Pentax 6.5x21 Papilio II Binoculars
The compact and lightweight 6.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars combine aspherical optical elements and BAK4 Porro prisms to deliver edge-to-edge image sharpness with a 49° apparent angle of view. The optical elements are also fully multi-coated to provide a high transmission of light. With a 6.5x magnification and 21mm objectives, you obtain a notable magnification, insignificant image jitter due to unsteady hands, and a compact form factor. You can easily spot your targets with a 7.5° angular field of view and quickly bring them into focus with a center focus wheel. In addition to observing distant scenes, birds, and game, the minimum focus of 20" allows you to study in detail close objects like butterflies, animal footprints, marks, or landscape features. To reduce image jitter while observing distant objects or for prolonged observations, you can connect the binoculars to a tripod via an integrated 1/4"-20 socket. The binoculars also feature a 3.2mm exit pupil, a 15mm eye relief, and interpupillary distance and diopter adjustments. The binoculars are very compact, lightweight, and feature a single piece frame that houses objectives, which allows for a synchronized interpupillary adjustment. To accommodate eyeglasses wearers, the binoculars offer twist-up rubber eyecups. Also included are a carrying case, a neck strap, and eyepiece covers.
The compact and lightweight 6.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars combine aspherical optical elements and BAK4 Porro prisms to deliver edge-to-edge image sharpness with a 49° apparent angle of view. The optical elements are also fully multi-coated to provide a high transmission of light. With a 6.5x magnification and 21mm objectives, you obtain a notable magnification, insignificant image jitter due to unsteady hands, and a compact form factor. You can easily spot your targets with a 7.5° angular field of view and quickly bring them into focus with a center focus wheel. In addition to observing distant scenes, birds, and game, the minimum focus of 20" allows you to study in detail close objects like butterflies, animal footprints, marks, or landscape features. To reduce image jitter while observing distant objects or for prolonged observations, you can connect the binoculars to a tripod via an integrated 1/4"-20 socket. The binoculars also feature a 3.2mm exit pupil, a 15mm eye relief, and interpupillary distance and diopter adjustments. The binoculars are very compact, lightweight, and feature a single piece frame that houses objectives, which allows for a synchronized interpupillary adjustment. To accommodate eyeglasses wearers, the binoculars offer twist-up rubber eyecups. Also included are a carrying case, a neck strap, and eyepiece covers.
The compact and lightweight 6.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars combine aspherical optical elements and BAK4 Porro prisms to deliver edge-to-edge image sharpness with a 49° apparent angle of view. The optical elements are also fully multi-coated to provide a high transmission of light. With a 6.5x magnification and 21mm objectives, you obtain a notable magnification, insignificant image jitter due to unsteady hands, and a compact form factor. You can easily spot your targets with a 7.5° angular field of view and quickly bring them into focus with a center focus wheel. In addition to observing distant scenes, birds, and game, the minimum focus of 20" allows you to study in detail close objects like butterflies, animal footprints, marks, or landscape features. To reduce image jitter while observing distant objects or for prolonged observations, you can connect the binoculars to a tripod via an integrated 1/4"-20 socket. The binoculars also feature a 3.2mm exit pupil, a 15mm eye relief, and interpupillary distance and diopter adjustments. The binoculars are very compact, lightweight, and feature a single piece frame that houses objectives, which allows for a synchronized interpupillary adjustment. To accommodate eyeglasses wearers, the binoculars offer twist-up rubber eyecups. Also included are a carrying case, a neck strap, and eyepiece covers.
