Zeiss uses new findings from perception theory to optimize distortion in binoculars (1 Viewer)

[Holger Merlitz]

Zeiss has now officially declared that the distortion curves of the SFL line are designed around data from perception theory to optimize their panning behavior. The globe effect is now well understood and reasonably controlled using as little as possible pincushion distortion.

Cheers,
Holger

 

[Ignatius]

It seems there are heretics out there. Just thought I'd mention it for the sake of even-handedness since the maths is way over my

 

[Holger Merlitz]

Heretics! They may burn in hell 😇

Cheers,
Holger

 

[MiddleRiver]

Congrats Holger and thanks for providing some of the science behind what we users observe (and want).
No surprise I'm a big fan of the 8x SFL's!

 

[kestrel1]

Congratulations Holger for bringing great achievement for the community and influencing the SFL design.
Community should likes the article to express appreciation as well to Zeiss.

 

[gweller]

I find the SFL's to have more pincushion than the SF's and most of the SFL's I tried had the 'Blue Ring of Death' around the FOV. Why can't they use perception theory to eliminate the blue rings?

Maybe because no one else can see the BROD (Blue Rings of Denis)?

 

[Ignatius]

"Overall, the achievement of excellent distortion performance in ZEISS SFL binoculars is attributed to the deliberate correction of the system with remaining pincushion distortion and the consideration of human perceptual factors, as proposed by researchers like Holger Merlitz."

From a recent Zeiss announcement as already pointed out by @kestrel1 .

 

[tenex]

Just thought I'd mention it for the sake of even-handedness since the maths is way over my

No need to read that far. Already in the first two paragraphs it's apparent that he isn't understanding the role of rectilinear distortion and AMD at all, and has consequently tried to invent a completely different explanation of what's going on. Did anyone try to explain that at Jülich-Bonn? (I say "try"advisedly)

Thanks for pointing this out. I'll pay more attention to these corrections if I examine an SFL again (still haven't seen the 30s), even though I don't seem to be bothered as much by globe effect as some are.

 

[NatureLover123]

Zeiss has now officially declared that the distortion curves of the SFL line are designed around data from perception theory to optimize their panning behavior. The globe effect is now well understood and reasonably controlled using as little as possible pincushion distortion.

Cheers,
Holger

I like it when someone has a passion for something and invest blood and sweat and then the work gets on top of it appreciated, eventually. Congrats Holger

 

[NatureLover123]

I like it when someone has a passion for something and invest blood and sweat and then the work gets on top of it appreciated, eventually. Congrats Holger

Maybe thats a good opportunity to get hired by Zeiss for the team that engineers the next gen SFs I would try it

 

[Holger Merlitz]

Thanks a lot for your cheers!

The optical design of binoculars has reached high levels so that there is not too much room left for improvements. One key feature that is still missing is certainly image stabilization. Apart from that, "observation pleasure" is a possible topic on which further research might be fruitful. A smooth panning behavior is only one of the parameters, now addressed by Zeiss. There is the interface between eye and eyepiece: A pleasant "ease of view", somehow related to the permissible deviations of the eye pupil from the ideal position so that no shadowing or vignetting arises. Then the eyecups: I would like to be able to make a 3D face scan and then order 3D printed eyecups that perfectly fit my individual face anatomy. A perfect collimation, within tolerances that are tighter than requested by international standards, also contributes to a pleasant observation experience. There are probably more factors.

Cheers,
Holger

 

[wllmspd]

A selection of eyecups, some that can roll down, some winged ones etc would be useful. I find the bino bandit deals with straylight, but can get “foggy” inside on hot days. Not enough people off decent winged eyecups.

Peter

 

[Montereyman]

The binocular manufacturers have a product that does not wear out and so they need to find reasons for people to buy a new one when their current one is perfectly fine.

There are many aftermarket options for binocular eyeshields and the choice depends on the user's needs. One thing I liked about the Steiner 12x50 binoculars was the integrated eyeshields provided. I found the barrels awkward to hold for extended use and so I returned them.

 

[Hermann]

The optical design of binoculars has reached high levels so that there is not too much room left for improvements. One key feature that is still missing is certainly image stabilization. [my emphasis]

That's IMO the most important improvement left. And it's about time more manufacturers got to grips with it.

There is the interface between eye and eyepiece: A pleasant "ease of view", somehow related to the permissible deviations of the eye pupil from the ideal position so that no shadowing or vignetting arises.

Absolutely right. Today there are still huge differences between different models, even from the same manufacturer.

Then the eyecups: I would like to be able to make a 3D face scan and then order 3D printed eyecups that perfectly fit my individual face anatomy.

Yep. And that would be very easy to remedy nowadays. Even just offering three or four different eyecups (at reasonable prices!) would be a great improvement. Just buy a full set and try out which one works best for you.

A perfect collimation, within tolerances that are tighter than requested by international standards, also contributes to a pleasant observation experience.

Another really important improvement. As everyone who checked his/her binoculars with a booster well knows both barrels are very rarely equally good. Why? IMO that's inexcusable.

Brilliant post, Holger!

Hermann

 

[4th_point]

Zeiss has now officially declared that the distortion curves of the SFL line are designed around data from perception theory to optimize their panning behavior. The globe effect is now well understood and reasonably controlled using as little as possible pincushion distortion.

Cheers,
Holger

This is great information. Thanks for sharing.

I spent several hours comparing the SFL to other makes and models and was super impressed, based on resolution in the field, but didn't compare panning characteristics.

Jason

 

[Maljunulo]

Another really important improvement. As everyone who checked his/her binoculars with a booster well knows both barrels are very rarely equally good.
Hermann

Neither are my eyes.