Pentax VD 4×20

Specifications:

Objective diameter: 20 mm
Magnification:    4x
Exit pupil:     5.0 mm
Usable eye relief (measured from rim of eyecup): 17 mm
IPD: 54 – 72 mm
RFOV (acc.to spec.):    10 degrees = 175 m
RFOV (measured): 10.1 degrees = 177 m
AFOV (measured, rounded): 41 degrees
Focus type: IF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: > clockwise)
Extra travel of individual focus beyond infinity: ca. 6.5 dpt
Minimum focus distance (acc. to spec.): 0.5 m
Prism system: Schmidt-Pechan
Waterproof: yes
Weight (measured, with strap): 357 g
Made in: China

Remarks:

Since 2020 on the market is the small Pentax VD 4×20, which offers a number of special features. Beside being a fully multi-coated, low magnification, individual focus pocket binocular with good optics (including phase coating) and mechanics that make a solid impression, the detachable construction offers the possibility to separate the two tubes in a single motion at the central hinge and to use them individually as two 4×20 monoculars. In addition, the two separated tubes can also be connected “head on tail” which results in a small 16×20 “telescope”. However, the latter configuration is restricted to use in broad daylight, since the 1.25 mm exit pupil provides a relatively dark image; moreover, CA becomes prominent, and the sharpness and contrast are less than ideal. Still, in the configuration as a 4×20 binocular or as two 4×20 monoculars, this can be a useful gadget wherever low magnification is suffiicient or even helpful (sports events, theater, opera, basic landscape viewing, etc.), and Pentax deserves praise for the innovative design.

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