The compact and lightweight 6.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars combine aspherical optical elements and BAK4 Porro prisms to deliver edge-to-edge image sharpness with a 49° apparent angle of view. The optical elements are also fully multi-coated to provide a high transmission of light. With a 6.5x magnification and 21mm objectives, you obtain a notable magnification, insignificant image jitter due to unsteady hands, and a compact form factor. You can easily spot your targets with a 7.5° angular field of view and quickly bring them into focus with a center focus wheel. In addition to observing distant scenes, birds, and game, the minimum focus of 20" allows you to study in detail close objects like butterflies, animal footprints, marks, or landscape features. To reduce image jitter while observing distant objects or for prolonged observations, you can connect the binoculars to a tripod via an integrated 1/4"-20 socket. The binoculars also feature a 3.2mm exit pupil, a 15mm eye relief, and interpupillary distance and diopter adjustments. The binoculars are very compact, lightweight, and feature a single piece frame that houses objectives, which allows for a synchronized interpupillary adjustment. To accommodate eyeglasses wearers, the binoculars offer twist-up rubber eyecups. Also included are a carrying case, a neck strap, and eyepiece covers.
in 30 offers
The lowest price for Pentax 6.5x21 Papilio II Binoculars right now is $149.83 at Amazon.com.au, compared across 25 retailers.
The all-time low was $129.00 on 2 Jan 2025 — today's price is 16% above the lowest ever. That's a little above the best price we've seen.
Prices last updated 11 Oct 2026.
Last updated at 11/10/2026 09:48:11
Pentax Papilio II 6.5x21 Binoculars (Gray) | Suitable for Watching Objects Both Close-up, field of view at 1,000 yards 15mm long eye
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Pentax Papilio II 6.5x21
Delivery $40.97
Pentax 6.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars
Delivery $181.69
Pentax Papilio II 6.5 x 21 Binocular
Delivery between 13–22 Oct $10
Pentax Papilio II 6.5x21 Binoculars
Delivery $7.95
Pentax PAPILIO II 6.5x21 Binoculars
Delivery between 14–21 Oct $11.95
Pentax Papilio II 6.5x21 Binoculars - Live Price Matching
Delivery $7.95
Pentax U-series Papilio Ii Bak4 Porro Prism Multicoated Compact
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Pentax Papilio II 6.5x21 Binoculars - Center Focusing, compact, lightweight
Free delivery
Pentax Papilio II 6.5x21 Binoculars - Center Focusing, compact, lightweight
Free delivery
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
It's amazing for binoculars to focus at 20 because the optics have to go a bit cross-eyed. Pentax pulls it off with non-spherical optics and a reverse porro-prism design that reduces the separation of the objectives. Naturally, there were compromises -- the sharpness at long distances is good, but not as good as with some conventional binoculars at this price point. And like most other porro-prism designs, the Papilio II is not nitrogen purged or sealed.If close focus is a priority, this is the thing to buy. They're lightweight and compact, with reasonable eye relief, and adequate for bird watching. However, for dedicated bird and wildlife viewing, one should go with a sealed, roof-prism design.
originally posted on ebay.com
These little bins punch way above their weight. Though small, neat, and lightweight, they feel sturdy and well made. Optically the asymmetric lenses and Pentax coatings deliver A1 performance to rival most of the Premiership brands in normal lighting. Because they are only 6.5 X magnification they may even be a bit brighter than top notch 8 or 10X glasses. Obviously, in darker situations, bins with larger objectives will be brighter. The clarity, contrast, colour rendition, and freedom from aberrations is exemplary and only bettered by bins costing 10 or more times the price of the Papilios. The real magic occurs, though, when using the class leading close focus of 18"!!!. This amounts to having a mobile microscope in your hands because you are simply not used to ... MoreThese little bins punch way above their weight. Though small, neat, and lightweight, they feel sturdy and well made. Optically the asymmetric lenses and Pentax coatings deliver A1 performance to rival most of the Premiership brands in normal lighting. Because they are only 6.5 X magnification they may even be a bit brighter than top notch 8 or 10X glasses. Obviously, in darker situations, bins with larger objectives will be brighter. The clarity, contrast, colour rendition, and freedom from aberrations is exemplary and only bettered by bins costing 10 or more times the price of the Papilios. The real magic occurs, though, when using the class leading close focus of 18"!!!. This amounts to having a mobile microscope in your hands because you are simply not used to seeing insects, plants, flowers etc. at this level of magnification - much larger than with the naked eye. This sounds stupid but has to be experienced to understand. These are quite simply the best binoculars available to see closer than 2 metres and excellent at anything beyond that. Everyone should have pair. Phenomenal and life-enhancing.
