The Different Types of Binoculars

>Roof Prism Binoculars

One of the two main styles of binoculars is the Roof Prism (the other being Porro Prism), this refers to the type of prism used in their construction. In this design the prism's are aligned with each other in a straight line, and thus they tend to be sleeker and more compact binoculars than the Porro prism design. You can easily identify a roof prism binocular as the eyepieces and the large objective lenses line up with each other.

Advantages

• Compact Design
• Less internal parts than porro prism design, so less to go wrong and easier to make dust and waterproof.

Disadvantages

The image quality of roof-prism binoculars can suffer slightly because of the aligned prisms, although the top models of the roof-prism and porro-prism binoculars are now generally considered to have equal optical quality. To be really good, roof prism binoculars have to be in the high price range. Do not attempt to economize on roof prism binoculars.

Good For

Ideal general use binoculars that can be used for birdwatching, wildlife viewing and at sporting events.

View all >> Roof Prism Binoculars.

>Porro Prism Binoculars

It is easy to identify a Porro Prism binocular because the eyepieces and the objective lenses are offset from each other (objective lens is not in line with the ocular lens), this is because of the design of the prism (porro) used in it's construction.

Advantages

• Porro prisms have objective lenses spaced wider than roof prisms, and so can produce a slightly better stereoscopic image than the roof prism design.
• Cheaper to make quality porro prisms than roof prisms so they tend to be cheaper to buy.

Disadvantages

• Less compact design than roof prism binoculars
• More moving parts, more to go wrong and harder to make fully water and dust proof.

Good For

Like the roof prisim, porro prism binoculars make perfect general use optics ldeal for things like birdwatching, wildlife viewing and at sporting events.

View all >> Porro Prism Binoculars.

>Binoculars for Astronomy

Most people assume that only a telescope enables you to view the stars, but binoculars have their place in astronomy as well and there are binoculars specifically designed for this purpose. They often come under the name of Giant Binoculars and have huge magnifications and objective lenses designed to take in as much light as possible. For the complete guide to choosing binoculars for astronomy take a look at the links below:

>> Astronomical binoculars

>> Celestron Binoculars
>> Celestron SkyMaster Binoculars

>Marine Binoculars

Binoculars that are specifically designed for a watery environment, need to have special qualities, these include being tough and fully waterproof, some float and others come with a compass and are also rangefinder binoculars. Take a look at my guide to the >> Best Marine Binoculars.

>Night Vision devices

There is a huge range of optical devices designed to help you view objects in the dark, for more information and to discover the difference between night vision glasses and other night vision devices, including binoculars, monoculars and night vision scopes as well as discovering how they work and what features to look out for when deciding which one to buy >> Night Vision Glasses & Devices.

>Golf Range Finders

Specifically designed to give you the exact distance to an object (usually the pin), golf rangefinders achieve this in a number of different ways using different technologies including laser, GPS and optical. Bushnell produce some of the best in the world and pioneered golf laser rangefinders as well as the GPS versions. Take a look at my guide to >> Bushnell Golf Range Finders.