The close-focus binoculars “PENTAX Papilio II”
At the special shop of the exhibition “The World of Shosoin — Beauty Preserved and Passed Down by the Imperial Family” (hereafter, the Shosoin Exhibition), a Commemorative Special Exhibition on the Enthronement held at the Tokyo National Museum, which we visited the other day, we found something interesting.
Marketed with the slogan “binoculars that let you see up close,” the “PENTAX Papilio II” are binoculars that can be used for appreciating art.
At the special shop, an actual miniature model was on display so visitors could try them out.
The writer has used a monocular before, but this was the first time using binoculars of this kind.
The product name is PENTAX “Papilio II.”
I immediately picked up the demo unit and peered through the binoculars at the miniature on display.
Wow — amazing…!
They enlarge details with remarkable clarity.
I was able to see even the fine details on the surface of the miniature!
Here’s what I actually felt using the demo unit (6.5×21mm) in trial use.
- The subject appears clearly with high resolution
- The field of view is wide
- Focusing is easy
- Little shake, feels stable
- Lighter than it looks, easy to handle*If portability is your priority, we recommend a monocular
- The reassurance of being able to hold it with both hands *One hand is also OK
- The reassurance of a minimum focus distance of 50cm
Overall, in terms of viewing, the impression is that it easily surpasses a monocular.
With this one piece of equipment, the range of your art appreciation seems set to expand.
At the Shosoin Exhibition, the treasures 《Kougebachiru no Kishi (Ivory go-stones with red-dyed engraved decoration)》 and 《Konge Bachiru no Kishi (Ivory go-stones with blue-dyed engraved decoration)》, made from go stones as their motif, were exhibited — for viewing works like these, the binoculars should be particularly powerful.
The next photo shows an enlarged view; rather than viewing at the distance shown in the previous photo, you’d want to zoom in as in this next photo, wouldn’t you?
Not just for small works — even when appreciating large works, the binoculars should help satisfy each viewer’s curiosity, allowing detailed observation of material texture and condition, and close examination of paint and support.
Perfect for art appreciation — the close-focus binoculars “PENTAX Papilio II.”
It turns out there is an alternative to the monocular. The product comes in two types with zoom magnifications of 6.5× and 8.5×.
We hope you’ll pick one up and experience its world for yourself.
Overview
PENTAX Binoculars PAPILIO II – 6.5×21
Zoom Magnification (Optical): 6.5
Zoom Magnification (Including Digital): 6.5×
Type: Porro prism
Features: Multi-coating, eyeglass-friendly
Accessories: Case, strap
Size: 6.5×21
Objective Lens Diameter: 21 mm
Actual Field of View (°): 7.5
*For close-range use such as art appreciation, the 6.5× version seems to be the better choice.
PENTAX Binoculars PAPILIO II – 8.5×21
Zoom Magnification (Optical): 8.5
Zoom Magnification (Including Digital): 8.5×
Focal Length (wide side): 1.6
Type: Porro prism
Features: Multi-coating, eyeglass-friendly
Size: 8.5×21
Objective Lens Diameter: 21
Actual Field of View (°): 115
