Astronomy and Nature TV's video: The Kriegsmarine 20 10x80 binocular Part 2

This episode is part two of a three-part series in which we take a close up look at large aperture observation binoculars made by Germany immediately prior to and during WWII. This series forms part of our Vintage Binocular Masterclass. It is no exaggeration to say that by the mid 1940s German optical companies had reached a highpoint of design, technical innovation, and manufacturing competence that would not be surpassed for at least another two decades. In this episode we look at the giant Kriegsmarine 20-degree 10x80 designed by Carl Zeiss. Often referred to as the Kriegsmarine 10x80, this imposing binocular was used to direct heavy gunfire on to its targets and was also used for more general surveillance and spotting purposes as well. We include a detailed look at a rare wartime 10x80 Bimar made under licence by Ducati of Italy (the company that would eventually, after a number of organisational and ownership changes, give its name to the famous motorcycle maker). Availability of spare parts and a brief view of the optics are things to look out for in this video. Of all the WWII large aperture German observation binoculars that have survived until today - the 20 degree 10x80 is probably the least practical as a useable instrument for the modern user. This negative observation takes nothing away from the optical quality of the instrument, which when in good collimation and with clean optics can be superb, but is really a reflection of its sheer bulk and difficulties encountered when mounting. Despite over 7 decades of steady erosion this superb binocular is still visible in the second-hand market today but due to its relative scarcity often commends high prices even for instruments in dubious condition (see part three for a discussion of this problem). In part three we round off our study with a look at the 60-degree 12x60 Rangefinder director by Carl Zeiss. This binocular was frequently employed as an optical finder or director for long-baseline rangefinders that were used by German air defence to find the altitude of allied bombers to either direct anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) or help guide fighter interceptors. We include a look at the ‘Jumelle’ version of the 12x60 made by Zeiss for the Vichy government of Marshal Pétain that controlled a German-occupied portion of France from 1940 to 1944. We finish off with a brief look at further reading. Much nonsense has been spoken about WWII large-aperture German binoculars with internet forum posters declaring them, often indiscriminately, to be still the finest instruments in the world. This was certainly true in the 1940s and was probably a justifiable statement up to the late 1960s. It is not true today. Binocular design has progressed in many areas and the best modern large-aperture binocular can comfortably exceed the performance of these vintage instruments. That said, the forum-fan’s conviction is honestly grounded in the very high standard of performance that can still be achieved by these venerable instruments. Given their age, the essentially vulnerable nature of their component parts, the short service lifetime predicated by the manufacturer, the chancy nature of each individual survivor’s history, that they can be compared with modern instruments at all is remarkable. A well-cared for specimen from this era in good collimation can still provide breath-taking views. Notwithstanding the various levels of degradation instruments of this age are likely to have suffered over the decades - both in terms of simple neglect and, worse still, the effects of poorly-informed attempts at renovation - these binoculars can still represent extraordinary value for money. They are a part of history, handsome pieces of engineering, and can still provide fine views of the landscape and the night sky. However, before rushing to place a bid the next time one appears in an online auction, the would-be purchaser will do well to consider some of the cautionary advice Robert offers in part 3. Presented by Robert J Dalby FRAS Produced by DB Video Services for Astronomy and Nature TV