Binoculars - Pentax or AOE

[astropolak]

Hi
I would like to get new binoculars and looking at AOE 15x70MX Ultra or Pentax PCF WP II 20x60.
Does anyone have any experiences with either one of them to comment on?
And yes, I intend to use this binos on a tripod/mount...
RGDS Joe

[chris lewis]

I have the Pentax 20x60 PCF 11's. They are hi quality binos. They have the Pentax SMC lens coatings and are among the best I have seen. The image is very sharp and clear to edge. The main concern / issue is the FOV at 2.2 degrees [ the Afov is 44 degrees] This gives a narrow 'tunnel' like image which you may like / dislike - user preference here. The other issue is at 60mm and 20x magnification the view is not overly 'bright'.
I have viewed thru some Ultra 15x70 binos - but do not own one. These binos are the latest design with the best specs available. The web reviews are very favourable. Again the image is very sharp / contrasty and ' allmost ' clear to edge. The image is brighter then the Pentax's. The FOV is 4.4 degress [the Afov is 67 degrees] this gives a much broader / panoramic view.
The Ultras are more costly at $A470 - the Pentaxs are $A350 [ Bintel ]. Personally I prefer the Ultra 15x70's - even at the extra cost. This is primarily related to the broader and brighter image. The Ultra 15x70's really are among the best hi quality all round astro binos you can get.
Good luck.

[skies2clear]

Joe,
I think I'd go with the 15X70 Ultras. As good as the Pentax are, these Ultras are pretty darn good too.

A good friend has a pair of the Ultras, and they perform exceptionally well to my eyes, as Chris mentioned above.

They will be easier to hold steady of course with a lower magnification, and the wider apparent and true field of view is a bonus to me. I'm pretty sure this same binocular is sold by Astro Physics as a premium bino at higher cost, so the AOE is a good deal,

Clear skies
Nick

[astropolak]

Thank you for your response Chris and Nick
Exactly what I was looking for - honest appraisal by someone who actually had seen the binos and looked through them.
I think I will go for the AOE 15x70 Ultras - do not like the narrow AFOV...that is why we spend a fortune on eyepieces...

RGDS Joe

[madwayne]

Got my AOE 15x70 MX Ultra's today and although I have no knowledge of the Pentax you mention I can assure the AOE's are top notch and I'm very happy with them and the service I have received from AOE is equally top notch. Paid for them Friday despatched Monday and received Tuesday - too easy.

It looks you have made your decision, good luck with them and clear skies.

[skies2clear]

Good decisions all round and congrats all round in getting these binos. When I can afford , they'll be the ones I get too,

Clear skies,
Nick