Mono-coatings vs Multi-coatings

[joggerman]

I have read several comments regarding the apparent merits of multi-coatings over mono-coatings on binoculars, including some who have praised the excellent viewing from their monos, even some vintage glass without any coatings.

As an example of mono coating, there is the admittedly cheap Olympus DPS-1 10x50 which seems to have a large following and high ratings?

What are the advantages of coatings, multi or mono?
Apart from light gathering, are there any real advantages?

[KathyNS]

I bought some mono-coated 10x50 binos at a pawn shop. Good quality optics, but I couldn't look at anything bright, such as Jupiter, because of the internal reflections and glare. Multi-coatings make a huge difference.

[Refractordude]

I have read several comments regarding the apparent merits of multi-coatings over mono-coatings on binoculars, including some who have praised the excellent viewing from their monos, even some vintage glass without any coatings.

As an example of mono coating, there is the admittedly cheap Olympus DPS-1 10x50 which seems to have a large following and high ratings?

What are the advantages of coatings, multi or mono?
Apart from light gathering, are there any real advantages?

I would not buy those Olympus binoculars. They have an eye relief of 12mm. I sold my Oberwerk LW 15x70 for more aperture and eye relief, and purchased the Zhumell 20x80. Below will be my next pair of binoculars, which will replace my Celestron Cometron 7x50. Click the images.

[j.gardavsky]

Regarding the coatings, most importatnt is on the Porro prisms binoculars, that all optics surfaces are fully multicoated (FMC.
Herewith will the maximum contrast, maximum transmissivity, and no ghosting achieved.
Still higher quality binos are broadband fully multicoated.

Lots of the binoculars declared as FMC, or even broadband FMC, have not multicoated prisms, so they are fake FMC, with visible ghosting on bright objects.

Best,
JG

[joggerman]

Regarding the coatings, most importatnt is on the Porro prisms binoculars, that all optics surfaces are fully multicoated (FMC.
Herewith will the maximum contrast, maximum transmissivity, and no ghosting achieved.
Still higher quality binos are broadband fully multicoated.

Lots of the binoculars declared as FMC, or even broadband FMC, have not multicoated prisms, so they are fake FMC, with visible ghosting on bright objects.

Best,
JG

I am currently tempted by the Pentax SP 12x50 WP because of the reported high quality of the 10x50s.
http://binocularsky.com/reviews/Pentax_SP_10x50.pdf
Do you have an opinion on these? They are currently £159 in the UK.
I particularly like the internal central focusing system and the focus lock.
I would probably mount them on a monopod for astro.

[j.gardavsky]

These Pentax look good to me.

Generally, the low cost Pentax binoculars have small AFOV, like 50°.
The price sounds very good,

JG

[joggerman]

These Pentax look good to me.

Generally, the low cost Pentax binoculars have small AFOV, like 50°.
The price sounds very good,

JG

I still have a slight issue, whether to purchase the 10x50 (exit pupil 5mm) or the 12x50 (exit pupil 4.2mm) !
Everyone likes a bit more magnification, but will I really notice the difference?
What are the pros and cons of the options as you see them?

Thanks

[j.gardavsky]

...
I still have a slight issue, whether to purchase the 10x50 (exit pupil 5mm) or the 12x50 (exit pupil 4.2mm) !
Everyone likes a bit more magnification, but will I really notice the difference?
What are the pros and cons of the options as you see them?

Thanks

I would take the 12x50, lots of the clusters and nebulae will become better visible.

Best,
JG