New 7X Bins (1 Viewer)

[ariban]

New binoculars announced by Ricoh-Pentax.

PENTAX A-series binoculars：Two compact, easy-to-carry models, incorporating ED glass elements for excellent chromatic aberration compensation｜RICOH IMAGING

news.ricoh-imaging.co.jp

PENTAX S-series binoculars：Two high-standard models with excellent light-gathering power｜RICOH IMAGING

news.ricoh-imaging.co.jp

7X sounds interesting

 

[John A Roberts]

Image, features and spec's from the link:

 

[pat mitchel]

no mention of phase coatings ?

 

[A2GG]

already up on B&H website

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1762060-REG/pentax_62891_7x32_ad_ed_binocular.html

 

[tenex]

Oops!


Interesting to see a different miscalculation. Once corrected, nothing impressive in the specs, but 7x fans don't seem to need a wider field, and there aren't a lot of 32s.

 

[Binocollector]

Maybe we will see a renaissance of 7-power binos?
A new 7x42 seems interesting in any case. Not much a fan of plastic bodies however.

 

[Boogieshrew]

Great to see a new 7x 👍👍

 

[yarrellii]

no mention of phase coatings ?

It's not really well explained in the description, but it is indeed mentioned in the "cloud of hashtags". Have a look, right under the description and above the pictures of the binoculars:



It says: Roof prism, Fully-multi coating, New premium level coating, Phase coating, Reflection coating, ED glass, Long eye relief, Water proof, Rubber coat, Nitrogen gas, Helicoid eyepiece ring.

So it seems like a low-middle class (or upper entry level), not unlike the Hawke Endurance ED (price-wise is not that different). The Hawke are nice, but obviously have their limitations, as seems logical given their price point. As Phillip says, maybe there is a renaissance of the 7x, given these 32 and 42 mm Pentax (unlike him, I have absolutely nothing against plastic materials on binoculars; I love the way the Zeiss FL feels and works, and also they way the Opticron Traveller ED 8x32 feels and works). However, what I find a pity is that this "small renaissance" is being reserved to the "lower classes" (with the notable exception of the 7x21 Curio from Swarovski). I'd love to see a 500 - 1000 $/€ 7x32, like a Nikon MHG, Leica Trinovid (yes, there is the Retrovid, but it has pocket size binocular eyecups), Zeiss Conquest HD, Vortex Viper HD, etc. Now, that would be something to behold. With my Hawke 7x32, nice as they are, I can't help the (obvious) feeling that they are no match for the much more expensive Traveller, which is lighter and more compact.
Let's see if there are some positive reports about these. My experience with Pentax has always been very positive: no-nonsense binoculars that perform right and have a reassuringly solid feeling (a bit like Minox).

 

[dries1]

Maybe we will see a renaissance of 7-power binos?
A new 7x42 seems interesting in any case. Not much a fan of plastic bodies however.

I wonder at $329 (7X32) if it is built any better than the Nikon P3/P7 series.

 

[ariban]

I use a ZD ED. Its build quality is as good as it gets. The field is clean, sharp and very well corrected for aberrations. A fine birding tool - not seen such quality in anay of the plastic Nikons yet.

 

[John A Roberts]

Some stock images from: Pentax AD 7x32 ED Binoculars | Clifton Cameras

 

[Ignatius]

I had been hoping for a Zeiss 7x when the SFL series was launched but bought the 8x40 when it became apparent, to me, that Zeiss would probably never put any 7x into their range. Should they do so, contrary to my assumption, my SFL 8x40 will be for sale immediately.

 

[ariban]

It's not really well explained in the description, but it is indeed mentioned in the "cloud of hashtags". Have a look, right under the description and above the pictures of the binoculars:

View attachment 1506903

It says: Roof prism, Fully-multi coating, New premium level coating, Phase coating, Reflection coating, ED glass, Long eye relief, Water proof, Rubber coat, Nitrogen gas, Helicoid eyepiece ring.

So it seems like a low-middle class (or upper entry level), not unlike the Hawke Endurance ED (price-wise is not that different). The Hawke are nice, but obviously have their limitations, as seems logical given their price point. As Phillip says, maybe there is a renaissance of the 7x, given these 32 and 42 mm Pentax (unlike him, I have absolutely nothing against plastic materials on binoculars; I love the way the Zeiss FL feels and works, and also they way the Opticron Traveller ED 8x32 feels and works). However, what I find a pity is that this "small renaissance" is being reserved to the "lower classes" (with the notable exception of the 7x21 Curio from Swarovski). I'd love to see a 500 - 1000 $/€ 7x32, like a Nikon MHG, Leica Trinovid (yes, there is the Retrovid, but it has pocket size binocular eyecups), Zeiss Conquest HD, Vortex Viper HD, etc. Now, that would be something to behold. With my Hawke 7x32, nice as they are, I can't help the (obvious) feeling that they are no match for the much more expensive Traveller, which is lighter and more compact.
Let's see if there are some positive reports about these. My experience with Pentax has always been very positive: no-nonsense binoculars that perform right and have a reassuringly solid feeling (a bit like Minox).

The spec sheet for the SD series 7x is even more interesting!
ED glass, Nitrogen purged, 131mt @1000mt field, exit pupil 6.1, eye-relief 18mm, relative brightness 37.2, MFD 3 mts.

 

[ariban]

I use a ZD ED. Its build quality is as good as it gets. The field is clean, sharp and very well corrected for aberrations. A fine birding tool - not seen such quality in anay of the plastic Nikons yet

 

[Binocollector]

@ariban
Interesting - I just had a look at the Z-series. I wasn't aware that Pentax sold roof binos in the 1,000€-range - of course those should be better than any plastic Nikon. But AFAIK in the 1k€ price range, even Nikon uses magnesium housings. We're talking Nikon Monarch HG for 1k€. A comparison between those and the Pentax Z-series would certainly be interesting.

 

[Paultricounty]

Probably another Chinese made diamond back level bino that many will buy for the price point. Maybe we could get lucky and they’d made in the Philippines. Looks a little bit like a Hawke Frontier.

 

[Canip]

Probably another Chinese made diamond back level bino

You mean the new A-series ? The expensive - and mechanically and optically excellent - Z-series is made in Japan.

 

[Paultricounty]

You mean the new A-series ? The expensive - and mechanically and optically excellent - Z-series is made in Japan.

Yes, was speaking about that new A series Ariban posted.

 

[oldfortyfive]

Used my older Meopta 7x in Big Bend National park the last couple days. 7x was good choice with all the wind. Easy to keep steady.