Author Topic: Roof vs. Porro- Which one?? (Read 587 times)

smoky · « **on:** July 18, 2005, 09:46:22 AM »

I am a "bino novice". What is the difference between the two and which would best suit my needs for general hunting?

Thanks,

Smoky

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2005, 10:12:05 AM »

Porro Prism binoculars will give you better 3-D imaging and better contrast. Roof prisms are more compact and as long as they are phase coated will give you very similar contrast as the Porro. Roof prisms are nice if you want a compact binoculars compared to the porro prism style, but you will pay more. This is my thinking, if you are planning on using them primarily for bow hunting, I would go with a Roof. If you are planning on using them for rifle hunting and you do a lot of "deer shack" hunting, than I would go with the Porro.

smoky · « **Reply #2 on:** July 18, 2005, 10:54:05 AM »

Would you say then that the roof prisms are any more "advanced" than the porro prisms. I am asking because looking at your website, there are 2 legend 8x42 binos. One is the porro prism for $109 and the other is the roof prism for $239. Big difference in price, however they look the same.

Thanks,

Smoky

Dave in WV · « **Reply #3 on:** July 18, 2005, 03:14:48 PM »

The less expensive 8x42 has the wrong picture. It is a poro type for $109.

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #4 on:** July 18, 2005, 04:03:31 PM »

Dave is correct. The picture on the $100 binoculars are wrong. I will have to get after my webmaster. Oh wait, that is me.

EsoxLucius · « **Reply #5 on:** July 19, 2005, 05:15:17 AM »

Porro prism binoculars are generally harder to water and fog proof and are usually not as durable. Because of their inherent design a roof prism binoculars will cost more than a porro prism with a comparable view. As mentioned phase correction is necessary in a roof to attain the contrast and clarity of a comparable porro, this contributes to increased cost. Although, these distinctions are becoming more blurred with Chinese manufacture of roof prism binoculars for several Japanese companies. There are some phase corrected roof prism binoculars currently available for $200 and under that offer surprisingly good views. Hunters usually prefer the roof prism because of its more compact design and durablility.