Pentax DCF ED Binoculars

Pentax DCF ED line of premium binoculars which is equipped with an extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and includes super reflective, phase-coated prisms and is impact resistance and water-proof. Models feature silver-deposited roof prisms with high light-reflection ratios. Available in 8x42 and 10x42.

The 8x32, 8x43, 10x43, and 10x50. The most popular 32 and 43 sizes will be compared and contrasted in this review. Like their predecessors, the EDs are designed to compete in the high-end optics market at a lower price. Relative to the SPs, the price is significantly higher, but so is the performance. The EDs cost $799 for the 32-mm version, and $899 and $999 for the 8x43 and 10x43 versions respectively

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DCF binoculars, the EDs are a roof-prism design, fully sealed (JIS class 6 = submersible to 1 meter) and nitrogen-purged to be water-, dust- and fog-proof. DCF ED binoculars are made with magnesium alloy chassis to minimize the weight, and are slightly more compact than the DCF SPs. Their dimensions are: 5.5 inches high by 4.9 inches wide on the two 43-mm models and 5.0 inches high by 4.9 inches wide on the 32-mm model. The corresponding weights are 25.3 oz on the 8x43 model, 25.6 oz. on the 10x43 version, and 23.9 oz. for the 8x32 binocular. One thing interesting about the DCF ED line is that the 43- and 32-mm models all have an identical interpupillary distance of 58-74 mm. That is actually a fairly narrow range, meaning that these might not be a comfortable fit for people with particularly wide or narrow faces. In fact, the dimensions and overall look of the EDs is very similar to the DCF SPs: both have the same dark green rubber armoring with black accents, the same broad, shallow thumb grooves on the ocular tubes and the same focus knob. Visually, the EDs are almost indistinguishable from the SPs.

The DCF EDs have the same excellent eyecup adjustment mechanism as the DCF SPs. The eyecups adjust with a helical twist through 3 positions stabilized by detents. The diopter adjustment is a twisting rubber ring on the right ocular, but the mechanism is fully locking. To adjust, pull the ring out towards the ocular to unlock it and twist in either direction to achieve the desired focus. Push it down to lock it securely in place. This is an excellent diopter adjustment mechanism. In these two important properties, Pentax has done quite well.

The field of view (FOV) at 1000 yards is identical to that of the corresponding DCF SP models for all three DCF EDs. The 32-mm binocular has a 393-ft FOV, with the 8x43 and 10x43 models at 330 and 315 feet respectively. This would rank them a little below average for the 8x43, and right on average for the other two.