FrankD
Well-known member
Mac,
One thing I have learned from reading Henry's and others posts over the years is that there is the actual physical measurement of an optical characteristic and then there is the subjective, observable difference. From what I remember reading in an independent light transmission test of some of the higher end binoculars (assuming 8x42 configuration) the Zeiss FL had the highest overall transmission percentage...somewhere around 93% if I remember correctly. The Zeiss Conquest ABK was in second with over 90%. Third was the Swaro EL (around 89%) followed by the Ultravid (87%)...and then more distantly behind were the Swaro SLC and Leica Trinovid (82-84%)...and assuming that second last model was tested prior to the "Neu" version with the upgraded coatings.
As for the "apparent brightness" that seems to depend on contrast, apparent sharpness and a variety of other characteristics/conditions. I have often seen it referenced that the Swarovski optical products "come into their own" in lower light conditions. This could obviously be the result of the specifc choice of coatings and how they are utilized to enhance contrast under certain conditions.
Just something to think about.
One thing I have learned from reading Henry's and others posts over the years is that there is the actual physical measurement of an optical characteristic and then there is the subjective, observable difference. From what I remember reading in an independent light transmission test of some of the higher end binoculars (assuming 8x42 configuration) the Zeiss FL had the highest overall transmission percentage...somewhere around 93% if I remember correctly. The Zeiss Conquest ABK was in second with over 90%. Third was the Swaro EL (around 89%) followed by the Ultravid (87%)...and then more distantly behind were the Swaro SLC and Leica Trinovid (82-84%)...and assuming that second last model was tested prior to the "Neu" version with the upgraded coatings.
As for the "apparent brightness" that seems to depend on contrast, apparent sharpness and a variety of other characteristics/conditions. I have often seen it referenced that the Swarovski optical products "come into their own" in lower light conditions. This could obviously be the result of the specifc choice of coatings and how they are utilized to enhance contrast under certain conditions.
Just something to think about.
