Pentax DCF HR II (8x42) Binocular

Pros: Light, easy to focus quickly, clear, bright. Great quality for the price
Cons: Diopter adjustment is stiff, but at least it doesn't move once you've set it.

I use binoculars for birdwatching. I did a fair amount of online research about binocs before buying new ones. I narrowed my search more or less to the Pentax DCF either SP ($500) or HR ($280) 8x43 or the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 ($290). I just tried ...

Pros: Youre eyes will experience X-treme brightness, resolution and sharpness. (so be warned)!!
Cons: None.

If your looking to buy a pair of binoculars for under $300, I will highly recommend the Pentax HR II. I compared them to the Bushnell Legends, Burris Signature, Leupold Pinnacles, Weaver Grand Slam and none were as Bright, sharp and clear as the Pentax HR II. These Pentax are very good, I have a friend who has the Leica Trinovids and even he couldnt tell much of a difference. It took the Zeiss FL to notice a slight difference. And all test were done in the field from sun up to sun down. Im lucky to have many friends who lend me all the binoculars mentioned for my experience. I recently purchased the Pentax SP and I have to thank Pentax for doing a great job on these.

Pros: Clarity, eye relief, ergonomics, light gathering, waterproof to one meter, light weight, phase coating
Cons: I could find nothing I didn't like about these binoculars.

I've owned several brands and have used several brands of binoculars. These are the best by far for the money. They compare favorably with such high dollar brands as Leica, Steiner and Zeiss. The brightness and clarity are excellent. The eye relief is excellent at 22mm. I wear glasses and have found these binoculars to be excellent and easy to use for long periods of time. The image jumps out at you and is crisp edge to edge. The ergonomics are excellent. They fit well in the hand and are easy to hold. I can find nothing about these binoculars that I don't like. The pair I currently have I purchased used on ebay for approx. 150.00. I purchased them for hunting and viewing wildlife. They are absolutely wonderfull to look through for hours. I feel like I got the biggest bargain ever!

Pros: Just a great binocular for the money
Cons: I have none

The Pentax DCF HR II (8x42) is in my opinion the best binocular on the market for the money. I was hunting elk with some buddies of mine and had just bought these before I left. Another friend had told me about these and how great they were. My brother had Nikon LX, my friends had Pentax DCF SP , Steiner Predators and the Zeiss (I think Victory). The DCF HR II were as good as the Nikons and the Pentax SP , much better than the Steiners and they came real close even to the high dollar Zeiss. You cant go wrong with these for half to even up to 5 times the price you will pay for the others.My friends were alittle upset when I told them what I paid . These are the best binocular your hard earn money can buy .

Pros: Excellent building and optical quality at such cost effective pricing.
Cons: Weight can be less

I have owned several binoculars (A:Olympus DPSI 8X40, B:Olympus EXWPI 10X42, C:Zeiss Conquest 12X45, D:Pentax HRII and E:Bushnell Powerview 10X42) and here is my personal/ subjective comments:
Image sharpness C > D > B > A >> E
Bright of view C >> D = B > A > E
Body material & finishing D > B > C > A > E
Minimum focusing distance C5m > D4m = A > B3m = E
Weight(g) D 835> E 800> A710 > B660 > C605
Price HK$ C 5600 > D 1900 > B 1600 > E 950 > A 750