Scanning For Ideas: Binoculars With Two Magnifications

Edited by Stephen J. Mraz

The 8+12 42 model, for example, can switch, not zoom, between 8 and 12, while the 10+15 50 model switches between 10 and 15. To switch, users must give the deliberately stiff rubber-armored rings on both barrels or oculars a quarter twist. The stiffness prevents the magnifications from slipping back and forth. The binoculars use a roof-prism design and are completely sealed and nitrogen charged. This means they are fogproof and waterproof (down to 16 ft). The prisms are phasecoated to reduce color aberrations, and the lenses are multicoated to improve light transmission and scratch resistance.