A comparison of prism types, and why the Schmidt Pechan seems to have won the premium binoculars (2 Viewers)

[Megaloblatta]

downgraded to plastic housing.
Downgraded I don't think so. Fibre Glass reinforced Polymer is not a downgrade and the body of the Zeiss fl's has stood the test of time.
Peter.

Absolutely - everything that I have read suggests this. And don't many of Zeiss's current binoculars have such a construction?

 

[kimmik]

Playing with an SFL 8x40 this week, the prism configuration is conventional SP, pechan first, and a single baffle between the two prism halves.

So within the Zeiss Victory range, there are 4 prism configurations:

Pechan first SP with single internal baffle - SFL40, VP25, and presumably SFL30
Pechan first SP with double internal baffles - SF32
Schmidt first SP - SF42
AK - HT56

 

[GrampaTom]

Kimmik, 2 questions:
1. How are you able to determine this construction? Can you tell from outside exam or did you take apart? Just curious.
2. re "presumably SFL30,VP25" can we/are we guessing the VPs and SFLs are made at same Japanese Factory?

Thanks
T

 

[kimmik]

Hi Tom:

1. By looking at the prism through the objective side, then from the eyepiece side, with the help of a flashlight. If you look up prism tunnel diagrams, then compare with your bino, it will make more sense.
2. The VP25 prism I have confirmation, only the SF30 I haven't seen yet. Interesting thought maybe they are made at the same factory, pure speculation though.