Pentax DCF SP Binoculars

The DCF SP models are Pentax’s flagship binocular line and they are very impressive indeed. These binoculars are designed to compete in the high-end optics market but at a significantly lower price for that performance. The DCF SP binoculars come in a wide variety of configurations. We received 5 models for review: the 8x32, 8x43, 10x43, 10x50 and 12.5x50. These will be compared and contrasted in this review.

For starters, all are fully sealed, nitrogen-purged, water- and fog-proof roof prism binoculars. The DCF SP binoculars are made on magnesium alloy chassis and covered in forest green, rubber armoring. All have high-resolution, phase-coated prisms, multi-coated optical elements, and water-repellant coatings on exposed lens surfaces. The lenses are of the hybrid aspherical type, which requires less glass (and thus weighs less) and reduces certain optical distortions. The result is visible in the image: the view is crisp and sharp to the very edge of the field. The colors are bright and true, even under very low-light conditions. These binoculars show the very slightest hint of a chromatic aberration on high-contrast objects under very bright light, and virtually no edge effect. Since virtually all binoculars show these effects, the very minimal nature of the ones exhibited by the DCF SP’s is strong evidence of their high optical quality.

The focus knob on all 5 models is large, covered with grooved, soft rubber for a good grip, and turns very easily, even on brand new binoculars. The focus mechanism requires a full 1.5 turns to go from minimum close focus to infinity, but because the action is so facile, it is still fairly quick to deploy. The table below compares vital performance characteristics for the 5 models of DCF SP reviewed here.

* typical on-street discounts for DCF SP binoculars range from ~ $90 - $115

So, how to compare all these data? That depends upon which of them are most important to the user. Field of view is a useful characteristic, and wider is typically better, so long as it isn’t accompanied by a higher degree of image distortion. In this regard, the 8x32, 8x43 and 10x43 models clearly outperform the two larger models. Eye relief is a toss-up between them, as is diopter adjustment range. In minimum close focus, the three smaller models clearly excel relative to the larger two. Dimensions are probably less important, but weight is significant, and the three smaller models will clearly be less tiring to carry around than the larger ones, In fact, the weights for the three smaller models are among the lowest of binoculars in this class in general. It is worth noting that the 10x50 and 12.5x50 models are still quite light compared to similar binoculars of other brands.

The rest of binocular decisions are based upon look, feel and design features. In this regard, Pentax has again gone first class for most features. For example, the eyecups are positioned with a helical twist, but instead of the typical all-or-nothing mechanism, these binoculars feature no less than 4 positions stabilized by detents or “stops”. The result is that virtually any user can find a position that maximizes viewing comfort and field clarity. The diopter adjustment is the usual twisting rubber ring on the right ocular, but it is a lift-and-click mechanism. To adjust, pull the ring out towards the ocular and twist in either direction to achieve the desired focus. Push it down to lock it securely in place. This is the best diopter adjustment mechanism.

Just the shape of the casing on these binoculars says much about their design. The rubber armoring is soft to the touch, and totally slip resistant for a secure, comfortable feel. There are shallow circular depressions on the undersides of the barrels for the thumbs to fall into, thus positioning the hands so that the focus knob falls comfortably under the fingers. The thumb “groove” is broad enough so that for those with larger hands, the thumbs can be positioned side by side without banging knuckles on the inner side of the barrels.

The rain guard is the same as on the DCF HR II line: a pair of loose-fitting plastic cups joined by a flexible bridge region. The strap threads through a bracket on the left side; the right bracket is gapped so the guard can be slipped onto or off the strap at will. This is basically a sound design, except that the rain guard fits too loosely on the oculars, such that the slightest touch knocks it off. The lens caps are quite well designed. They are soft rubber caps that fit snugly into the armored ends of the barrels, each attached to a tether that allows it to swing down out of the way of the field of view. The tethers attach to a screw-in plate that when removed, reveals what may be a tripod attachment site (no mention is made of this in the Pentax technical literature). This is a neat combination of form and function.

The case is an attractive, padded, dark green cordura affair with a supple black leather bottom and black nylon trim. A Velcro closing flap has openings through which the binocular straps fit, allowing the whole assembly to be comfortably worn over a shoulder. The strap itself is the only disappointment: it is a bare black nylon cord strap, barely an inch wide behind the neck and completely unpadded. The strap attachment poles are of a design that permits easy substitution by virtually any other kind of strap.

Overall, the Pentax DCF SP line is very impressive. This is top-of-the-line optical performance in binoculars at half to two-thirds of the price normally charged for this level. These are serious binoculars for serious birders, and we expect to see quite a few of them in the field.

Pentax DCF SP Binoculars - current price and availability.