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Pentax PCF WPII

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babymaker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote babymaker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Pentax PCF WPII
    Posted: January/04/2008 at 21:54
I dropped and broke my Pentax PCF III (7 x 50) and wanted to buy some new ones.  I purchased these a few years ago off the Sample List and they were more than adequate.  I was looking at the 10 x 50 PCF WPII's.   Are these going to be any brighter than what I had or just about the same as far as brightness in low light?  I do see where these are waterproof whereas my old ones were not..Would increasing magnification to 10 X from 7X decrease any brightness also? 
 
Thanks a lot
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/05/2008 at 01:17
When comparing similar models, such as a Pentax PCF 7x50mm against a PCF 10x50mm, the 10x will show more detail against the 7x IF you are NOT prone to alot of handshake at the higher magnification, but, the 7x will have higher brightness levels in low light situations.  
 
Pentax no longer makes a 7x50mm in the PCF WP II series, they now offer an 8x40mm.  The older model can still be found on the internet, however, you might be wiser to go with a more current model, as they are waterproof/fogproof and have better optical coatings.
 
If you want to stick with a 7x50mm, you would have to go with the Nikon Action Extreme ATB 7x50mm porro prism binocular to get one that is waterproof/fogproof, but, the price range will be higher than what you paid for the older version Pentax.


Edited by Bird Watcher - January/05/2008 at 01:22
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babymaker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote babymaker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/05/2008 at 07:28
Thanks for the information.  I just wondered if the Nikon's were fully multicoated like the WPII's appear to be.  I need that extra brightness as I can hunt 1 hr past legal sunset if need be..Would the WPII's with the better coatings help me out on that end also?  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote babymaker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/05/2008 at 07:46
Also, how about the Bushnell Legend poro prism 8 x 42 or 10 x 50 compared to the Pentax
10 x 50?   Does the Pentax have the no fault 19.95 warranty on the wpII's that would apply?   I have always heard that Bushnell's customer service was kind of questionable..
I am kind of leaning toward either of these and did not know which would serve me better stand hunting in low light?  
 
Thanks again
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/05/2008 at 14:05
The Nikon Action Extreme ATB's are multicoated vs. the Pentax PCF WP II which are Fully Multi-coated, plus Pentax adds their own Super-Multi-Layer coating.
 
I compared the Nikon and the Pentax side-by-side, indoors, under artificial lighting, and the Pentax was brighter and clearer.
 
The Bushnell Legend, the Nikon AE ATB, and the Pentax PCF WP II's are pretty close to one another. Nikon has the 25 year No-Fault Policy, and charges the owner just $10, plus return S & H costs.
 
I don't know about Bushnell's warranty, whether it's good or not.
 
If you went with the Nikon AE ATB 7x50 it would be alittle brigher than the 8x40mm, but, with the different optical coatings of the Pentax, & Bushnell, it would be pretty close. 
 
If at all possible you should to go to a sporting goods store, and look through some of the ones you are interested in, and "see" for yourself which one has the best combination for your individual needs.  "Try them before you buy them"!
 
 


Edited by Bird Watcher - January/05/2008 at 14:07
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babymaker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote babymaker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2008 at 20:24
Would there be much difference in the 7 x 42  Bushnell Discoverer as compared to the Pentax PCF WPII 8 x 40's..I can get the Discoverer for 190 and the Pentax for 119.   I am looking for brightness at dusk and low light.  If there is not much difference, I will opt for the Pentax. 
 
Thanks for any help
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2008 at 21:56
Bushnell Discoverer has long been considered an excellent mid-priced binocular. The 7x42 is no longer listed on the Bushnell web-site, I don't know how long ago it was discontinued.
Bushnell Discoverer 7x42 Binocular 61-4207
Power x Obj. 7x42
Size Class Standard
Focus System Center
Prism System Roof
Prism Class BaK-4
Lens Coating FMC & XTR
FOV, ft.@1000yds. / m@1000m 420/140
Close Focus, ft./m 10/3
Exit Pupil, mm 6.0
Eye Relief 20
Eyecups Twist-Up
Weight, oz./g 28/800
Water/Fog Proof Yes
Adapt to Tripod No
The price you quoted is an excellent price, and the lower magnification of 7x and the slightly larger aperture of 42mm should give you an edge over the 8x40 for low light situations. I don't see how you could be disappointed at that price.  Just make sure the one you are buying is phase coated.


Edited by Bird Watcher - January/06/2008 at 21:59
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