Pentax 8.5x21 Papilio II Binoculars
Pentax Papilio II 8.5X21 Binoculars Overview The compact and lightweight 8.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars combine aspherical optical elements and BAK4 Porro prisms to deliver edge-to-edge image sharpness with a 51° apparent angle of view. The optical elements are also fully multi-coated to provide a high transmission of light. With an 8.5x 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 wide 6° angular field of view and quickly bring them into focus with a centre focus wheel. In addition to observing distant scenes, birds, and games, 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 2.5mm exit pupil, a 15mm eye relief, and interpupillary distance and diopter adjustments. The binoculars are very compact, and 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.
Pentax Papilio II 8.5X21 Binoculars Overview The compact and lightweight 8.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars combine aspherical optical elements and BAK4 Porro prisms to deliver edge-to-edge image sharpness with a 51° apparent angle of view. The optical elements are also fully multi-coated to provide a high transmission of light. With an 8.5x 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 wide 6° angular field of view and quickly bring them into focus with a centre focus wheel. In addition to observing distant scenes, birds, and games, 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 2.5mm exit pupil, a 15mm eye relief, and interpupillary distance and diopter adjustments. The binoculars are very compact, and 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.
Pentax Papilio II 8.5X21 Binoculars Overview The compact and lightweight 8.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars combine aspherical optical elements and BAK4 Porro prisms to deliver edge-to-edge image sharpness with a 51° apparent angle of view. The optical elements are also fully multi-coated to provide a high transmission of light. With an 8.5x 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 wide 6° angular field of view and quickly bring them into focus with a centre focus wheel. In addition to observing distant scenes, birds, and games, 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 2.5mm exit pupil, a 15mm eye relief, and interpupillary distance and diopter adjustments. The binoculars are very compact, and 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.
Pentax Papilio II 8.5X21 Binoculars Overview The compact and lightweight 8.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars combine aspherical optical elements and BAK4 Porro prisms to deliver edge-to-edge image sharpness with a 51° apparent angle of view. The optical elements are also fully multi-coated to provide a high transmission of light. With an 8.5x 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 wide 6° angular field of view and quickly bring them into focus with a centre focus wheel. In addition to observing distant scenes, birds, and games, 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 2.5mm exit pupil, a 15mm eye relief, and interpupillary distance and diopter adjustments. The binoculars are very compact, and 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 8.5x21 Papilio II Binoculars right now is $169.00 at Cambridge World, compared across 27 retailers.
The all-time low was $151.00 on 29 Apr 2026 — today's price is 12% 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 09:48:31
Pentax 8.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars
Delivery $50.87
Pentax Papilio II 8.5x21
Delivery $40.97
Pentax Papilio Ii 8.5x21 Binoculars Black
Delivery $19.49
Pentax Papilio II 8.5 x 21 Binocular
Delivery between 13–22 Oct $10
Pentax PAPILIO II 8.5x21 Binoculars
Free delivery between 14–21 Oct
Pentax 8.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binocular
Pentax Papilio II 8.5x21 Binoculars
Free delivery between 15–23 Oct
Pentax 8.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binocular
Delivery $9.90
Pentax Papilio II 8.5x21 Binoculars
Free delivery between Tue – Wed
Pentax Papilio II 8.5x21 Binoculars
Delivery between 14–22 Oct $10
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 bhphotovideo.com
The binoculars focus down to about half a meter making them excellent for watching insects and identifying flowers at your feet without stooping. The 8.5 power makes them like a long range microscope for close objects and yet are servicable for watching birds, mammals, and looking at canopy leaves. I bought a pair for my naturalist wife 5 years ago and now prefer my own pair for routine fieldwork above my Swarovski optics costing an order of magnitude more that I now reserve for trips to view waterfowel and large mammals at a distance. The Pentax binoculars are lightweight, focus rapidly and smoothly, and the fully coated lenses give a clear, bright image under a forest canopy. They are not waterproof, but the price is right.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I also own a pair of Nikon Monarch M7 binoculars, which I adore. But I also bought these to have a very lightweight pair of binoculars to use. And the close up focus is better than I’ve seen in binoculars before. These are a great value for what they do.
| Magnification Power | 8.5x |
| Fixed Magnification | 8.5x |
| Magnification Type | Fixed |
| Objective Diameter | 21 mm |
| Eye Relief | 15 mm |
Pentax 8.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars
Delivery $50.87
Pentax Papilio II 8.5x21
Delivery $40.97
Pentax Papilio Ii 8.5x21 Binoculars Black
Delivery $19.49
Pentax Papilio II 8.5 x 21 Binocular
Delivery between 13–22 Oct $10
Pentax PAPILIO II 8.5x21 Binoculars
Free delivery between 14–21 Oct
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.
