russian binoculars? anyone know what these are?

[captdan555]

I bought a set of these years ago and can't recall what make or what they are called. They are rubberized and have a range reticle in them. I'm trying to locate another pair for a friend and also trying to locate any info on using the range reticle ( I don't think it's in milrad, but could be).
I'd appreciate any info anyone may have on these... they are a fine pair of binoculars btw with a very clear view and a yellowish tint, great for night time as well.

Thanks

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Set up a blank piece of paper at 10, 25 or 100 meters (yards plus 10% would do.) Draw a plus shaped line exactly 10 centimeters long for both lines. IF it in Mils your reticle should fit it. If the + is 10% to big, is in MOA/Yards!

From there you can place a yard stick or Meter stick at known distances (increments of 100) and the range finder should be right on. Then you can set the appropriate stick at an unknown distance and the range finder will tell you how far it is. If you are within a few percent, that's good enough for artillery. and that is probably as good as you'll get with cold war Russian optics. If they were E German or Chech I would expect better precision.

Ivan

 

[captdan555]

Set up a blank piece of paper at 10, 25 or 100 meters (yards plus 10% would do.) Draw a plus shaped line exactly 10 centimeters long for both lines. IF it in Mils your reticle should fit it. If the + is 10% to big, is in MOA/Yards!

From there you can place a yard stick or Meter stick at known distances (increments of 100) and the range finder should be right on. Then you can set the appropriate stick at an unknown distance and the range finder will tell you how far it is. If you are within a few percent, that's good enough for artillery. and that is probably as good as you'll get with cold war Russian optics. If they were E German or Chech I would expect better precision.

Ivan

Thanks, good info!!

 

[LVSteve]

Are they Russian manufactured for the Western market or the Russian/Soviet military. The Soviets had their own version of mils and it's neither our mils or MOA.

Milliradian - Wikipedia

 

[captdan555]

Are they Russian manufactured for the Western market or the Russian/Soviet military. The Soviets had their own version of mils and it's neither our mils or MOA.

Milliradian - Wikipedia

After looking at the reticle I don't think it's either. On the lower right there is a range scale I've come to understand is set for 2.5 meters. Why 2.5 meters? A tank highth perhaps?
They are made by zeiss jenna I've also learned. The quality is very good, and is as good as any binoculars I've ever owned regardless of price.

 

[les.b]

I have a pair of Zeiss Jena made for the Chinese Air Force. They are superb!! I'm at work right now, but will try to remember to take a picture when I get home. HTose look great.

Best Regards, Les

 

[captdan555]

Are they Russian manufactured for the Western market or the Russian/Soviet military. The Soviets had their own version of mils and it's neither our mils or MOA.

Milliradian - Wikipedia

Almost certain they are Russian or eastern block. .I bought then when I lived in the UK

 

[nachogrande]

YES, A WHILE BACK.

I remember them being available & wish I had bought a pair. They somewhat resemble the armored Zeiss 10x40's I paid a whole lot more for.

 

[bshepherd]

East German, I have a set. Good optics.

 

[Dave_n]

Zeiss Jena, as mentioned above was the successor to Zeiss (the Third Reich one) and stayed in Jena which was in East Germany. Zeiss post WWII moved into West Germany as well, but the Jena optics under EG were still superior. Had a Zeiss microscope in the UK (circa 1955) from EG and it was just as good as a prewar one in the same lab. Dave_n