HOME

Birding FAQ

Birding Tips

BIRD STORIES

VIDEOS

SOFTWARE

Optics

BOOKSTORE

ORDER DESK

Pentax Spotting Scope
PF-80ED (Waterproof)

A bigger scope
for a smaller price

See price info

Michael and Diane Porter and a team of Iowa birders tested 24 spotting scopes for a review in the March, 2003, issue of Bird Watcher's Digest. This account is part of that review.

Pentax PF 80ED-AHere's another fine scope that produces a bright, clear, image, with excellent resolution.

One attraction is the generous selection of famed Pentax eyepieces that fit the scope,developed over many years for use with amateur astronomical telescopes.

At 16 inches the PF-80ED-A is longer and a few ounces heavier than the other top-endbirding scopes we tested.

However, the price is smaller. Note that the Pentax zoom 20-60x eyepiece is usually included in the price of the scope, whereas for most other top scopes one must buy the eyepiece separately.

The 20-60x zoom we tested is easy to use and has a wide field of view. It's completely waterproof, even when not attached to the body of the scope. Of course, the scope itself is also completely waterproof.

The Pentax has protective rubber armoring and an extensible lens hood. A raised line on the body serves as a sighting device. The scope comes in a straight model as well as the angled one we tested.

You can also get an accessory camera adapter to use this scope with a Pentax K-mount SLR camera.

-- Michael and Diane Porter

See price info

More scopes reviews 60mm

More scopes reviews 80mm

Home FAQ Tips Stories Videos Software Optics Bookstore Orders

birdwatching.com