Docter 8x32B Aspherical
In addition to the 8x32B, there was also a 10x40B, both coming in standard and aspherical models. The aspherical versions have improved correction and eye relief. These models are derived from the Notarem line inherited from Zeiss Jena.
Docter 8x32B Aspherical
Mfr: Docter, Eisfeld, Germany
Date: circa 1990's
AFOV: ~59 degrees
TFOV: 130m at 1000m (~7.4 degrees)
Eye Relief: ~16mm
Prisms: roof
Serial Number: 40500970
This is a somewhat unusual roof prism binocular. It has a rubber (actually elastomer) covered body with sculpted eyecups. Some people find the appearance of this binocular ugly. However, I like its design and find it comfortable in my hands and face. The focus wheel is split to adjust the left/right diopter difference. Focusing is internal. I found the focus mechanism in my sample to be not totally smooth. With the rubber eyecups folded down, I found this model to be just usable with glasses.
The image is fairly well corrected but with a quirk, at least in my sample. The field is nearly sharp to the edge but not perfectly flat. With the center in focus, some areas towards the edge are not in focus while others are. In other words, the focal plane seems to be asymmetrical. I do not know if this is due to an imperfection in the aspherical surface or an alignment error. Note that this only noticeable on careful inspection. There is a small amount of distortion and some lateral color noticeable as well. The coatings have a violet tinge, and I believe that the roof prisms have phase corrected coatings.