I often wonder how much better optics can get with
binoculars. Have we reached a point of diminishing returns on binocular performance? Can future technology actually provide us with better binoculars? If you've looked through premium binoculars such as the new Swarovski EL HD (the
Swarovski Swarovision binocular) or any other top end
Zeiss binoculars,
Nikon binoculars,
Steiner binoculars,
Leica binoculars and so on you have to wonder if there is anything left to improve. Where will future technology take us with binoculars?
Okay, time to brush off my crystal ball. Madame Joanie predicts that most future developments in binoculars will be in binocular construction, rather than optics. For instance, I predict that the image stabilization will become miniaturized to the point where it will be possible to fit image stabilization in a binocular with a minimal penalty as to size and weight. I also predict that
image stabilized binoculars will become more reliable and durable.
Based on current binocular trends, I also predict that binoculars will continue to become lighter and easier than ever to carry with the development of ever stronger and lighter synthetic materials. I, for one, still prefer metal construction, but I am old school and I don't think the folks who make binoculars will be checking with me anytime soon.
Lastly, I could be wrong, but I don't think we will see binoculars added to cell phones anytime, soon, but then, I never expected to play music on a cell phone, get on the Internet with a cell phone or take pictures with a cell phone, either.