The different types of optical lens coatings for binoculars
Optical lens coatings are essential technologies for ensuring optimum vision quality with binoculars. They improve light transmission, reduce glare and protect lenses from external elements such as water, dust and fingerprints. In this article, we'll explore the different optical lens coatings by brand and patent, to help you make the best choice for your viewing needs.
The main optical lens coatings for binoculars
Here are the main types of coating applied to optical lenses for binoculars:
- Multicoating: improves light transmission and reduces glare for brighter, clearer images.
- Hydrophobic coating: prevents water, dust and dirt from adhering to lenses, ideal for outdoor use.
- Oleophobic coating: prevents fingerprints and oils from adhering to lenses, making them easy to clean.
- Anti-UV treatment: blocks harmful ultraviolet rays, protecting the eyes.
- Anti-scratch coating: reinforces the lens surface to protect against scratches and abrasions.
Classification of optical coatings by brand and patent
1. Zeiss
Zeiss, a leader in the optical industry, offers several advanced lens coating technologies:
- LotuTec®: a hydrophobic coating that allows water and dirt to slide off the lenses, ideal for humid environments.
- T* Multicoating: this multi-layer coating improves light transmission and delivers bright, high-contrast images, even in low-light conditions.
2. Nikon
Nikon stands out for its optical coatings, specially designed to minimize chromatic aberrations and maximize image quality:
- ED Glass (Extra-Low Dispersion): minimizes chromatic aberrations, delivering sharp images and faithful colors.
- Full multi-coating: several layers of anti-reflective coating for improved light transmission and reduced glare.
3. Vortex
Vortex offers high-performance binoculars featuring the following technologies:
- XR™ Fully Multi-Coated: a multi-coating applied to all lens surfaces to optimize light transmission and improve brightness.
- ArmorTek®: a protective coating that resists scratches and dirt, enhancing the durability of the optics.
4. Bushnell
Bushnell offers a range of binoculars equipped with several advanced optical coatings:
- EXO Barrier™: hydrophobic and oleophobic coating that repels water, dust and dirt, while protecting lenses from fingerprints and scratches.
- PC-3 Phase Coating: enhances resolution and contrast for sharper, more detailed images.
5. Eshenbach
Eshenbach, renowned for the quality of its lenses, offers :
- Multicoating treatment: used on lenses for improved light transmission and clear, sharp vision.
6. Steiner
Steiner is a major player in binoculars for professional and military use:
- Diamond-Marine™ Coating: multi-layer coating designed for use in harsh marine conditions, offering superior durability and clear vision even in extreme environments.
- Nano-Protection™: hydrophobic coating that prevents water and dirt from adhering to the lenses.
7. Kite Optics
Kite Optics offers specific treatments to ensure quality observation:
- Kite MHR Coating: multi-layer treatment that optimizes light transmission to deliver sharp images, even in low-light conditions.
8. GPO (German Precision Optics)
GPO uses advanced processing technologies for its binoculars:
- GPObright™: a unique multi-layer treatment that increases light transmission and improves image clarity.
9. Urikan
Urikan is an emerging brand offering affordable yet effective binoculars:
- Full multi-layer coating: improves light transmission and reduces glare for brighter images.
Hierarchy of coatings by product range
Zeiss
- Zeiss Victory SF - LotuTec® and T* multilayer
- Zeiss Conquest HD - T* multilayer
- Zeiss Terra ED - classic multilayer
Nikon
- Nikon EDG - ED treatment and full multilayer
- Nikon Monarch 7 - Full multilayer
- Nikon Prostaff 7S - Multilayer
Vortex
- Vortex Razor UHD - XR™ Fully Multi-Coated and ArmorTek®
- Vortex Viper HD - XR™ Fully Multi-Coated
- Vortex Diamondback HD - Fully Multi-Coated
Bushnell
- Bushnell Forge - EXO Barrier™ and PC-3 Phase Coating
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- Fully multi-coated: optimizes light transmission and reduces glare.
Conclusion
Optical lens coatings vary considerably between brands and ranges of binoculars. They are essential for an optimal visual experience, whether for hunting, nature observation or any other outdoor activity. Depending on your needs, it's important to choose binoculars with the right coatings to maximize optical performance.
