Pentax UD 9x21 Black

Pentax/Ricoh is a name that should exude quality, and these binoculars live up to it. Very small and super lightweight, looks very nice, with an image beyond expectations: sharp, surprisingly light and good contrast. Smooth buttons, clear manual. For my purposes (from birds to ships to airplanes) 8x is often just too little, 10x often just too much, and so - it may sound lame - the 9x of this one is indeed perfect. It's not waterproof but, well, my camera isn't either, so no problem for my purposes. Comes with carrying strap and bag. I think a 'lens pen' for cleaning the lenses is a useful accessory to buy.

Bought it because of the price and to try it out. It turns out to be a children's version. However, it's fine for me. The very next day I took it with me to a family day in the Biesbosch. No one had binoculars with them. So I could really show them off.

I think the binoculars are fine and easy to carry. They won't be sufficient for a seasoned birdwatcher. For now, the binoculars will go in the bag during walks.

Small size and light weight makes it easy to carry