Cameras and Lenses
It must have been the rain Sir.
Here is the best explaination for the lack of appreciable improvement in the image quality of binoculars for the last 15 years :
Industry Spokesman :
"Well, since the Nikon E was launched in 1990, we have been compelled to focus our reserach and development efforts on matters of far greater importance than the quality of image provided by our premium products.
Our patrons, especially those from the birding segment, were unanimous in their insistance that we address the real issues facing them.I am embaraced to admit that before I took office in the early 90's, the industry had blatanty squandered its resouces on matters of little conscequence to this burgeoning segment. In the blink of an eye we invented roof technology to remedy your third finger placement problem and you ask what we have been up to for the last 15 years ? "
One very scared birder :
"Yes sir. But a blink of the eye sir. Sorry for my foolish question.It must have been the rain Sir."
Guatamsrivastav,
Since 1990, the following have improved image quality:
Further development of multi-coating
HD and FL glasses
The dielectric mirrors, which have only brought the light trasmission of Schmidt-Pechan roof prism binoculars back to the level of Porro glasses.
This may demonstrate that binocular design has reached practical limits with today's technology, while the development and promotion of roof prism glasses had much to do with marketing or creating demand.
Have you received your EII?
Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood 
[QUOTE=Pinewood]Guatamsrivastav,
Since 1990, the following have improved image quality:
Further development of multi-coating
HD and FL glasses
The dielectric mirrors, which jave only brought the light trasmission of Schmidt-Pechan roof prism binoculars back to the level of Porro glasses.
This may demonstrate that binocular design has reached practical limits with today's technology, while the development and promotion of roof prism glasses had much to do with marketing or creating demand.
Have you receivey your EII?
Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood [/QUOTE]
Arthur,
thank you and yes you are right.
I guess what baffles me is that I can not think of another product where there has not been significant und undeniable improvement in its "prime" function over the last 15 years especially at the high end.
Think of cars, aeroplanes, golf clubs,music systems, TVs, bicycles... even declining products like double rifles. Im sure there are some but unfortunately, binoculars are the first ones I have encountered that have a direct impact on my wellbeing.
It does not take a lot of refinement or sophistication for a a user of current day high end product to compare it to ones made 15 years ago and know unequivocally that the current one is markedly improved in its primary function.
All the improvements you mention above are great but they do not change the sad fact that the image quality (primary purpose) of binoculars has improved only marginally over the last 15 years.
Yes my third finger sits better but my eye is no better served. 15 Years in our age(and my life), is a long time waiting.