Roof Or Porro Prism

Roof prisms are the newer option.

Roof or porro prism.

Of both types there are good and not so good instruments. Porro prism vs roof prism binoculars which is better. 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. 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.

A roof prism also called a dach prism or dachkanten prism from the german. Compact lightweight and comfortable to hold. If porro prisms had the same amount of labor and engineering efforts as roof prism binos porro prisms would always be superior. The difference between porro prism and roof prism binoculars is in the design and the respective features.

Roof binoculars are in a higher general price category than porro prism binoculars and represent a class of more powerful viewing instruments. Porro prism design has a jog in the light path through each barrel. Roof prism design looks as if the light goes straight through. They ll provide just as vibrant an image as a corresponding roof set at a fraction of the cost.

A roof prism utilizes two glass prisms to bend light via a complex pattern in order to make it compact and split it into two halves where it eventually flows back together before reaching the eye. However porro prism binoculars are great watching birds or other small objects. They made the offset zig zag shape of the porro prism design look as old fashioned as propeller driven aircraft. Porro prisms are the more traditional ones and these are seen in older binoculars with a zig zag shape.

However the prism design is only part of the optical equation. Roof edge is a reflective optical prism containing a section where two faces meet at a 90 angle. Yes you are correct that porro prisms in their basic prism design is as perfect as can be compared to roof prism binos. Heavier design zig zag shape not so easy to grip.

Standard design in use till 1960s. The prims are in the shape of a right angled triangle and they reflect the light rays through the binoculars so you see your image clearly. More expensive due to higher manufacturing costs. So if you re on a tight budget go ahead and look for a porro set sporting bak 4 prisms.

It is difficult to say whether porro prism or roof prism binoculars are better. Roof prism binoculars have lately become more popular than porro prism binoculars. These two 90 faces resemble the roof of a building giving this prism type its name. Increase in popularity after the introduction by zeuss and leitz.

There is a legitimate price difference between the two as well. Roof prism bino sets are often much more expensive than porro designs of the same magnification.