I agree with all the positive reviews on the 8.5x papilios, I feel like a kid again exploring the backyard. The close focus really is amazing and the far focus is like any other quality binoculars. They are tiny, a true work of optical engineering.

My gripes - I was disappointed to open them up and smell that familiar Chinese rubber/plastic stink. It faded some after a few days of airing out in the sun. The reflection/glare from side light bouncing back from the eyepieces ruined the pleasure of watching the little creatures go about their business. Agena astro's soft rubber 1.25 inch non-stinky (made in Japan) winged eyeguards made them much more comfortable and totally got rid of the glare. The diopter adjustments for the right eye are very subtle and took a while to get just right for my eyes, it was frustrating until I got them properly adjusted, but once there, they stayed in focus and the details of true stereo vision jumped out to me.

Before using (and properly adjusting) these I don't know if I would have paid the few hundred dollars list price for them. I might have taken the gamble. But at the low price they're going for now, and with the Pentax lifetime replacement guarantee, they're a steal. I can't imagine any adult or older child who enjoys nature who would not have a ball with them day after day.