Alpen Apex
 |
 ALPEN Apex 493 8x42 Binoculars NEW $254.00 Time Remaining: 19d 21h 21m Buy It Now for only: $254.00 |
 wargame sight scope Alpen Apex Riflescope 6 24X50 AO no mount Brand New $108.99 Time Remaining: 6d 6h 5m Buy It Now for only: $120.00 |
 ALPEN Apex 497 10x50 Binoculars NEW $299.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 50m Buy It Now for only: $299.00 |
 ALPEN Apex 495 10x42 Binoculars NEW $272.00 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 40m Buy It Now for only: $272.00 |
 ALPEN APEX 8x42 Waterproof Mossy Oak Camo Binoculars $294.95 Time Remaining: 19d 18h 28m Buy It Now for only: $294.95 |
 Alpen Apex XP 25 10x50mm Waterproof Riflescope Illuminated Reticle Matte $314.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 43m Buy It Now for only: $314.99 |
 Alpen Apex XP 697 10x50 Binoculars $290.88 Time Remaining: 5d 17h 51m Buy It Now for only: $290.88 |
 Alpen Apex XP 695 10x42 Binoculars $280.88 Time Remaining: 5d 17h 51m Buy It Now for only: $280.88 |
 Alpen Apex XP 25 10x50mm Waterproof Riflescope Illuminated Reticle Matte $314.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 10m Buy It Now for only: $314.99 |
 ALPEN APEX 8x32 Waterproof Binoculars with Travel Case $259.95 Time Remaining: 19d 18h 28m Buy It Now for only: $259.95 |
 Alpen Apex 35 10X50 Riflescope Water Fog Proof 4037 $264.00 Time Remaining: 7d 16h 52m Buy It Now for only: $264.00 |
 Alpen Apex 496 85X50 Binoculars $460.00 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $460.00 |
 Alpen Apex 493 Mossy Binoculars w deluxe travel case wide neck strap $299.00 Time Remaining: 1h 57m Buy It Now for only: $299.00 |
 Alpen Apex 492 8X32 Binoculars $396.00 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $396.00 |
 Alpen Apex 493 8x42 Binoculars $416.00 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $416.00 |
 Alpen Apex 493 Mossy 8x42 Binoculars $460.00 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $460.00 |
 Alpen Apex 491 10X32 Binoculars $407.00 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $407.00 |
 Alpen Apex 493 8x42 Binoculars $312.58 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 41m Buy It Now for only: $312.58 |
 Alpen Apex 495 10x42 Binoculars $334.82 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 41m Buy It Now for only: $334.82 |
 Alpen Apex 497 10x50 Binoculars $368.33 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 41m Buy It Now for only: $368.33 |
 Alpen Apex 3 9X42 Riflescope Water Fog Proof 4031 $233.00 Time Remaining: 7d 16h 52m Buy It Now for only: $233.00 |
 Alpen Apex XP 3 9x40mm SF Waterproof Riflescope WBDC A Reticle Matte Black $249.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 55m Buy It Now for only: $249.99 |
 Alpen Apex 500 8 16X42 Zoom Binoculars $669.00 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $669.00 |
 Alpen Apex 497 10x50 Binoculars $482.00 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $482.00 |
 Alpen Apex 499 12x50 Binoculars $493.00 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $493.00 |
 Alpen Apex 495 10x42 Binoculars $455.00 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $455.00 |
 Alpen Apex 495 Mossy 10x42 Binoculars $502.00 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $502.00 |
 Alpen Apex XP 3 9x40mm SF Waterproof Riflescope WBDC A Reticle Matte Black $249.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 32m Buy It Now for only: $249.99 |
Alpen Apex
An ingenious solution to the problem of super close focus: The Papilio by Pentax
Introduction: The best among the best in ability to focus very close 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, both normal size binoculars. These binoculars can focus on an object as close as 3.3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters), which is unequalled 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, what superlative words can be found to describe the ability of the Pentax Papilio, with its close focus ability of 18 inches(46 centimeter)?
The problem with focusing really close:
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. However, in his mind these two images are integrated into one – as long as viewing something not up close. 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. However, some of these super close focus binoculars do give you focus at such close ranges, but the images from the two barrels/telescopes are not entirely integrated.
What is the solution to this problem presented by Pentax?
Pentax's solution to the problem is a groundbreaking new technology known as CLOSE : Convergent Lens Optical System Engineering. The key to this technology is the fact that the objective lenses and the eyepieces are no longer in the same housing; the objective lenses are placed in a solid housing separated from 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.
For focusing you use the knob at the top between the eyepieces. Focusing is done by moving the lenses closer or further apart from one another and not, as in the case of other binoculars, by moving the lenses closer or further away from the eyes of the viewer.
Ever noticed that the objective lenses move further away or closer (or the eyepieces) when you focus with an ordinary pair of binoculars? Well, with the Pentax Papilio the objective lenses themselves converge on one another within the solid housing when you're focusing. 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 move closer to one another, converging the two images is no problem for the Papilio – not even as close as 46 cm! 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 the object on which you are focusing, each eye's line of sight converges with the other's, so you're constantly looking at the same object with both eyes.
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:
Two models are available: The Pentax Papilio 6.5 x 21 and the Pentax Papilio 8.5 x 21.
Different applications:
"Papilio" is the Latin word for "butterfly", so Pentax clearly developed this instrument as a specialist instruments for super, super close viewing of insects like butterflies. In this regard it is unrivalled. The only limitation it has as far as viewing objects close and far away is the size of the apertures (21 mm), but that applies to all compact binoculars in any case.
About the Author
For more information and comparisons, please visit my website at www.pocketbinoculars.net.
Fantastic and Dependable Binocular Alpen Apex 497 10x50 Video