Roof prism binoculars construction is different and have two aligned barrels with eyepieces and objective lenses that are closer to each other than in porro prism binoculars.
Roof prism or porro prism.
Most binoculars available today are roof prism binoculars and they are more pricey.
Roof prism binoculars were compact light and comfortable to hold.
Binoculars with roof prisms are straighter and more compact.
As these prisms are easier to make they are cheaper to buy.
Roof prisms vs porro prisms.
Porro prism binoculars were standard until the 1960 s when the zeiss and leitz companies introduced roof prism binoculars whose objective lenses were straight in line with the eyepieces.
However we know that hunters and bird watchers demand a waterproof compact and lightweight binocular something that zeiss and leitz introduced in the 1960s with the roof prism binos.
Its better to choose a binocular equipped with any of the prism types.
Both types of prism have advantages and disadvantages.
Roof prism bino sets are often much more expensive than porro designs of the same magnification.
If porro prisms had the same amount of labor and engineering efforts as roof prism binos porro prisms would always be superior.
So if you re on a tight budget go ahead and look for a porro set sporting bak 4 prisms.
If you have decided to go on a hiking trekking birdwatching trip with without family.
They ll provide just as vibrant an image as a corresponding roof set at a fraction of the cost.