Porro Prism/Roof Prism? Quality question....

MichaelJ

Very Active Member
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Ok, just want your guys' opinions on what's better. I know that they both dictate what shape the binos have, and the roof's are lighter, but is there a difference in quality? Also, how are they Pentax's? I got a lead on a good set. Thanks.

Michael~All Gods creatures welcome... right next to the mashed potatoes and gravy.
 
My understanding is that its less costly to build a quality Porro than a Roof. The problem with Porros is that they are difficult to waterproof.

I probably would stay with a well made Porro if I couldnt spend at least $250 to $300 which will get you into the low range of what are some very good Roofs...Nikon Monarch, Bushnell Legend, Leupold Olympic.

I have a pair of Pentax DCF WP 8x42. They dont make this model anymore. I am very happy with them although I want to look through the Leupold Pinnacles and see if they are any better.
 
Hey MichaelJ,
IMHO, the Zeiss Classic's available in Cabelas for $699 are the best glass for the money. I purchased some Leupold's 10 or 12 years ago because they were cheap at $250...after a few years, I ended up spending the money for the Zeiss glasses and what a difference.

I know it can be difficult coming up with the cash and how/how much you use the glasses makes a difference, but I do believe you get what you pay for with bino's, scopes, etc.

Just something to think about.

By the way, didn't we trade messages about tanning hides? If so, are you still doing that?
Lance
 
I also have the Pentax 8x42 DCF WP. These are roof prisms. I am happy with them. I think their current model that is equivqlent to this model is about $350

As said above, all things being equal, the same quality is cheaper in a poro prism. However, lighter is BETTER! When you hang them around your neck all day, 4-5 ounces make a big difference.

I stay with roof prisms for this reason. If you go with roof's, be sure the prizms are PHASE COATED. Will make the image much brighter. My brother has the same model without the phase coating, and mine is much supirior.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
 
txhunter58,
Yeah, I know that weight makes a big difference. I do have the bino harness that goes over/under your arms, and it really makes it easier to carry binos. Especially heavy ones.

IdHunter, yeah, I'm the same guy. If you want I could tann you a hide, but I stopped doing it mainly because there's really no market for them. I tried real hard to sell a beautiful whitetail hide that I'd tanned, but no one wanted it. And even if they did they would only pay a really cheap price. It's not worth it to put soo many hours into something, and not get very much back.

On the Zeiss', I wish I could, but I'm only 16 and don't have a whole lot of money right now. My parents are also really short of money right now, and I've spent over $400 already of my summer earnings, on a new pack, new boots, camp stove, huntin socks...etc. If we do get new binos, it'll also be on my own.

I can get a pair of Pentax 10X50mm PCF WP's for $100 after mail in rebate. Fulley Multi-Coated Lenses, Bak 4 Prism, 20mm eye relief, slide out eye cups, limited lifetime warranty, submergable up to 1M of water, focus lock....etc They really look like a good pair of binos. I won't be using them a whole lot, and I mainly just need something to "get by".

Michael~All Gods creatures welcome... right next to the mashed potatoes and gravy.
 
As Jack Atcheson says, "binoculars weight nothing and cost nothing"....LOL. If you don't know what this means.....then you are still learnin.

from the "Heartland of Wyoming"
 
Not sure I get what your saying. Is it that if you want a light bino, your going to have to spend a lot of money? (Please don't ask me how I came up w/ that.)

Michael~All Gods creatures welcome... right next to the mashed potatoes and gravy.
 
Pentax roof prism is the way to go. I use Pentax DCF WP 10X 50. There 399.00 on line from Cameraland in new york city(great folks to deal with). Definitely get one of those new crooked horn outfiters Bino straps too.
I like the 10x50 so much for finding game farther out and low light conditions. These Binos work awesome for glass wearers too. These Binos Work great in the dark timber too! Better binos will allow you to glass longer with less eye strain. My buddy taught me a great trick when glassing, just put your binos on your shooting sticks. You'll double the clarity long range because the shooting sticks take all the trembling out(makes a huge difference).
I suggest people spend less on there rifles and vehicles and spend more on there bino's.
 
LAST EDITED ON Aug-26-04 AT 09:40PM (MST)[p]Thanks for the advice, but I just can't spend that kind of money. And I believe our last pair of binos got stolen, so we really need to get a pair quick. Also, I believe there were quality binos before roof prisms came out. As far as porro prisms, I believe the Pentax PCF Water Proof series looks like it can't be beat.

Michael~All Gods creatures welcome... right next to the mashed potatoes and gravy.
 
Regarding Pentax PCF Water Proof,

Bearbasin.com has a very good deal on them with a $40 rebate.
 
Sorry guys. I went out to a local store that had some good deals on Nikon and Bushnell. Didn't carry any of their top of the line stuff. But I tried some out, and the Bushnell H2O 10X42's were really crisp and clear for my eyes, and they are garunteed not to fog or have any defects from water. Since our last binos got stolen, we had to make a decision quick, and I'm happy w/ them. Thanks for all the advice, and when I have to money to upgrade to something (maybe some Zeiss' or Swaros), I'll keep in mind this info. Thanks again.

Michael

Michael~All Gods creatures welcome... right next to the mashed potatoes and gravy.
 

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