Stuff We Like: Papilio II Binoculars

On your next hike, take a pair of binoculars so you can study wildlife that’s far away. With the Pentax Papilio II ($109, us.ricoh-imaging.com), you can observe close-up wildlife, too.

The high-performance Papilio II uses a mechanism that slides the objective lenses to allow for clear, sharp viewing at less than 2 feet away. This lets you observe insects and plants without disturbing them. With a turn of the focus wheel, you can dial in on birds, mammals and other scenery.

Binoculars have two magnification numbers: the first is the magnification power and the second is the size of the objective lens in millimeters. The Papilio II is sold in 6.5×21 and 8.5×21, meaning it can increase your view by 6.5 or 8.5 times.

The binoculars’ soft rubber exterior lets you get a good grip, and the compact size makes it easy to pack and carry.