644 - Carl Zeiss binoculars 20x60 S, mechanical image stabilisation, in case, probably early 1990s

Carl Zeiss binoculars 20x60 S, mechanical image stabilisation, in case, probably early 1990s Binoculars, Carl Zeiss, model 20x60 S with stabilisation mechanism that works without motor, rechargeable battery or battery and operates purely mechanically, probably early 1990s. Black housing with longitudinal ribs, on the top a silver-coloured plaque "ZEISS", below "West Germany" and the raised model designation 20x60 S, serial number 666897 between the eyepieces, focusing wheel in a rectangular recess, eyepieces with rubber eyecups, right eyepiece with dioptre scale, eyepiece caps present, carrying strap with embroidered lettering "Carl Zeiss Germany". Optics clear, lenses clear and without scratches, front lens covers missing, very good used condition. With associated silver-coloured case with textured surface, two snap locks, carrying handle, grey foam insert and stickers "ZEISS" and "Germany" on the lid and the inside of the lid. Binoculars 28x16x8 cm (HxWxD), case 35x23x12.5 cm (LxWxH). The 20x60 S came onto the market in 1990 and was the world's first pair of binoculars with mechanical image stabilisation: a gimbal-mounted, spring-loaded and magnetically damped prism system compensates for the trembling of the hands as soon as the push button on the left side of the housing releases the prisms from their magnetic lock. The purely mechanical image stabiliser makes the twentyfold magnification usable hand-held, which otherwise only stays steady on a tripod. With a 60 mm objective diameter, Porro prisms and T* multi-coating, the glass is intended as observation binoculars for hunting over long distances, for nature observation and as astronomy binoculars for the moon, planets and deep-sky objects; it was also taken on missions to the International Space Station ISS. The angular "ZEISS" lettering with the origin "West Germany" distinguished Carl Zeiss Oberkochen from Carl Zeiss Jena during the years of division; after the reunification of the company in 1991, the Zeiss Group received the blue logo in 1993/94. The model is still built almost unchanged today.