Any thoughts on Pentax 20x60 PCF?

[dtresca]

Probably can't swing the big bucks for Swaros or Kaibabs in time for this year's hunts. The Pentax binos won't hurt the wallet, but how do they perform? I'm having a heck of a time finding any reviews from hunters. Anyone have any experience with these? Thanks in advance.

[RAC]

I used them for a few years before I upgraded. There not great, but they get the job done.

[Antmo23]

I heard from a guy at ziess that they are (FINALLY) coming out with some 15 bys. And only after 20 years! I'd save up and wait for those. They're coming out the first quarter next year for only $1500! That's a steal.

[elkaholic]

the 16x50 pcf are a much better fit of glassing offhand - 20's are for tripods to big to handle

 

stay away from the xcf's cheaper variation in my opinion

 

My 15 yr old pair are my go to binos and still work great - for distance glassing-easy light and work great off a tripod

 

quality glass for the price used ususally less than 100

[Pine Donkey]

I have used the 20s for many years. They are not sworos or kiababs, but the are much better tham most "cheap" glass. The extra 5 power helps make up for the loss of clarity. Use them for a year or two while you save up for a pair of the good ones.

 

As elkoholic said, these are tripod binos only.

 

 

[dtresca]

Yeah, they will be used from a tripod. I already have some 10x42s I'll be carrying with me.

[John O]

Wouldn't waste my money. Had a pair for a week and sold them. Try the Nikon Monarch 12X60's. You can find them for under $400, and very good glass for that cost. The additional power is overrated, unless you spend the big bucks. Just my opinion.

[123456]

pcf wp's are a great optic for the money. In a porro prizm, they are one of the best in that price range. Having said that, I do not like the 20x60's. Too dark with only a 3mm exit pupil. I think you are far better off with a set of 12's or maybe 16's. I find that I do much better with crisp bright optics, rather than having a lot of power. This is well demonstrated with a lot of people wanting to trade in their 15 power swaros for the new 12 power swaro el's. Crisper optics pay dividends in backstrap and tenderloin. I use my 10x42 el's from a tripod and a lot of the time, i find more animals than most of my buddies when they are using 15's. Just my opinion, hopefully it helps.

[dtresca]

Thanks for the info everyone. Just looking at some different affordable options. My 10x42s are great, but I'd like something with a little more power for glassing on the tripod. I'll definitely look at the Pentax 12's and 16's.

[Pine Donkey]

Wouldn't waste my money. Had a pair for a week and sold them. Try the Nikon Monarch 12X60's. You can find them for under $400, and very good glass for that cost. The additional power is overrated, unless you spend the big bucks. Just my opinion.

 

I do much better with the 20s than the monarchs, but my son consistently out glasses me with the monarchs and he hates the 20s. Try before you buy, and see what works for you.

[reganranch]

Wouldn't waste my money. Had a pair for a week and sold them. Try the Nikon Monarch 12X60's. You can find them for under $400, and very good glass for that cost. The additional power is overrated, unless you spend the big bucks. Just my opinion.

 

I do much better with the 20s than the monarchs, but my son consistently out glasses me with the monarchs and he hates the 20s. Try before you buy, and see what works for you.

 

Indeed +1

[Big Tub]

The exit pupil is only 60/20=3 which is really small so the physics are against you from the start in turns of light transmission. Just say no.

[Jimmyc]

I had these binos for 2 years and glassed up a lot of deer with them. Would still be using them if I didn't come across some unexpected money to buy my swaros. I bought mine from optics planet.com