Zeiss Oberkochen 8x50 and 8x50B

Mfr: Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany

AFOV: ~59 degrees

TFOV: 130m at 1000m (~7.4 degrees)

Eye Relief: ~16-17mm

Prisms: high index porro

The Zeiss 8x50 and 8x50B appear to have essentially the same design.  The "B" model replaced the original model and incorporates rubber eyecups for eyeglass wearers.  Both models have a short, compact body with a large focus wheel located on the objective end of the hinge.  There is extensive baffling in the optical path with only slight light leakage visible.  The moderate field of view is nearly sharp to the edge with a small amount of astigmatism.  Some minor lateral color and pincushion distortion are also present.  I find the view very nice, with a crisp, easy to see field stop.

8x50

Date: circa 1950's (made from 1957-1960)

Serial Number: 485740

This earlier version has hard eyecups about 12mm deep, definitely not suited for use with glasses.  My particular sample produces a noticeably yellow image.

8x50B

Date: circa 1960's (made from 1960-1969)

Serial Number: 579927

This later version has fold down rubber eyecups.  I find it to be usable with glasses, though the full field is just barely visible.  This sample has a nearly neutral color image.