Roof Or Porro Prism For Astronomy

Most binoculars marketed for astronomy use porro prisms named for the italian optician who invented them in the 1850s.

Roof or porro prism for astronomy.

Porro prisms are the more traditional ones and these are seen in older binoculars with a zig zag shape. It is difficult to say whether porro prism or roof prism binoculars are better. The question of porro prism or roof prism inevitably arises see here for more information. The difference between porro prism and roof prism binoculars is in the design and the respective features.

If the price is your point of consideration and you are looking for a less expensive binocular then better to go for porro prism binoculars. Porro prism includes two right angled prisms that are facing each other. Roof prism binoculars construction is different and have two aligned barrels with eyepieces and objective lenses that are closer to each other than in porro prism binoculars. Porro prism vs roof prism binoculars which is better.

Porro prism binoculars have eyepieces that are closer to each other while objective lenses have larger distance. However porro prism binoculars are great watching birds or other small objects. If you are traveling with your binoculars roof binoculars will be a better choice than porro prism binoculars because they are designed to be a lot more durable and are usually waterproof. Of both types there are good and not so good instruments.

Porro prism is made to increase the light in its path and increase the magnification so that we can get a clear bright image. Roof prism units are smaller and lighter weight but have a more complicated touchy optical design which makes them more difficult and expensive to manufacture well. However compared to the porro prism the roof prism does have a couple of drawbacks. Roof prism binoculars have lately become more popular than porro prism binoculars.

Roof prisms are the newer option. The objective lens tube of porro prism is offset from the eyepiece. As roof prism binoculars are very expensive keep them out of kids reach. That is why we called it porro prism.

However if you want to go for the best quality viewing experience then go for roof prism binoculars. These binoculars are for the more serious user who wants to get out and get dirty. Roof binoculars have a narrow hinge tween the oculars and they look like a large letter h.