Roof Prism Porro Prism

The difference between porro prism and roof prism binoculars is in the design and the respective features.

Roof prism porro prism.

Compact lightweight and comfortable to hold. Porro prism binoculars have eyepieces that are closer to each other while objective lenses have larger distance. 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.

They ll provide just as vibrant an image as a corresponding roof set at a fraction of the cost. Porro prisms are the more traditional ones and these are seen in older binoculars with a zig zag shape. Roof prisms are the newer option. 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.

Roof prism binoculars have lately become more popular than porro prism binoculars. Increase in popularity after the introduction by zeuss and leitz. It is difficult to say whether porro prism or roof prism binoculars are better. Of both types there are good and not so good instruments.

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. 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 binoculars were compact light and comfortable to hold. Roof prism bino sets are often much more expensive than porro designs of the same magnification.

Heavier design zig zag shape not so easy to grip.