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Types of Binoculars

There are 2 types of binoculars based on the prism design: Porro Prism Binoculars & Roof Prism Binoculars. Porro Prism binoculars are known to produce brighter images and Roof prism binoculars are known for being compact and more durable. Tips: choose your binoculars based on activity. 

   

Pros

  • Usually more compact compared to similar porro-prism model.
  • Easier to hold.  
  • Generally tougher than porro prism binos of the same specification.

Cons

  • Tend to be more expensive

Pros

  • Affordable and provides very good optical quality.

Cons

  • Generally not as compact (except for inverted porro design). 
  • Less comfortable to hold for a long time.

Lens coatings

Coated   Fully Coated   Multi-Coated   Fully Multi-Coated
A single layer of anti reflection coat is applied to some elements of the lens.   all air to glass surfaces are coated.   some surfaces had multiple antireflection coating.   all glass surfaces have multiple coatings. 

Prisms Grade

Prisms direct light path inside the binoculars. There are two types of prisms commonly use for binoculars.

  • BaK-4 - Created from Barium Crown Glass. Considered as the superior prism because it has better light transmission.
  • BK-7 - Created from Borosilicate Glass. Good light transmission and more affordable. 
 
Types of Binoculars in infographics

 

 Popular Roof Prism Binoculars                                                                              Popular Porro Prism Binoculars

Steiner SkyHawk Pro 10x26 Carl Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42 Bushnell Permafocus
Steiner navigator 7x30

Steiner Ranger Xtreme 10x42 Hunting Binoculars

Carl Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42 Binoculars

Bushnell Permafocus 7x50
Binoculars

Steiner Navigator 7x30
Binoculars