10x43 binos: Pentax vs Minox vs Bushnell

Hello,

what do you think is optically the best of these binoculars:

1) Pentax 10x43 ED
2) Minox 10x43 HG
3) Bushnell Elite 10x43

Any opinions? Thanks in advance!

Actually, no opinions. But I would like to add to your query. Is there much difference in the Pentax SP going to the ED version? Worth the price difference? The SP is already way past the Monarch price level.

Hi

All are excellent binoculars, but in my tests, the DCF ED comes out on top for resolution, contrast and clarity. ET is right, however. You are paying much more to get smaller gains over an SP. That's the nature of optics.

Hi,

thanks for your valuation. How big do you estimate the difference of the Pentax 10x43 ED to the top bins from Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski and Nikon? Are the latter a visible step above the Pentax in terms of optics?

Hi

Not going to be a significant difference in terms of optics, no. The premium Swaros, Leica and Zeiss will have slightly better build quality and, of course, a bit more status as to brand, but no one is ever going to be able to claim that there is a significant improvement in optics over the DCF ED. You are at a point, where personal preference as to handling and brand will be the deciding factor.

Hi Jne_K,

thank you very much for your clear statements!

You are very welcome.

Hello,

How would the 10X42 Nikon Premier SE's compare with the 10X43 Pentax DCF ED strictly on optics.

Thanks

Bill

Hi

By a hair, my vote is the SE. Can't think of a better 10x I've ever tested.

Thank you! Too bad there is no 8X42.

Bill

Hi

Never was on that one. Closest thing was the now discontined 8x32

I now have the Pentax 10x43, but not ED. I like the ergonomics over other under 1000 dollar contenders. I do have an ED scope, but generally I do not find a need for ED glass at under 20x.

Compared to say Monarch 10x42 there is not a huge jump in the optics. If brightness is an issue, then by all means test all the models in hand. ED should be slightly better.

My 10x are in use less time than are my 8x32s, so I could not justify the added expense to ED.

I use mine for birding, so I usually have time to set up the ED scope.

Hi

Good point. ED is more ffective in terms of visible imrovement in sharpness as magnification goes up. At typical binocular magnifications, the improvement is subtle at best. Much more valuable as a feature at spotting scope magnifications, especially over 40x.

Sorry to keep this going, 1st I use both models DCF SP & ED. In direct comparisons between the 10x50 SP & 10x43 ED the ED's win hands down! I definetly see a reason to buy the ED's over the SP's there is a very big difference between the two!! I own 2pr of SP's 10x50 & 8x32 and while these are excellent in all respects I still continue to grab the ED's every-day. Yeah, not built like a tank lack the FOV, that depends on who you talk to? But, for color,resolution, sharpness the Pentax ED's deliver on all fronts! I'm not being byast because I own alot of different brands Kowa, Browning, Celestron, Nikon etc... I love what Pentax has done, they have made alpha affordable!!! And ED does make a difference in a Binocular just look at Leica, Zeiss etc... Try before you buy but be careful once you are there no going back!!! Another plug for Pentax, my 10x50 SP's dropped objectives first onto cement from about 10ft sent them to Pentax they sent them back, NO DAMAGE!!! So while they don't feel as robust as other's they are!

Glad to hear that Pentax did a good job for you on the service. I also agree that the Pentax ED is in the premium class in terms of optics. Enjoy.

R these a better bino than the steiner merlin 10x42? Thanx

Hi

Yes, in my tests the DCF ED scored better on all counts.

Hi,J
I agree with your reviews that the pentax have better optics according the sharpness and contrast,but the differences isn't very obvious(I owned the elite and pentax ED),actually I prefer handing the elite for its feel and bigger FOV,I wear glasses, the elite brings me more amenity on vision, while both present clear pictures.