originally posted on carmarthencameras.com
An extremely versatile tool for nature lovers.I wanted something small that would be easy to carry on walks, and which would let me get a better look at everything around me, and these are perfect.The ability to focus on nearby objects is fantastic. The claim is 50cm but in reality they will actually focus a bit closer than this. Absolutely amazing to be able to get a clear look at the details of a flower without having to lie flat on the ground, and watching bees through these is really wonderful.Adjusting the focus between near and distant objects is quick and easy, so they are very versatile.They feel really solid and well made.Shipping was fast and problem free.
| Magnification | 6.5 x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 21 mm |
| Prism System | Porro |
| Prism Material | BAK4 |
| Exit Pupil | 3.8 mm |
Pentax Papilio II 6.5x21 Binoculars (Gray) | Suitable for Watching Objects Both Close-up, field of view at 1,000 yards 15mm long eye
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Pentax Papilio II 6.5x21
Delivery $40.97
Pentax 6.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars
Delivery $181.69
Pentax Papilio II 6.5 x 21 Binocular
Delivery between 13–22 Oct $10
Pentax Papilio II 6.5x21 Binoculars
Delivery $7.95
It's amazing for binoculars to focus at 20 because the optics have to go a bit cross-eyed. Pentax pulls it off with non-spherical optics and a reverse porro-prism design that reduces the separation of the objectives. Naturally, there were compromises -- the sharpness at long distances is good, but not as good as with some conventional binoculars at this price point. And like most other porro-prism designs, the Papilio II is not nitrogen purged or sealed.If close focus is a priority, this is the thing to buy. They're lightweight and compact, with reasonable eye relief, and adequate for bird watching. However, for dedicated bird and wildlife viewing, one should go with a sealed, roof-prism design.
These little bins punch way above their weight. Though small, neat, and lightweight, they feel sturdy and well made. Optically the asymmetric lenses and Pentax coatings deliver A1 performance to rival most of the Premiership brands in normal lighting. Because they are only 6.5 X magnification they may even be a bit brighter than top notch 8 or 10X glasses. Obviously, in darker situations, bins with larger objectives will be brighter. The clarity, contrast, colour rendition, and freedom from aberrations is exemplary and only bettered by bins costing 10 or more times the price of the Papilios. The real magic occurs, though, when using the class leading close focus of 18"!!!. This amounts to having a mobile microscope in your hands because you are simply not used to ... MoreThese little bins punch way above their weight. Though small, neat, and lightweight, they feel sturdy and well made. Optically the asymmetric lenses and Pentax coatings deliver A1 performance to rival most of the Premiership brands in normal lighting. Because they are only 6.5 X magnification they may even be a bit brighter than top notch 8 or 10X glasses. Obviously, in darker situations, bins with larger objectives will be brighter. The clarity, contrast, colour rendition, and freedom from aberrations is exemplary and only bettered by bins costing 10 or more times the price of the Papilios. The real magic occurs, though, when using the class leading close focus of 18"!!!. This amounts to having a mobile microscope in your hands because you are simply not used to seeing insects, plants, flowers etc. at this level of magnification - much larger than with the naked eye. This sounds stupid but has to be experienced to understand. These are quite simply the best binoculars available to see closer than 2 metres and excellent at anything beyond that. Everyone should have pair. Phenomenal and life-enhancing.
An extremely versatile tool for nature lovers.I wanted something small that would be easy to carry on walks, and which would let me get a better look at everything around me, and these are perfect.The ability to focus on nearby objects is fantastic. The claim is 50cm but in reality they will actually focus a bit closer than this. Absolutely amazing to be able to get a clear look at the details of a flower without having to lie flat on the ground, and watching bees through these is really wonderful.Adjusting the focus between near and distant objects is quick and easy, so they are very versatile.They feel really solid and well made.Shipping was fast and problem free.
