Pentax Papilio 8.5x21

• 50 cm close focus: The Papilio design focuses down to 0.50 m, making it unusually useful for butterflies, flowers, museum details and other nearby subjects that ordinary binoculars cannot show comfortably.
• Porro prism optical layout: The Porro prism system helps deliver a more natural sense of depth and a bright, relaxed view, which is especially helpful when observing small subjects at close range.
• Compact 8.5x21 format: With 8.5x magnification in a body weighing only 290.00 g, this model is easy to carry for travel, walks and events while still giving a meaningful step up in detail over lower-power compact binoculars.
• Multicoated optics: Multicoated lenses improve light transmission and reduce distracting reflections, helping the image look cleaner and more contrast-rich in mixed daylight conditions.
• Waterproof, fogproof construction: A nitrogen-filled body with waterproof and fogproof protection keeps the binocular ready for changing weather and reduces the risk of internal fogging when moving between temperatures.

About the Pentax Papillo Series

The Pentax Papillo series occupies a distinctive place in the brand’s compact binocular range because it is designed not only for general viewing, but also for close-distance observation. While many pocket binoculars are optimized mainly for distant subjects such as landscapes, sports or stage use, the Papillo concept adds a near-focus capability that makes the series especially appealing for nature study, travel, museums and casual field observation. That combination gives it a broader role than a typical compact model.

These binoculars use a Porro prism design, which supports a spacious, three-dimensional image and helps preserve a comfortable viewing experience in a small format. The series is also known for its compact dimensions, central focusing layout and practical ergonomics, making it easy to carry in a jacket pocket or small bag. In optical terms, the Papillo family balances portability with useful field performance, offering enough magnification for everyday observation while keeping handling simple. The defining characteristic of the series is its ability to bridge the gap between standard compact binoculars and close-up viewing tools, giving users one instrument that works for both nearby detail and normal long-range observation.

About the Pentax Papilio 8.5x21

The Pentax Papilio 8.5x21 is built for users who want a compact binocular with more reach than a low-power pocket model, but who also need the unusual flexibility of very close focusing. Its 8.50 x magnification is well suited to observing insects, flowers, architectural details and exhibits where extra image scale helps reveal fine structure, yet the binocular remains small enough for everyday carry. The ability to focus down to 0.50 m is what sets it apart in real use, because it allows detailed observation of nearby subjects without switching to a separate close-up optic.

The optical system combines a 21.00 mm objective with multicoated lenses and a Porro prism layout, giving the image a natural sense of depth and solid contrast in daylight use. A 105.00 m/1000m field of view keeps subject acquisition manageable for a compact 8.5x binocular, while the 15.00 mm eye relief helps maintain viewing comfort, including for many eyeglass wearers. The +/- 4 dpt. diopter adjustment on the right eyepiece allows the binocular to be tuned precisely to the user’s eyesight.

Mechanically, the binocular is designed for portability and regular outdoor use. Its central focusing system is quick to operate, and the single hinge body keeps the shape simple and compact. At 290.00 g, it is light enough for travel and long walks, while the waterproof, fogproof and nitrogen-filled construction adds reassurance in damp or changeable conditions.

About Pentax

Pentax traces its roots to Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co., founded in 1919 in Otsuka, Tokyo. The company began as an optical manufacturer, producing items such as eyeglass lenses and binoculars, and that background still shapes the character of its sport optics. Today, Pentax camera and binocular products are manufactured and marketed by Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd., following Ricoh’s 2011 acquisition of HOYA’s imaging-system businesses.

Pentax remains closely associated with practical optical products, including binoculars, cameras and interchangeable camera lenses. In the binocular category, the brand is known for applying optical refinements such as full multi-coating on lens surfaces and prism incident-light surfaces to improve image clarity and reduce reflection losses. That long continuity in optical manufacturing helps explain why Pentax binoculars are often designed with a strong emphasis on usable viewing comfort, compact mechanical layouts and dependable everyday field performance.

Main Features

• Magnification: 8.50 x
• Objective lens diameter: 21.00 mm
• Prism type: Porro
• Lens coating: Multicoated
• Field of view: 105.00 m/1000m
• Field of view (angular): 6.01 °
• Exit pupil: 2.47 mm
• Eye relief: 15.00 mm
• Close focus: 0.50 m
• Diopter adjustment: +/- 4 dpt.
• Focusing system: Central
• Diopter setting position: Right eye-piece
• Interpupillary distance: 56.00 mm - 74.00 mm
• Waterproof: Yes
• Fogproof: Yes
• Nitrogen filled: Yes
• Dimensions: 116.00 mm x 110.00 mm x 53.00 mm
• Weight: 290.00 g
• Body type: Single hinge
• Color: Black
• Made in: Japan

Warranty

The Pentax Papilio 8.5x21 is covered by a 30-year warranty, providing long-term support for a compact binocular intended for regular field and travel use.

In the Box

• Case
• Strap