Pentax Papilio 8.5x21 close focus binoculars, excellent but not perfect

This is a supplement to Allan Ostling's epinions review which covers them pretty well and in my view accurately. He has two reviews which are more or less identical and probably he is reviewing the lower power 6.5x binocs. I opted for the higher power because I wanted the maximum magnification possible for small insects and I have not encountered any problems with the 8.5x binocs.

Here are my additional observations and opinions:

1) Ergonomics and strap. The overall ergonomics are quite good - they can be steadied against the forehead/eyesockets, the grip is good and the finger falls naturally on the focuser which is smooth and large enough. The strap has the nice pop in catches but otherwise is like most other binoc straps - difficult to adjust. I find the best way to carry them is to almost fully extend the strap and locate the case&binocs under my left arm with strap over my right shoulder (see later).

2) No objective cover. The papilios have not, in my opinion, been fitted out for easy use "in the field". The eyepiece cover is fine, it is the usual single piece type that is retained by the strap on the left side. However, there is no objective cover which means either you don't bother with one (which is a reasonable option on inexpensive binocs) and run the risk of dirtying the objectives, or you use the case. The case is well made but awkward to use - it is too tight which makes it difficult to remove/insert the binocs and it cannot be closed with the twist out eyecups extended. Also, it is not attached to the strap, so you have to find somewhere to put it. My solution to the latter problem is to attach the case to the strap with a piece of string - but really all this should have been thought through a bit better by Pentax, as it has been by most birding binoc manufacturers.

3) Eyepiece problem. In bright sunlight, which is usually the best condition for observing insects, I found the sun often shone in on one side between the eyepiece and eye making it difficult and uncomfortable to observe. If you have this problem it can be solved by purchasing rubber winged eyeguards that are sold for 1.25" eyepieces for telescope binocular viewers. They fit nicely over the eyepieces and solve the side glare issue and also make overall use a little more comfortable. Note that by attaching winged eyeguards the supplied eyepiece cover will not fit, so the case is the only protection for both eyepiece and objective elements. If you are willing to risk this, then the binocs are quickly available for use by just removing them from the case - but the case fit and eyecups still have to be dealt with.
In the USA rubber winged eyeguards are $3 each from eg. orion telescopes http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=170&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=winged eyeguard In Europe from eg. Baader Planetarium.

The other review has dealt more with the positives and I don't want to end without praising these marvellous binocs, highly recommended.