These have very much exceeded my expectations. I’m an avid bird watcher with a pair of Leica Noctivids. These were bought for my grandson and his dad who enjoy watching insects as much as birds. Incredibly, these will focus on even really close-by insects beautifully - stunning, to be honest.Technically these are very sharp right to the edges and bright with excellent contrast. The field of view is less wide than my Leicas of course, and for pure birding I think my wife’s pair of Kowa BDII 6.5x32 which has a really wide FOV take some beating, but these Ricoh Pentax binoculars are stars in their own right.And let’s not mince words - they’re a bargain.
What makes these binoculars unique is their ability to focus down to 1'7/0.5M. Comparable binocs can be had cheaper because they won't focus less than maybe 16'/5.0M. For 8X magnification up close and personal, these are what you want.At 8x21, the 8X magnification is a good general power. Higher power such as 10X can be difficult to hold steady and means heavier binocs.The 21mm objective lenses combined with the 8X magnification means these aren't very efficient in gathering light. These binocs or any 8x21-25 pair won't be great at dawn or dusk or at viewing objects in shade. For something used in those conditions, 8x42 would be a better choice. This is popular with a lot of birders. BUT- there will be no close focusing. So choose fit for purpose.The ... MoreWhat makes these binoculars unique is their ability to focus down to 1'7/0.5M. Comparable binocs can be had cheaper because they won't focus less than maybe 16'/5.0M. For 8X magnification up close and personal, these are what you want.At 8x21, the 8X magnification is a good general power. Higher power such as 10X can be difficult to hold steady and means heavier binocs.The 21mm objective lenses combined with the 8X magnification means these aren't very efficient in gathering light. These binocs or any 8x21-25 pair won't be great at dawn or dusk or at viewing objects in shade. For something used in those conditions, 8x42 would be a better choice. This is popular with a lot of birders. BUT- there will be no close focusing. So choose fit for purpose.The construction is pretty decent. They're not Zeiss or Swarovski, but then neither is the price tag.These have retractable eye cups for use with glasses, extend them if not wearing any. There is one fixed eyepiece (left eye) and one adjustable eyepiece (right eye). Using only the left eye the center knob is used to focus on a distant object. Then using only the right eye, the right eyepiece is used to match the focus of the left eye. From that point on, only the center knob is used to focus for both eyes.A solid method used by just about every maker of center focus binocs, there is one small rub. There are no marking for the diopter adjustment of the right eyepiece, or for the inter pupillary distance. The latter is achieved by bending the binocs on hinges to match the distance of each user's eyes. But once someone else uses them or it's changed when putting them back in their case, they have to be adjusted on the next use, and without markings, theres no quick way to get it right everytime.This isn't a huge deal, but other similar binocs in a lesser price range do have them. Maybe important to you, maybe not.Focusing is quick and sharp, and fairly smooth. Sharpness across the whole field is good, falling off a little at the edges. I don't use the edges in viewing. Contrast and color rendition is good with good light. Both fall off as light fades. This is true of most binocs but others like 8x42 or 7x50, because of their greater light gathering ability will maintain better color rendering for a longer time as light fades. This isn't really important to some people,I am delighted with these. The close focus is better than I would have ever guessed so they do a job few others can match, especially at this price.
Kinda bought on a whim and these get a lot of use. Purchased the 8.5x a week later - both are awesome for what they are. If you have birdfeeders, the 8.5's frame the feeder perfectly at 15-20ft. The close focus is simply awesome for small flowers with insects. The 6.5's may be a bit better for all purpose use, but you can't go wrong with either (or both). You need to really dial in interpupillary distance and exit pupil distance for best results and there is a bit of internal glare at certain angles with stray light, but for the price, who cares. Highly recommended for backyard viewing. While not ideal for astronomy use, these still do OK.
If you already have binoculars, these make a great choice for a second pair. The ultra-close focus will open new worlds and, since they focus to infinity, you can still use them for more conventional subjects like sporting events. They are small and light enough that after getting them you might not want pocket binoculars in addition. Besides viewing insects and flowers, I use mine often in museums and when I do not want to carry larger binoculars while travelling. I also owned the 8.5x21 version, but prefer the 6.5x21 for its wider field of view and larger exit pupil. I have bought several for gifts. If they were waterproof and sealed, I would rate them *****.
