the front lens attaches to the main body via plastic threads that will break with the slightest impact - mine slipped off of my bag and fell 8 inches and Pentax would not cover this under warranty and their repair price was $45 so I choose to spend that money on a new pair that might last the 30-40 years of my previous pair

I'm tempted to award 5/5 but I have to be realistic, nothings perfect. These Pentax 10x50's are very close to it though, for my requirements. I originally went to the shop to buy another brand 20x60's for long range observation and its image, while not top notch, was OK. I was ready to buy them but while I was waiting, I looked through the Pentax XCF 10x50 and I was quite blown away by its crisp, sharp image. The 20x60's had a larger zoom and quite an up close view of anything but the Pentax's image was much better, much brighter and more detailed. I ended up buying the Pentax XCF's and haven't been disappointed since.

I have seen reviews for this particular 12x50 XCF. Firstly, I would say that PENTAX do not advertise their product instead, It sells itself.

I am in the Astronomy and Pentax optics come in the top 5 best optics. it uses BK4 and over size prism, FMC, over 95> light transmission, FOV fully illuminated, very good Eye relief and the prism is also FMC to eliminate ghosting as well as more contrast.

Keep in mind when using in day time you can hand hold it for a long period of time but when using for astronomy you must use tripod to see the constellation, Nebula, Galaxies and close double within the optic's range.

If you need any question then visit http://JAWAID1.COM for articles, astronomy calculator, Field depth or get software.

I really like the quality of the image and the fact that I can use them so easily with my glasses on. I bought Nikon roof-prism binoculars with a view to selling these ones on, but ended up keeping both because the Nikons are hard to use with my specs.

Light weight, good optics (12x50) although the Pentax has a stupid tripod adapter that costs as much - not really, about half the price, focus is hard when they get cold. Overall it is not bad, wish I'd spent a bit more and got Olympus.

The Pentax 10x50 XCF were the worst binoculars ever! Whenever I stared into them, my eyes started hurting! They break easily too! I had to get them mended once just because I accidentally dropped them! I seriously don't recommend these binoculars to anyone. The only thing they're good for is that they have an alright zooming range, as long as you don't look into it for too long.