I was reading about the Steiner Predator 10x42 binoculars. The text said something along the lines that the coatings were optimized for red transmission and against blue, the theory being that reds and browns are best for detecting game at dusk.
It seems to me though that we don't use much red in visual astronomy and that one could rephrase the Steiner text as saying that these binoculars are optimized for anti-astronomy.
My question is whether these sorts of "optimizations" in fact make a difference? And I guess as a more subtle point: how would you know what a particular binocular company is emphasizing in its design? Most of the sales blurbs just say maximum light transmission. It may not be the case that good birding or game binoculars are optimized for astronomy.
regards
Greg N
It seems to me though that we don't use much red in visual astronomy and that one could rephrase the Steiner text as saying that these binoculars are optimized for anti-astronomy.
My question is whether these sorts of "optimizations" in fact make a difference? And I guess as a more subtle point: how would you know what a particular binocular company is emphasizing in its design? Most of the sales blurbs just say maximum light transmission. It may not be the case that good birding or game binoculars are optimized for astronomy.
regards
Greg N
"Scope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no scope." --Freewheelin' Franklin