It appears that all the "binocular recommendations" threads are about roof prism binoculars. I have read that porro prism designs offer equal or better optical performance at a lower price, but not as compact or as durable as roof prism designs. What are the best porro prism options out there and at what price ranges? I see that Leica has developed a Perger-Porro prism hybrid technology as well.

I'm interested in the topic because mabye its possible to get Alpha roof prism optical performance from a porro at a much lower price. This may be a good option for people who don't necessarily need the compactness and durability of the roof prism design.

In general roof prism binoculars are tougher, but I have Porros from the 1950's to 1980's that have been hunted hard and are still in perfect collimation.

The big problem isn't so much toughness as waterproofing. It's easier to seal roof-prism binoculars, so until most Porro prism designs weren't water-resistant. But all the more recent Porros I've seen have been sealed, and work fine. I've mentioned before here that I used a 6x30 Leupold Yosemite to help me take a grizzly in Alaska a few years ago, and the Yosemites (despite their price) are sealed.

Most Porro-prism binoculars do have optics equal to more expensive roof-prisms.

I've had a pair of 8x40 Porro Prism Nikon Sky and Earth series for longer than I can remember. They have always performed admirably for my needs although I have not been chasing sheep up and down rock shale mountain sides with them lol. I checked and the one's I have are apparently from the "Kestrel" series.

twofish

I have an older porro prism bino from Swarovski, the 7X42 Habicht. They are my go to glass for hunting in the woods, and my opinion is they let me see game I might otherwise miss. Or maybe just see the butt-end going away...

jim

I have several Nikon SE, 8x &10x, and love them. I haven't had an issue with water and use them in preference to the roofs that I have.