Pentax - 10x50 Z-Series ZD ED Binoculars

The B&H Binocular Buying Guide

With an eye for the discerning nature enthusiast, the Pentax 10x50 Z-Series ZD ED Binoculars feature multiple optical technologies to improve the image quality and ensure accurate colors in all weather and lighting conditions - especially in low light, such as dawn and dusk when many birds and game are most active.

The image-enhancement starts with the 50mm objective lenses that draw in copious amounts of light and extend the practical useable ability well beyond smaller objective optics. The lenses are made with hybrid aspherical elements and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. The aspherical elements eliminate distortion around the edges of the lens for clear edge-to-edge views and corrects lens astigmatism that can prevent the ability to bring subjects into sharp focus. ED glass corrects for chromatic aberration to ensure colors are accurately rendered. Anti-reflect fully multicoated optics maximize light transmission through the entire optical path to make views appear bright and crisp, especially in low light. Finally, the BAK4 roof prisms are phase-corrected to enhance contrast and further correct chromatic aberration. These technologies work together to produce bright and clear high-contrast images with virtually no distortion and accurate colors.

Complementing the optical performance is a housing that is built for a lifetime of rugged outdoor use. The chassis is made of a lightweight and durable magnesium alloy with a rubberized armor that protects against impacts while providing a slip-resistant grip. The optical tubes are nitrogen filled for fogproof performance and O-ring sealed to make the binoculars submersible to as much as 3.3'. A protective external lens coating helps to repel dust, water, and oil to ensure obstruction-free viewing. The larger objectives add weight and bias the center of balance forward which could lead to user fatigue and possible hand-shake, so for steadier views during longer glassing sessions, the binoculars are tripod mountable with an optional adapter.

Todd Vorenkamp

5 years ago

Todd Vorenkamp

5 years ago

Christopher Witt

4 years ago

Joseph Albanese

5 years ago

User Manual

1.0 MB

Optical Performance

10x magnification

50mm objective lenses

BAK4 Roof prism optical path

Anti-reflection fully multicoated optics

Extra-low dispersion (ED) glass reduces chromatic aberration for sharper images with accurate color

Phase corrected prisms produce high-contrast images with true color rendition

Hybrid aspherical lens elements correct for spherical aberrations to reduce distortion at the edges of the lens and corrects for astigmatism that can prevent sharp focusing

262' field of view at 1000 yards

50° angle of view

Use and Handling

Closed bridge configuration

Large knurled center focus wheel

Right-eye diopter adjustment

22mm long eye relief, 5.0mm exit pupil

Twist-up eyecups for use with or without eye wear

Tripod mountable with optional adapter

Construction Details

Lightweight and durable magnesium alloy housing

Rubberized armoring protects against impacts and provides slip-resistant grip

Nitrogen-filled, fogproof and submersible to 3.3' (1m)

Internal focusing system helps to maintain waterproof seals

Dust/water/grease repellent coatings keeps the optical surfaces clean

• With an eye for the discerning nature enthusiast, the Pentax 10x50 Z-Series ZD ED Binoculars feature multiple optical technologies to improve the image quality and ensure accurate colors in all weather and lighting conditions - especially in low light, such as dawn and dusk when many birds and game are most active.
The image-enhancement starts with the 50mm objective lenses that draw in copious amounts of light and extend the practical useable ability well beyond smaller objective optics. The lenses are made with hybrid aspherical elements and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. The aspherical elements eliminate distortion around the edges of the lens for clear edge-to-edge views and corrects lens astigmatism that can prevent the ability to bring subjects into sharp focus. ED glass corrects for chromatic aberration to ensure colors are accurately rendered. Anti-reflect fully multicoated optics maximize light transmission through the entire optical path to make views appear bright and crisp, especially in low light. Finally, the BAK4 roof prisms are phase-corrected to enhance contrast and further correct chromatic aberration. These technologies work together to produce bright and clear high-contrast images with virtually no distortion and accurate colors.
Complementing the optical performance is a housing that is built for a lifetime of rugged outdoor use. The chassis is made of a lightweight and durable magnesium alloy with a rubberized armor that protects against impacts while providing a slip-resistant grip. The optical tubes are nitrogen filled for fogproof performance and O-ring sealed to make the binoculars submersible to as much as 3.3'. A protective external lens coating helps to repel dust, water, and oil to ensure obstruction-free viewing. The larger objectives add weight and bias the center of balance forward which could lead to user fatigue and possible hand-shake, so for steadier views during longer glassing sessions, the binoculars are tripod mountable with an optional adapter.