While light loss and transmission rates are huge factors in optical quality there are many other factors that allows a roof prism bino for possible superiority over a porro prism bino.
Porro vs roof prism.
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.
So if you re on a tight budget go ahead and look for a porro set sporting bak 4 prisms.
Porro prisms are the more traditional ones and these are seen in older binoculars with a zig zag shape.
Roof prism binoculars have lately become more popular than porro prism binoculars.
It is difficult to say whether porro prism or roof prism binoculars are better.
Roof binoculars are in a higher general price category than porro prism binoculars and represent a class of more powerful viewing instruments.
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 or roof prism refers to the type and configuration of the internal prisms used to magnify and transmit light through the binocular to the eye.
Below explains the path of light and internal prisms for each one.
Roof prism bino sets are often much more expensive than porro designs of the same magnification.
Roof prism binocular is more streamlined as the glasses are in line with one another.
Contain 2 prisms called dach or dachkanten prism and derive their name from abbe koenig ak prism design.
Roof prisms are the newer option.
However porro prism binoculars are great watching birds or other small objects.
And they re much better for overall general use.
The difference between porro prism and roof prism binoculars is in the design and the respective features.
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.
First the technological basics.
These are easy to hold for you are more compact and more expensive than porro prism binoculars.
Of both types there are good and not so good instruments.