Pentax SD 9x42 WP
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The 8×42 and 10×42 models feature classic casings but the SD 9×42 WP is an open hinge design. Still all these constitute an interesting choice for buyers which look for a pair of binoculars with a good price-quality ratio.
In the case of the tested device Pentax boast of applying three types of coatings: high quality multilayer antirelection coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces, special reflective coatings on the prisms, and also hydrophobic coatings on outer elements.
Buyers get in the box: caps for objective lenses and eyepieces, a strap and a case. The product comes with a 30-year warranty period of the producer.
| Magnification | Lens diameter | Angular field of view | Prisms | Eye relief | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 42 | 107/1000(6.1o) | BaK-4/roof | 18 mm | 665 g | 1499 PLN |
| Real front lens diameter |
Left: 41.98+/-
0.05 mm Right: 42+/- 0.05 mm |
8 / 8.0 pkt | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real magnification | 8.94+/- 0.1x | 3/3.0 | ||||
| Transmission | 78.9+/- 1% | 9/25.0 | ||||
| Chromatic aberration | Visible in the centre but without any serious problems. Distinct on the edge. | 4.4/10.0 | ||||
| Astigmatism | Moderate. | 7.2/10.0 | ||||
| Distortion | Distance between the first curved line and the field centre compared to the field of view radius : 98% +\- 2% | 10/10.0 | ||||
| Coma | Appears far from the centre, in a distance of 75% of the field of view radius and is medium on the edge. | 8.1/10.0 | ||||
| Blurring at the edge of the FOV | Blur occurs in a distance of 78% ± 3% from the field of view centre. | 5/10.0 | ||||
| Darkening at the edge the FOV | Negligible. | 4.8/5.0 | ||||
| Whiteness of the image | Untypical transmission graph with the highest values for blue part of the spectrum. Small wonder the image is distinctly bluish. | 1.8/5.0 | ||||
| Collimation | Perfect. | 5/5.0 | ||||
| Internal reflections |
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4/5.0 | ||||
| Housing | Small and very handy for the 42 mm class and the open hinge design. Good quality rubber armour which sticks to your hands well but is a bit loose near the objective lenses. Indentations for thumbs. Rubberized eyecups with 4 detention stops. Produced in China. | 7.5/8.0 | ||||
| Focusing | Huge, comfortable and ribbed central wheel which moves smoothly and is well damped. Running through the whole distance scale takes a turn through an angle of 550 degrees. A ring on the right eyepiece moves the outer element and is a bit too hard to move. | 4.3/5.0 | ||||
| Tripod | At the front of the instrument, far from the gravity centre. | 2/3.0 | ||||
| Interpupilary distance | from 56 to 73.5mm | 4/6.0 | ||||
| Closest focusing distance | 1.7 meters. | 2/2.0 | ||||
| Eyepieces FOV | Apparent field of view of 54.3 deg (according to simple formula) and 50.7 deg (according to tangent formula). | 6/20.0 | ||||
| Field of view | Measured by us amounted to 6.07 ± 0.04 degrees and it in accordance with official specifications. A typical field for this class of equipment. | 5/8.0 | ||||
| Quality of the interior of the barrels | Black tubes, ribbed but slightly shiny. Grey bottom. Very clean inside. | 4.2/5.0 | ||||
| Vignetting |
|
5.5/8.0 | ||||
| Prisms quality | Good quality BaK-4. | 8/8.0 | ||||
| Antireflection coatings | Greenish on objective lenses and prisms. Green-yellow-red on eyepieces. Medium intensity. | 4.5/5.0 | ||||
| Warranty [years] | 30 | 5/6.0 | ||||
| Final result | 67.5% | 128.3 / 190 pkt | ||||
| Econo result | 0pkt. |
Summary
Pros:
- solid, waterproof casing,
- moderate astigmatism,
- excellent distortion correction,
- lack of coma-related problems,
- very low brightness loss on the edge of the field,
- dark areas near exit pupils,
- sharp images already from 1.7 metres,
- good quality prisms made of BaK-4 glass,
- proper blackening and cleanliness inside the tubes,
- 30-year warranty period.
Cons:
- too low transmission in the centre of the visible spectrum,
- bluish cast of images,
- a bit too high level of chromatic aberration.
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The transmission graph was one of the most interesting and untypical thing we noticed during the test of the Pentax SD 9x42 WP. We present it below.
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Apart from that very specific transmission graph too high chromatic aberration is the only flaw of the tested Pentax; in other categories the binoculars fared decently well, good or even very good. The instrument didn’t have any problems with distortion, coma, astigmatism or brightness loss on edges of the field of view. What’s more, the optics is hidden inside a very robust, waterproof casing; you also get good quality prisms and 30 years of warranty period. The quality control also performed very well – the build, darkening and cleanliness inside the tubes is beyond reproach.
If not for these unfortunate coatings we would get a really interesting, well-done device with original parameters and a pretty sensible price tag too. Even with that slip-up, though, the Pentax SD 9X42 WP managed to accumulate as many as almost 127 points in our test, placing it on a really good level. Better transmission results and colour rendering would mean a result exceeding 130 points and a very high overall assessment. Pity.
