The new CLOSE technology enabled Pentax to address the problem of images not converging completely at close focus. The lenses converge on one another, producing a single image to the viewer at up to 18 inches focus distance. For more information on the Pentax Papilio, please visit http://www.squidoo.com/pentaxpapiliobinoculars.
Introduction: The best by far in focusing at objects real close by are the Alpen Apex 8x32, the Columbia Backcountry 8x25 Pocket Roof Prism Binocular and the Eagle Optics Ranger STR 8x32, as well as the Zumell Signature 10x42 and Hawke Endurance Close Focus 10x42, the latter two not compact, but normal binoculars. An object as close as less than 4 feet (1.2 meters) can be focused upon by these binoculars, which is astonishing and makes them perfectly fit for observing insects like butterflies and dragonflies. If it’s exceptional being able to focus as close as 1 meter/3.3 feet, how are you going to describe what the Pentax Papilio can do, which can focus as close as 18 inches(46 cm)?
The problem with super close focusing: Binoculars are actually two telescopes working in unison. Each objective lens delivers a distinct image to its eyepiece. This means that the viewer actually receives two different images through the eyepieces. This is not a problem as long as the object focused upon is far away. However, the closer the object, the more difficult it gets to integrate the two images, until it is not possible anymore. Most manufacturers limit the close focus to the closest distance at which the two images overlap. As said above, this could be a close as 1 meter. On the downside it has to be mentioned that the two images are usually not completely integrated into one perfect image.
How has Pentax approached the problem? Pentax’s solution to the problem is a groundbreaking new technology known as CLOSE : Convergent Lens Optical System Engineering. Whereas the eyepieces are still where one expects them, the objective lenses at the front are placed in a housing which cannot be adjusted along with the eyepieces. Adjusting the barrels to fit your eyes has no impact on the position of the objective lenses, as in the case of all other binoculars. The focus mechanism is placed where one expects it - at the top of the instrument. The instrument focuses by moving the objective lenses not further or closer to your eyes, but by moving the lenses closer or further apart from one another.
When you’re zooming in (focusing) on something real close by, the objective lenses themselves start to move closer to one another in order to ensure an integrated image. The closer you get with ordinary binoculars, the more difficult it gets to integrate the two images from each telescopic unit, until it’s not possible anymore. Not with this binocular. Since the two lenses converge on each other, the two images overlap completely up to as close as 18 inches. No double or half-overlapping images at such a close range – one single integrated image. And that without any special effort from your own eyes! The closer you focus, each eye's line of sight converges with the other's, so that both eyes are always looking at the same thing.
Overall size: The Pentax Papilio is a compact binocular of the “reverse porro” type, 4 inches long and 4.5 inches wide, weighing only 10.5 ounches. The size of the apertures is 21 mm. Different models: The two models on offer have the same apertures of 21 millimeters, but the power differs: 6.5x and 8.5x Differents uses: This binocular was developed for very close viewing, as explained above and even indicated in the name (“papilio” = “butterfly” In its specialized field it is unequalled. This does not mean that normal viewing is beyond its capabilities; on the contrary. It can be used as a normal compact binocular – which all have small objective lenses - as well.
The author has written extensively on a wide variety of subjects, covering binoculars, night vision devices, nature reserves, wild animals and plants and gardening (water features). For more information, please visit Pocket binoculars or Pentax Papilio binoculars or Build a water feature.
