5 K-7 K7 645 645D 39830 39835 K-BC90 D-BC90 new $9.99 |
|
|
Pentax Hot Shoe Cover Fc for SLR’s; Also Fits Pentax DSLR’s!!! $4.99 |
|
|
Pentax LX Rubber Eyecup: Actually a Canon Cup but Fits LX Perfectly! $3.99 |
|
|
PENTAX 35mm f/2.8 M42 Mount Fit SOLIGOR LENS 4 Pentax Canon Nikon 4/3 with Adapt $149.00 |
|
|
New 0.45x Wide Angle+ Filter Kit UV/CPL/FLD Lens For Nikon/Pentax Fits 52mm Lens $38.01 |
|
|
Takara Pentax Mini Camera 10 fit 1/3 SD 1/4 MSD Doll $16.15 |
|
|
BATTERY FIT Pentax K-7,D-LI90,1860mAh,Li-ion,BEAND NEW $14.24 |
|
|
BATTERY FIT Pentax Optio P70,Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10,NEW $11.39 |
|
|
BATTERY FIT KODAK EasyShare Z7590,PENTAX Optio 330,NEW $8.07 |
|
|
BATTERY FIT Sanyo Xacti VPC-E10,PENTAX Optio M50,M60 $2.84 |
|
|
BATTERY FIT PENTAX Optio W30,T30,L36,M40,L40,M30,V10 $2.84 |
|
|
BATTERY FIT KODAK EasyShare C763,PENTAX Optio A10,A20 $2.84 |
|
|
BATTERY FIT PENTAX Optio S6,S7,SV,Svi,T10,T20,W10,W20 $2.84 |
|
|
BATTERY FIT PENTAX Optio A30,L20,S,S4,S4i,S5i,S5n,S5z $2.84 |
|
|
TAKUMAR 80-200mm ZOOM LENS TO FIT PENTAX K . $15.64 |
|
|
BATTERY FIT PENTAX Optio 330RS,430,430RS,450,BRAND NEW $3.32 |
|
|
Sigma EF-500 ST TTL Dedicated Flashgun for Pentax Film Camera AF Fit 2014220 $125.63 |
|
|
BATTERY FIT Minolta Maxxum 7D,PENTAX K10D,K20D,SB-L1674 $8.54 |
|
|
Sigma 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical Zoom fit Pentax Good Condition $27.70 |
|
|
KALT POLARIZER FILTER 55MM FIT CANON NIKON LEICA PENTAX $23.00 |
|
|
FB&R flex set of 3 Vintage extension tubes for Pentax M42 fit Zebra Stripe $23.56 |
|
|
Meyer Optik Gorlitz Domiplan 2.8 50mm lens for Pentax M42 fit $47.13 |
|
|
Pentax F SMC 35-80mm f/4-5.6 Manual Focus Zoom Lens ** PENTAX PK FIT ** $39.29 |
|
|
Sunagor C/D Series II 1:2.8 28mm Wide angle lens for Pentax M42 fit $62.85 |
|
|
SMC Pentax M 50mm f/1.7 Prime / Portrait Lens ** PENTAX PK FIT ** $39.29 |
|
|
Genuine PENTAX PK/A SLIP-IN TYPE PLASTIC BODY CAP to fit Film or Digital SLR $4.95 |
|
|
Miranda 70-210 1:4.5-5.6 MC Macro Zoom lens for Pentax K fit $27.49 |
|
|
Pentax DSLR Camera Bag (fits Canon Nikon) $34.99 |
|
|
Genuine ASAHI PENTAX PK/A PLASTIC BODY CAP to fit Film or Digital SLR $4.95 |
|
|
NOS Genuine Asahi Pentax 49mm push fit metal lens cap $21.61 |
|
|
CANON 35mm f/2.8 FD Mount fit SOLIGOR LENS 4 Pentax,Canon,Nikon, 4/3 with Adap $149.00 |
|
|
52mm 2X/X2 Tele Lens Fits Pentax DA 18-55mm DA 50-200mm $14.95 |
|
|
CONTAX 49mm P FILTER FITS ZEISS MINOLTA PENTAX ROLLEI & Other lenses $40.00 |
|
|
PENTAX WINDER ME with INSTRUCTIONS fits PENTAX ME CAMERA *EX+ $29.95 |
|
|
49mm CPL Circular Polarizing Filter Fits Lens for Pentax Sony Canon EOS C73 $5.99 |
|
|
HQRP Battery fits Pentax D-LI78 D-BC78 Optio M50 M60 V20 W60 W80 L50 L60 $9.95 |
|
|
PENTAX K FIT 70-210MM ZOOM LENS $6.29 |
|
|
Osawa 28mm f/2.8 Prime Lens fit Pentax near MINT $36.93 |
|
|
Super Takumar Asahi 55mm f2 Pentax M42 Screw Fit Lens $6.93 |
|
|
Asahi Pentax M SMC 50mm f2 PK / K Fit Lens $3.46 |
|
|
Photax – Paragon 35mm f2.8 Pentax M42 Screw Fit Lens $13.36 |
|
|
UV FILTER 49mm WILL FIT NIKON PENTAX CANON LEICA W/CASE $12.00 |
|
|
Tokina SD 70-210mm 1:4-5.6 Macro Zoom lens for Pentax K fit $51.06 |
|
|
Helios 44M-4 1:2 58mm lens for Pentax M42 fit $54.99 |
|
|
TESTED Cosinon-Z 28-50mm f3.5 – 4.5 Pentax K mount fits Canon EOS, NEX, PEN, 4/3 $15.70 |
|
|
CHINON- 75/205 -150/410- 650mm M42 Rot Zoom To Fit Pentax – Canon EOS Digi $6.60 |
|
|
Super Takumar Asahi 55mm f1.8 Pentax M42 Screw Fit Lens $19.65 |
|
|
Sunagor 28mm 2.8 Wide Angle Lens M42 Pentax Screw Fit DSLR Adaptable EOS 4/3 NEX $16.61 |
|
|
Promaster 28-210mm Manual Focus Lens – fits Pentax KPR $149.00 |
|
|
Weatherized Hard Shell Case fits Pentax K-x +DA 18-55mm $12.95 |
|
|
Soligor Auto teleconverter 2X to fit Pentax $20.00 |
|
|
SUNTAR AUTO LENS 1:2.8 F=135 mm. SCREW MOUNT FITS PENTAX $18.88 |
|
|
VINTAGE SPIRATONE 1:4.5 F=200 MM FITS M42 PENTAX WITH CAPS NICE $36.00 |
|
|
SOLIGOR 75-200MM ONE-TOUCH F/4.5 C/D TO FIT PENTAX NICE $40.00 |
