Pentax SP 20×60 WP

Specifications:

Objective diameter: 60 mm
Magnification: 20 x
Exit pupil: 3.0 mm
Eye relief (acc. to spec): 21 mm
Usable eye relief (measured from rim of eyecup): 20 mm
IPD: 56 – 73 mm
RFOV: 2.2 degrees = 38 m
Minimum focus distance (measured): 6.95 m
Focus type: CF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: < anticlockwise)
Range of diopter adjustment (estimate): +/- 4 dpt*
Excess travel of focus wheel beyond infinity position (estimate): 4.5 dpt*
Prism system: Porro I
Waterproof: yes
Weight (measured, with eyepiece cover and strap): 1‘418 g
Made in: China
*range of diopter adjustment not affected by position of focus wheel

Remarks:
The largest Pentax has been on the market for some time now, and several slightly modified versions have been recorded over the years. What stayed the same is the field of view (FOV), which is quite narrow, compared to other 20x binoculars. People have been criticizing this forever, but the Pentax still finds buyers who enjoy this well made, robust binocular for its reliable mechanics, good optics and easy handling, which all come at a very competitive price. The design with an internal eyepiece bridge makes this bino submersible, which is unusual for Porro binoculars. Central sharpness is almost at par with the Nikon Monarch 5 20×56 (see separate post, https://binocular.ch/nikon-monarch-5-20×56/), which costs twice as much (but has a much wider FOV), but off-axis sharpness is only barely acceptable; also, chromatic aberration is unfortunately very prominent. During the last few years, 20×70 and 20×80 binoculars in various price categories have become more popular, but they are not as compact and perhaps also not as rugged as the 20×60 Pentax, which therefore may continue to find purchasers.

Ratings: