Pentax AD 9x32

The Pentax AD 9x32 is a lightweight pair of binoculars that's easy to pack or carry when you're traveling. The compact binoculars have 9x magnification and a wide field of view at 117m. The objective lenses are 32mm, which means these are best suited for well-lit surroundings.

Pros: At only 17.6oz and dimensions of 2 x 5 x 5.4in, these Pentax binoculars are one of the smallest and lightest weight binoculars we reviewed. The 117m field of view is on the better side of average, and a 2.5m minimum distance is also better than many other pairs.

Cons: A 32mm objective lens is one of the smallest we reviewed, which means less light can make its way in and viewing objects in low-light settings was difficult. Active Junky testers found that the images were less sharp than with other models, and objects farther away were more difficult to see clearly. They are also not tripod compatible.

Bottom Line: The Pentax AD 9x32 is a well-rounded set of binoculars that lends itself well to hiking or traveling with its compact design.

Best for: Traveling and hiking when weight and size are a factor

Key Attribute: Design