wdc
Well-known member
S-P prisms are referred to as widely available, therefore inexpensive, but can in some incarnations, seemingly produce excellent results in a binocular. In other words, they may have inherent flaws or drawbacks, but they have not prevented manufacturers from producing a very high quality product.
Would any of the current well-regarded binoculars on the market benefit significantly from the use of a different prism? Zeiss Victory SF, Swarovski EL 8.5 x 42, Nikon MHG, Leica Noctivid?
Abbe-Koenig reduces the # of reflective surfaces, but weighs more, and takes up more space, but is still present in 42mm offerings by various manufacturers. If they were shoehorned into an 8x32 format, would they weigh anymore than a Leupold Gold Ring?
Uppendahl prisms: What are their inherent strengths and weaknesses? Why aren't they used more? And why are they still being used?
It seems binocular performance is a sum of components, and prisms are just one part of an intentionally designed optical system. I don't expect miracles from any one element in the chain. I welcome any and all opinions on this. Educate me, please.
-Bill
Would any of the current well-regarded binoculars on the market benefit significantly from the use of a different prism? Zeiss Victory SF, Swarovski EL 8.5 x 42, Nikon MHG, Leica Noctivid?
Abbe-Koenig reduces the # of reflective surfaces, but weighs more, and takes up more space, but is still present in 42mm offerings by various manufacturers. If they were shoehorned into an 8x32 format, would they weigh anymore than a Leupold Gold Ring?
Uppendahl prisms: What are their inherent strengths and weaknesses? Why aren't they used more? And why are they still being used?
It seems binocular performance is a sum of components, and prisms are just one part of an intentionally designed optical system. I don't expect miracles from any one element in the chain. I welcome any and all opinions on this. Educate me, please.
-Bill