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Message: <blockquote data-quote="WJC" data-source="post: 4143261" data-attributes="member: 25191">210201What is the need to be TESTING every binocular searching the realm over for the “perfect” binocular ... an animal that has never/will never exist? It is an exercise in stacking BBs. It makes for interesting—but largely useless—conversations. That’s about it. Because we are all different and:Different tests performed at different times with different subjects having different ranges of accommodation for different visual acuities under different conditions will produce different results.I guess it is human nature, but two premium binoculars, of the same model from the same company, may test differently when manufactured and tested 15 minutes apart! In addition, when one starts getting that nitnoidy, they will find that TEMPERATURE and HUMIDITY will keep that level of investigation and testing in flux for as long as any giving binocular exists.Almost all professional lens designers will finish their work with OPD (optical path difference) plots. Some, just getting into such work may be hesitant to move beyond “spot diagrams,” which was the standard graphic display for performance for a very long time. The important thing to remember is WHEN GOOD ENOUGH IS REALLY GOOD ENOUGH. For another purpose, I recently posted the attached spot diagram. I did the design in OPD but provided the spot diagram for those who might not understand what OPD was.The circles illustrate the Airy Disk for the appropriate wavelength. Rays fitting into the circle indicated that for that wavelength, and distance off-axis, the result would be the sacred “Diffraction Limited.” Thus, all my axial rays, as well as those at the edge of a 1.5-degree field were within a fraction of Diffraction Limited.” Many popular instruments, that cause people to brag their butts off, aren’t nearly that good.So, what was my purpose? Just to experiment and show what COULD be done—BB stacking. For as that paragon of wisdom from Jurassic Park has said, “Just because you CAN do something, it does not follow that you SHOULD!”The computer designed something that neither hands nor machines could fabricate, nor atmosphere keep stable—there were 6 surfaces, 6 spacing, and 3 glass types in the system. Those spots could have been well outside the Airy Disk and only Superman, Thor, or God could have seen the difference! And if you follow the engineering logic that it takes a 90% increase in investment to produce a 10% improvement in performance, it should be plain that the best companies—trying to keep the lights on and stay in business—are trying to cater to a citizenry that wants to enjoy a view from a fine instrument rather than worship that instrument and hold bragging rights in the hollow of their hand. Of course, the people who believe optics are upgraded about twice a month (‘Lil humor) will never buy into any of this. It’s just another dose of reality for those mature enough to benefit from it.The bottom line: 1) Do your research ... upstream from binocular forums.2) Determine which is most important to you—the image or the bragging rights.3) Buy a good binocular—ANY GOOD BINOCULAR.4) Use it until YOU see a reason to change.5) Don’t worry; be happy!</blockquote>

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