Generally I find the Porro I less steady to hold than a roof prism binocular.
In this case the individual concerned will have to determine which form factor is easiest to hold, offers the steadiest, easiest view for them, the least fatigue, the most comfortable focusing position and operation, and the best view of the subject.
Some good options to choose from - try and trial a couple 👍
Chosun 👧
I agree, and also currently feel that roofs are steadier to hold, though think it is not true! What's true is that I can actually 'hold' them, just as I can 'sit' on a low soft-cushioned sofa.
My parents are a sample of only two individuals but it was a severe learning experience watching them go from old to infirm, and I will add a bit more to my previous post...
They got the supporting upright chairs, three types which make you sit properly, and none of which I like except perhaps the one that allows a recline to near horizontal position. They got two pairs of spectacles, they got walking sticks/zimmer frames which they didn't like but had to use. Made choices of easy to use tin-opener, kettle, a long shoe-horn. My mum literally could not change a battery, her rheumatism was bad and she had mobility problems after her stroke. My dad went very thin and weak, he bought five increasingly lighter ladders to use. Old age is not fun, and then dementia starts, a stroke disables.
Anyway regarding binoculars, they got to the stage where they wouldn't even use a lightish modern 8x42 Bushnell porro because of the general shape (BTW it was good to read of Jan in another thread selling a habicht 7x42 to a 92 year old, which gives me hope that with effort we can all be fit enough at that age).
I remember my ergonomic 10x44 Steiners never made the raise to eye-level, way too heavy. And my small roofs were too fiddly for them to hold, a bit like me picking up a drawing pin.
Fingers simply lose facility, the arms lose strength, and the heart muscle also becomes much weaker.
So binoculars for the oldest people (and forgive me if I am teaching my grandmother to suck eggs)
- need to fit the shape of a relaxed hand and therefore sit in the hand rather than being held
- need to be light enough to be raised to head height and kept there for a short while
- need a focus wheel in a good position and, most importantly, that is very easy to turn
The Carl Zeiss Jena 8x30 fitted both their needs. Ironically, it is also good for youngsters, as the IPD starts from 46mm.
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