Roof Prism Porro Prism

Porro prisms are the more traditional ones and these are seen in older binoculars with a zig zag shape.

Roof prism porro prism.

Roof prism binoculars were compact light and comfortable to hold. They ll provide just as vibrant an image as a corresponding roof set at a fraction of the cost. So if you re on a tight budget go ahead and look for a porro set sporting bak 4 prisms. More expensive due to higher manufacturing costs.

Porro prism binoculars were standard until the 1960 s when the zeiss and leitz companies introduced roof prism binoculars whose objective lenses were straight in line with the eyepieces. The difference between porro prism and roof prism binoculars is in the design and the respective features. Porro prism binoculars have eyepieces that are closer to each other while objective lenses have larger distance. It is difficult to say whether porro prism or roof prism binoculars are better.

However porro prism binoculars are great watching birds or other small objects. Standard design in use till 1960s. 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. Roof prism bino sets are often much more expensive than porro designs of the same magnification.

Roof prisms are the newer option. Of both types there are good and not so good instruments. Roof prism binoculars have lately become more popular than porro prism binoculars. Porro prism vs roof prism binoculars which is better.

Increase in popularity after the introduction by zeuss and leitz.