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Carl Zeiss Advanced Optics System (AOS)
To build optical systems providing maximum image quality and performance, glass types used to be required whose optical properties are only achieved by adding lead, arsenic or other metals. These additions have a high specific density and the binoculars, especially models with high magnifications and twilight performance, are correspondingly heavy. In other words, new solutions had to be found.
After many years of intensive cooperation with Zeiss optical scientists, Schott Glas, Mainz, a company of the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung and the world's biggest special glass manufacturer, has now succeeded in producing glass types without arsenic and lead, providing the optical properties required for systems of maximum image quality. The new glass types from Schott are markedly lighter, and their processing does not require the disposal of environmental pollutants. This success laid the foundations for the Advanced Optics System (AOS) from Carl Zeiss which has resulted in new optical systems with exceptional qualities.
Carl Zeiss MC multicoating
MC describes a high-quality multi-layer coating which, matched to the optics, is applied to all glass-to-air surfaces in the Diafun binoculars and the ZM/Z riflescopes.
Carl Zeiss T* multicoating
The improvement of image quality achieved with single-layer coatings on lens elements/prisms was increased even further by depositing several different layers. With the Zeiss T* multi-coating (T*) on almost all Zeiss binoculars and riflescopes - the relevant models are marked with T* -, maximum transmission and contrast are achieved throughout the entire spectral range.
Close range
A binocular with a short focusing distance opens up totally new dimensions to the viewer. Animal and nature lovers can observe butterflies or other insects from a very short distance. In riflescopes whose objective lenses are usually adjusted for a range of 100m, the "close range" (depth of field) is dependent on the power used. Variable-power scopes make it possible to change to a lower power, thus increasing the depth of field.
Contrast (modulation transfer function, MTF)
An important factor determining image quality is contrast rendition, as it determines whether object details are still recognizable or not. Contrast rendition is measured by the "contrast transfer function" or "modulation transfer function" (MTF) and describes how well the optical system concerned reproduces the existing brightness conditions (contrast). Here, it is of major importance that the optical system does not only image large object details with high contrast. For this reason, the binoculars and riflescopes from Carl Zeiss which are also intended for use in twilight are designed in such a way that they still provide contrast of 20% and more at the resolution limit of the human eye.
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