Ricoh announced a new Pentax PF-85EDA compact, highly portable, and waterproof spotting scope (terrestrial telescope) ideal for a variety of applications including birdwatching, nature, and astronomical observations. The newly designed optics incorporate a large-aperture 85mm objective lens delivering a bright, clear, high-contrast field of view for high-quality observations. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements effectively minimize chromatic aberrations, and the latest multi-layer coating process drastically reduces reflectance. The roof prism optical design enables the PENTAX PF-85EDA to be compact and highly portable, making it comfortable to carry for outdoor explorations.
The new Pentax PF-85EDA spotting scope/terrestrial telescope will soon be listed for sale at the Pentax/Ricoh store on Amazon.
Additional information:
The PENTAX PF-85EDA features ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements to effectively minimize chromatic aberrations. It also features a combination of a full multi-coating process applied to all optical elements, and a phase coating process applied to the roof prism to deliver a clear, high-contrast field of view for high-quality observations.
The interior of this spotting scope is filled with nitrogen gas to prevent fogging caused by sudden temperature changes. This assures a clear field of view even in demanding weather conditions.
Despite its large objective lens, this spotting scope is designed to be compact and highly portable, thanks to the incorporation of the latest optical design featuring a roof prism. This compact design makes it easy to be carried to a variety of destinations. Its compact dimensions and portability also come in handy in various types of nature and astronomical observation, including birdwatching.
By inserting a dust-proof glass element in the eyepiece mount, this spotting scope is designed to be airtight for outstanding waterproof performance (equivalent to JIS Class 7, with water resistance to a depth of one meter)* for dependable use even in the rain or mist.
* This model cannot be used underwater. The smc PENTAX Zoom Eyepiece 8-24mm (included in the optional eyepiece kit) is not designed to be waterproof.
The eyepiece section is slanted upward at a 45-degree angle, allowing subject observations over long periods of time in a natural, comfortable posture, without the need to look up.
The eyepiece mount features an American-standard 31.7mm (1.25-inch) sleeve to accept a range of eyepieces, letting you choose the eyepiece that best accommodates a specific application.
| Model: | PF-85EDA |
| Type: | Slanted-barrel roof-prism spotting scope (45° tilted) |
| Lens Construction: | 5 elements in 4 groups, ED glass elements with 85mm effective aperture |
| Eyepiece Ring Diameter: | 31.7mm (1.25 in.) |
| Focus Range: | Approx. 5m to infinity |
| Eyepiece Ring: | Collet type |
| Color: | Black |
| Dimensions: | 347(W) x 116.5(H) x 101.8(D) mm 13.7(W) x 4.6(H) x 4.0(D) in. |
| Weight: | Scope only: approx. 1,600g / 56.5 oz. Eyepiece Kit: approx. 2150g / 76 oz. |
| Waterproof Rating*: | JIS Class 7 |
| Inlcluded Accessories: | Objective lens cap, Eye lens cap, Case |
* This model cannot be used underwater. smc PENTAX Zoom eyepiece 8-24mm, which is included in the Eyepiece Kit is not waterproof.
Press release:
PARSIPPANY, NJ, January 23, 2024 — Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX PF-85EDA spotting scope, a compact, highly portable and waterproof terrestrial telescope ideal for a variety of applications including birdwatching, and nature and astronomical observations.
Newly designed optics incorporate a large-aperture 85mm objective lens delivering a bright, clear, high-contrast field of view for high-quality observations. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements effectively minimize chromatic aberrations, and the latest multi-layer coating process drastically reduces reflectance. The roof prism optical design enables the PENTAX PF-85EDA to be compact and highly portable, making it comfortable to carry for outdoor explorations.
The PENTAX PF-85EDA was designed to maximize comfort and ease of use in a variety of conditions. With a dust-proof glass element in the eyepiece mount, the scope is waterproof (equivalent to JIS Class 7; with water resistance to a depth of 3.2 feet) for dependable use even in the rain or mist. Its eyepiece section is slanted upward at a 45-degree angle, enabling the user to easily adjust the eye level and observe subjects while standing or sitting in a natural, relaxed posture. The eyepiece mount’s standard 31.7mm (1.25 inch) sleeve accepts a range of eyepieces including the XF series specifically designed for PENTAX spotting scopes and the XW series optimized for astronomical observation.
The scope’s interior is filled with nitrogen gas to prevent fogging caused by sudden temperature changes, ensuring a clear field of view, even in challenging weather conditions.
| Pricing and Availability |
The PENTAX PF-85EDA spotting scope will be available February 2024 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,299.95. A kit including the PF-85EDA spotting scope and smc PENTAX Zoom 8-24mm Eyepiece will also be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,599.95.