The binoculars focus down to about half a meter making them excellent for watching insects and identifying flowers at your feet without stooping. The 8.5 power makes them like a long range microscope for close objects and yet are servicable for watching birds, mammals, and looking at canopy leaves. I bought a pair for my naturalist wife 5 years ago and now prefer my own pair for routine fieldwork above my Swarovski optics costing an order of magnitude more that I now reserve for trips to view waterfowel and large mammals at a distance. The Pentax binoculars are lightweight, focus rapidly and smoothly, and the fully coated lenses give a clear, bright image under a forest canopy. They are not waterproof, but the price is right.
I also own a pair of Nikon Monarch M7 binoculars, which I adore. But I also bought these to have a very lightweight pair of binoculars to use. And the close up focus is better than I’ve seen in binoculars before. These are a great value for what they do.
I purchased this on the recommendation of a naturalist who leads a local nature journal club. It makes possible viewing of small flowers and wildlife from a comfortable distance (i.e., not having to get down on your hands and knees with a magnifying glass; that also means that an entire group can view the same small object simultaneously). It can be held and adjusted comfortably in one (female) hand and is lightweight, which is important if you're viewing and sketching at the same time. This would not be binoculars you'd use when you need to see detail from a great distance, but it's OK for viewing birds that aren't too far away. I have not run into distortions or glare in bright light mentioned by purchasers of the prior model, whose lenses may not have been fully ... MoreI purchased this on the recommendation of a naturalist who leads a local nature journal club. It makes possible viewing of small flowers and wildlife from a comfortable distance (i.e., not having to get down on your hands and knees with a magnifying glass; that also means that an entire group can view the same small object simultaneously). It can be held and adjusted comfortably in one (female) hand and is lightweight, which is important if you're viewing and sketching at the same time. This would not be binoculars you'd use when you need to see detail from a great distance, but it's OK for viewing birds that aren't too far away. I have not run into distortions or glare in bright light mentioned by purchasers of the prior model, whose lenses may not have been fully multi-coated. I also took the binoculars (in lieu of a magnifying glass recommended by a docent) to a museum to view details of a light-sensitive collection displayed in dim light. I was surprised at how well I could see despite the dim light b/c some reviewers said that the prior model didn't have the light transmission of higher-end models. My only beefs with the Papillio II are (I wear small glasses that sit close to my face and have mild vision problems, especially in my right eye): --the eye relief (15 mm) is just barely OK - this is what loses the Papillio II a star to half a star. --I find the diopter adjustment, which adjusts in steps rather than continuously, a little awkward In general, I'm satisfied with these binoculars as a reasonably well-rounded and reasonably-priced nature viewing instrument and would give it 4.5 stars if we were allowed half stars. I'll be keeping watch for sales and will likely purchase a second one for my spouse.
These close-focus binoculars are great! Light, easy to use, very clear view. Also reasonably priced. I recommend trying both 8.5 and 6.5 power - the 6.5 might be better if jiggling keeps you from getting a good view.
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 these for close viewing butterflies and wild flowers, to make identification easier. They're very well made and give good clear images and good magnification, the narrow field of vision and focusing took a little getting used to, but they are really light, and good at far as well as near distance, so are becoming my go to bins for walking.
These are great binoculars for close up views of small creatures, plants and so on. They are also good enough for general use, particularly as they are small and lightweight. The image is sharp and reasonably bright. Focussing is smooth and easy, and quick, given the range of focus distance. The field of view is pretty narrow, which can lead to a bit of hunting for close up objects, but you get used to it with a bit of practice. I’d definitely recommend these if you are into little things.
These Papilios replaced a well-used pair of Eagle optics binoculars with very close focus which were no longer available. I am happy with the Papilio for the feather weight, wear-all-day simplicity. With a 20 inch focus, I use them for insect close ups and am well satisfied. For birding, stick with your heftier and more stable birding binocs.
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.
| Magnification Power | 8.5x |
| Fixed Magnification | 8.5x |
| Magnification Type | Fixed |
| Objective Diameter | 21 mm |
| Eye Relief | 15 mm |
