These binocs are perfect for anybody who is interested in all creatures, not just birds. We used them at the Everglades and were equally pleased with the views of birds, alligators, crabs, insects, etc. They have gotten me interested in butterflying, and for this purpose they are superb. I expect that in time, you will see rave reviews on butterfly websites. Being able to focus to 20 inches or so allows me to watch insects spiders with as much detail as if my eye were just a couple inches from the object (if the naked eye could focus that close). The view is gorgeous. At close range, it is somewhat like looking through a dissecting microscope. Amazingly, the quality of the image is very good (for both near far objects). I tried some truly bad binoculars ($100 cheapies, zoom binocs, etc.) while shopping around and the Papilio is definitely at a much higher level of quality. To me, the quality is not noticeably different from that of the $350 birding binoculars (8x32, etc.) that I have tried. Perhaps a trained eye could find a difference, but I don't notice any. A potential concern with close-focusing binocs might be eyestrain, but the Papilio is very easy on the eyes even at close range. I have been using these binocs intensively for three weeks, and I am still delighted with them. I was also concerned about the small (21 mm) objectives, but I have not found the image to be noticeably dark.
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br /Basically, these binocs are a real treat to own and well worth the price. I hope that Pentax (and hopefully other companies) continue this line of product development. If an image-stabilized version of the 8.5x21 came out for $400, I think I would buy it and just keep the other pair around as a spare. Hand-shake is not especially an issue with these binocs (compared to any pair with 8-9 power), but with the gorgeous views you will want to really run your eyes over all the details in the image, so a stabilizer seems like the next step. Fortunately, there is a tripod hole. Actually, you could use these for doing fine crafts, but only if you are least 5'10" or so (i.e. with long enough arms), and even then it would be awkward for long periods. Hopefully they will come out with a model that focuses to a few inches; that would probably require a longer barrel so it would be less portable. It would also be nice to increase the field of view if possible; it is pretty hard to follow a flying insect with these. If you specialize in birding, you may object to the field of view and the smallish objectives.
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br /Anyway, for general nature study, the only real complaint I can make about the Papilio is that, because of the special mechanism that slides the objectives closer together for close-focus, there is a protective sheet of glass right near the end to keep grit out of the mechanism. I am concerned about getting fingerprints on it or hitting it on something. The glass doesn't look very thick so I assume it's more breakable than objective lenses would be. The case is OK, but it is too much trouble to keep pulling them out every time a bird or butterfly shows up. Anyway, at this price, I wouldn't feel too bad just buying a new pair every few years if I should break this pair. In fact, at only around $150, they're cheap enough that you might want to order one even if you haven't had a chance to try one out in a store. Since close-focusing is the special feature, I recommend the 8.5 x 21 to get the big views of insects that you want. I haven't tried the 6.5 x 21 but I imagine it has a bigger field of view and is better for hand-shake.

This is one of the most useful devices I have purchased for aiding my close-up photography. I use it to scan a close up scene and pick out objects or features that I want to photograph. It works exactly as advertized. This means that it can be used to view objects from much closer than is possible with conventional binoculars. Of course, it also doubles as the latter, too. Strongly recommended.

My husband and I used the binoculars to do the Broward County yearly butterfly count. They are easy to carry, adjust with one hand, and show the butterfly beautifully to every last detail. I highly recommend them.

I considered purchasing these binoculars for quite a while because of its ability for close focusing. I researched the market and couldn't find anything else to match the close focusing functionality. I was very pleased when I began using them. It's a perfect match for a photographer who likes to do close ups, butterflies, flowers, etc. However, it also works very well as regular binoculars. Finally, when you consider the price, it's a no-brainer.

I'm almost 70 and like to be outdoors curious about nature, etc. Its not always easy (or wise) to bend down to shoe-top higth to examine an interesting bug, snake or plant. These binoculars can focus on your own toe! My wife and I love them.

I needed a light weight small size binocular for bird and concert viewing and these worked for me. I was also amazed to be able to see tiny insects on flowers that were not really visible without using the binoculars. I read many reviews on Amazon before purchasing these and am very happy with my purchase.

As a new butterfly enthusiast I needed a pair of close focusing binocular. The Pentax Papilio provided a light weight, easy to focus, and comfortable to carry binocular. Since I began using them my ability to see details was greatly enhanced.

My husband asked for a pair of binoculars to watch the birds in the yard with for Christmas. I had no clue as to what to buy. I checked out the reviews on this product. I'll admit, I was a little concerned that they could do what they said. (I know the pair we have now claimed to do so much, but they really don't). So I ordered them and then waited for Christmas morning to see what my husband thought. He absolutely Loves them!! Seeing the birds clearly close up, as well as the deer and turkey at a distance is absolutely no problem for them. They are worth every penny. I highly recommend this product, if it for a gift, you can't find better...if for yourself, what a treat!!!

I recently found out about these binoculars through a local butterfly conservation group. These binoculars open up a whole new world. They are fantastic for viewing insects as advertised, but also are wonderful for examining plants, birds, and other wildlife in the field. They are like looking through a very strong magnifying glass at a comfortable distance. I also use them around the farm for observing my animals up close (as health checks, and for fun). I can't say enough about how they bring to focus all of the details of nature that would only be visible to the human eye if you could be within 3 inches of the subject. And since I am closing in on 60, I couldn't even focus on the details if I were that close! Lightweight, small in size, and a real bargain at the price - I can't wait to take them on an eco-vacation.

This product is excellent value for bird watching and nature gazing. I'm very please with this purchase!

I lost my original pentax binoculars which I had been very happy with for many years. After doing some online research I decided I would go for another Pentax. The feature that attracted me to them was the ability to focus on something fairly close to you (butterflies etc.). When I received them I was amazed at how wonderful they are. I am extremely happy with them and definitely recommend them for this price range.

I was wrong to think I could get along with my nice little backpacking binoculars when I took an interest in learning about butterflies. I tried to like them but finally caved in and ordered these Papilio close-focus binoculars.
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br /Wow! These are so much fun I've already had two friends look and order their own.
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br /It's possible I might have appreciated the lower power a little more now that I have tried to keep a flying bug in my sights, but really, these are a wonderful tool at a nice price.

I decided on these binoculars because of the rave reviews they received. And to be fair, they are very good for closeup viewing, as they do focus at about 1.5 feet! So, I was very satified with that. However, if you are looking for an all-purpose viewing binocular, I would not recommend them. At a viewing distant of say, 15-20 feet and beyond the viewing becomes blurry and distorted. Back on the plus side, they are lightweight, and easy to use. Bottom line: 5 star rating for close-up viewing and maybe a 3-star rating for distance.

Excellent binoculars!! Everyone that bird-watches also wildflower-watches, mushroom-watches, butterfly-watches, bug-watches, etc., etc while they are out walking around. These binocs allow you to do all these seamlessly. The close focal range is amazing, but they still have a wide-enough feild-of-view at a distance so you can find birds easily. Great quality optics. Very lightweight also, very comfortable on a long hike.