As a long-time macro photographer, I love getting right down to details and these let you do just that, all while maintaining a distance that lets your subject act naturally. I use these in the kayak to observe insects, plants and other things close to the boat, but also for scanning far shorelines and treetops for birds. Another use is for looking down into shallow water to watch crayfish, snails, frogs, fish - and hey, a cool mudpuppy salamander that I saw all while sitting comfortably on my dock. So glad I finally have these.Yes, the exit pupil is small and you'll have to get the knack of holding them just right to line up correctly. The field of view is narrow, but the focus ring is quick and takes to fine adjustment well. They are a tad dark compared to other ... MoreAs a long-time macro photographer, I love getting right down to details and these let you do just that, all while maintaining a distance that lets your subject act naturally. I use these in the kayak to observe insects, plants and other things close to the boat, but also for scanning far shorelines and treetops for birds. Another use is for looking down into shallow water to watch crayfish, snails, frogs, fish - and hey, a cool mudpuppy salamander that I saw all while sitting comfortably on my dock. So glad I finally have these.Yes, the exit pupil is small and you'll have to get the knack of holding them just right to line up correctly. The field of view is narrow, but the focus ring is quick and takes to fine adjustment well. They are a tad dark compared to other compact binocs, but not oppressively so.
I bought a pair like this for myself some time ago, and love them so much that when these came available at such a great price at B&H, The 6.5 is probably easier to steady by hand than the higher ones. I bought them as a gift for family members. These are compact and easy to wear. They are designed to be particularly wonderful for relatively shorter distances. With my middle-aged eyes, they can work in a pinch for looking at birds maybe up to forty feet away, but they are particularly wonderful for perhaps 15-20 feet or much, much nearer. I even find them helpful for household tasks like peering at, say, a serial number on some item up in a cupboard six feet away. or checking the condition of the eaves 8 feet away. And for little birds in the shrubs, butterflies, ... MoreI bought a pair like this for myself some time ago, and love them so much that when these came available at such a great price at B&H, The 6.5 is probably easier to steady by hand than the higher ones. I bought them as a gift for family members. These are compact and easy to wear. They are designed to be particularly wonderful for relatively shorter distances. With my middle-aged eyes, they can work in a pinch for looking at birds maybe up to forty feet away, but they are particularly wonderful for perhaps 15-20 feet or much, much nearer. I even find them helpful for household tasks like peering at, say, a serial number on some item up in a cupboard six feet away. or checking the condition of the eaves 8 feet away. And for little birds in the shrubs, butterflies, and mushrooms off the path, they are heavenly. Great purchase!
I've been using these for 10-20 years, and I think they're very good (and I've almost always bought them from B & H because of the price). They are small, high quality, reasonably priced, and can focus close up to about 5 or 6 feet (good for looking at plants or animals). In addition to the general focus, you can adjust the right lens if your two eyes have different strengths. And the soft case is set up so you can attach it to your belt.Two small downsides are (1) the small size lenses don't work great with wearing glasses (it sort of works, but it's better with bare eyes; the lens setup allows adjustment for either one), and (2) if you drop them on the ground repeatedly, eventually the stereo vision will mess up. I do that occasionally, and I have to replace ... MoreI've been using these for 10-20 years, and I think they're very good (and I've almost always bought them from B & H because of the price). They are small, high quality, reasonably priced, and can focus close up to about 5 or 6 feet (good for looking at plants or animals). In addition to the general focus, you can adjust the right lens if your two eyes have different strengths. And the soft case is set up so you can attach it to your belt.Two small downsides are (1) the small size lenses don't work great with wearing glasses (it sort of works, but it's better with bare eyes; the lens setup allows adjustment for either one), and (2) if you drop them on the ground repeatedly, eventually the stereo vision will mess up. I do that occasionally, and I have to replace them every 2-3 years, but that's not a big deal.
| Magnification | 6.5 x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 21 mm |
| Prism System | Porro |
| Prism Material | BAK4 |
| Exit Pupil | 3.8 mm |
