Pentax Papilio II 6.5×21

Specifications:

Objective diameter:  21 mm
Magnification:  6.5 x
Exit pupil: 3.23 mm
Eye relief (acc. to spec): 15 mm
Usable eye relief (measured from rim of eyecup): 11 mm
IPD: 56  –  74 mm
RFOV:  7.5  degrees = 131 m
AFOV (measured, rounded): 48 degrees
Minimum focus distance (measured): 0.48 m
Focus type: CF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: > clockwise)
Degrees of rotation of focus wheel from 3m to infinity (measured): 225 degrees
Range of diopter adjustment (acc. to spec.): +/- 4 dpt*
Excess travel of focus wheel beyond infinity position (estimate): 7 dpt*
Prism system:  Porro I Reverse
Waterproof: spashproof ?
Weight (measured, with eyepiece cover and strap): 323 g
Made in: China
*range of diopter adjustment not affected by position of focus wheel

Remarks:

The Papilio, which comes in two versions – 6.5×21 and 8.5×21 – is special, or even unique, in a number of ways. First, when taking it in to your hands, it’s much smaller than you would expect from seeing it on pictures or in catalogues. Second, it’s design is that of reverse porro, with both objective lenses close together. Third, a special mechanism allows it to focus as close as 50cm, making it a preferred instrument for people observing insects, spiders and the like. This mechanism causes the axes of the objective lenses to increasingly converge, the closer you focus – very nice! But the Papilio is also in use for some birding activities. It is definitely not one of the expensive binoculars, but it features decent optics and mechanics, is easy to handle and has even a screwhole to mount it on a tripod or monopod. Good central and – for the price – very acceptable peripheral sharpness, aceptable brightness and good CA correction, but a slight pinkish tint of the image.

Ratings: