Pentax 10X50 PCF-WP II or MB Ultra 10x50 Binos?

[mbaddah (Mo)]

I want to purchase a pair of 10x50 binos (after a ~5mm exit pupil bino) and I'm tossing up between the Pentax 10X50 PCF-WP II or Andrews MB Ultra 10x50 Binos (aka Garrett Signature/Oberwerk Ultra)?

The price difference between the two is marginal, the Pentax retailing for ~$230 and the MB Ultras for $280 at Andrews.

Would appreciate feedback on these two binos. From what I could gather, the Pentax can be hand held as they are ~500g lighter than the Ultras, whilst the Ultras have been light transmission and better coatings, giving contrastier views?

I will be mounting these binos 90% of the time. Thanks.

[MikeyB (Michael)]

Better coatings than the Pentax?! Is that just advertisement/dealer hype or have you found a reputable, objective, side-by-side review to substantiate the claim?

Or maybe you meant the rubberised, non-slip coatings on the binocular gripping surfaces.

[mbaddah (Mo)]

Originally Posted by MikeyB

Better coatings than the Pentax?! Is that just advertisement/dealer hype or have you found a reputable, objective, side-by-side review to substantiate the claim?

Or maybe you meant the rubberised, non-slip coatings on the binocular gripping surfaces.

I haven't found a side by side comparison. I can definitely be mistaken and stand to be corrected especially because I haven't looked through either.

But from my reading, as the MB Ultra's were designed to compete against the likes of Fujinons, they are a little more expensive than the Pentax, and the 15x70 version come very close to the Fujinons (though not exact) based on the cloudynights review. The ultra's also offer a wider fov than the pentax (pentax 5deg, Ultras 6.5deg).

More importantly to me though is the image quality of the two which I would like to hear from someone who has used them both.

[mercedes_sl1970]

Hi

There are various reviews of both binos on CloudyNights - not sure if there is a side by side comparison. I've looked through both but not at the same time. My sense was that the Andrews versions just had it over the Pentax in terms of sharpness across the field. On axis - both very sharp and crisp, good management of internal reflections, etc. The upside of the Pentaxes is that they have centre focus and are lighter, but if you are mounting most of the time it won't matter with the Andrews. Sounds like a tough decision.

Andrew

[chris lewis]

I have both and have used them for over 2 years. In summary - they are both good binoculars. Both have their pros and cons. However - for purely astronomical use I would give the edge to the Ultras. They IMHO offer mildly superior optical and build qualities.
The Pentax does have a 50 degree Afov which can feel 'restrictive' at times - of course this is subjective. The Pentax does have Hi-quality FMC lens for good light transmission and internal secondary suppression. The image is sharp out to 90 %. It is a lighter bino as documented. Ergonomically it is easy to hand hold.
The Ultras are very well built and solid - this can be tiring. However the Afov of 65 degrees does give you more of that ‘Wow’ image. The view is more expansive and rewarding esp. when viewing star clouds from a dark site. Curvature of field occurs from about 80 %. Stars are absolute pin point on axis and light transmission and contrast are excellent and just exceeds the Pentax's. The Ultras are I.F.
You could not go wrong with both however the 10x50 Ultra’s would I believe be a more rewarding astro. bino with the caveat being they are heavier but not such a concern if mounting.

Chris

[dannat (Daniel)]

I agree with chris, I think in a 10x bino the fov is important & the diff is significant I have the ultras & don't think I will sell them

[mbaddah (Mo)]

Had a look at the Pentax and Nikon AE at Bintel today. I really liked the build quality of the Pentax and the views were very nice through them.

Will be checking out Andrews MB Ultra's 10x50 next week and come to a decision then. Will post up my findings, cheers.

[gmbfilter (Geoff)]

I recently bought a pair of Pentax DCF 10x42 for hunting.
I love the adjustable eye cups, I must have a crocked head, 2 clicks right, 3 clicks left.

I have William Optics ED 10 x 50 for astronomy but lack a central focuser is a pain for anything else.

I liked the Pentax binoculars so much I also bought a pair of PCF WP II 20x60. I was a little concerned about exit pupil and magnification, my eyes are at least 55 years and small things are tricky.

Used them last night at Mangrove Mountain Pony Club and very happy with them. I was using a tripod. Stars looked pinprick across the field
Jupiter had some false colour and a little flaring. Moons were pinpricks

[mbaddah (Mo)]

I purchased a pair of MB Ultra 10x50 Binoculars today from Andrews Wow they are impressive!

Solid build, lovely contrast and pinpoint sharp stars. Can hold for brief moments hand held, but definitely need a tripod. The 6.3 deg fov is fantastic, highly recommend