Kern 8×30 Swiss Army (double hinge)

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Specifications:

Objective diameter:  30 mm
Magnification:  8 x
Exit pupil: 3.75 mm
Usable eye relief (measured from rim of eyecup): 12 mm
IPD:  43 – 71 mm
RFOV:  8.6  degrees = 150 m
AFOV (measured, rounded): 66 degrees
Minimum focus distance (measured): 5.6 m
Focus type:  IF
Prism system:  Porro I
Waterproof: yes
Weight (measured, with eyepiece cover and strap): 591 g
Made in: Switzerland

 

Remarks:

From the early 1950s to the mid 1980s, this was the main binocular of the Swiss army. Officers were handed their personal instrument which they could keep after retiring from service. The only changes made over time were: weight reduction in the 1960s (aluminium body), improved antireflection coatings (1960s, 1970s and 1980s). Nice wide field of view, good central sharpness, but mediocre off-axis sharpness are the characteristics of this sturdy instrument. It was replaced in the mid 1980s by the famous single hinge successor (see separate post “Kern 8×30 (single hinge)” https://binocular.ch/kern-8×30-army-single-hinge/).

 

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