Ross binoculars - model guide

Ross made a range of high quality binoculars. They varied from small and convenient binoculars for tourists and horse racing enthusiasts, to military-style binoculars for specialists, such as sailors or big game hunters.

They did not change the range greatly in the 1960s. That policy, together with tough competition from the Far East, saw Ross disappear in 1975.

Ross Enbeeco 13x60 binoculars, 1960
Ross Enbeeco 13x60 binoculars, 1960

Sources: based on information compiled by Terrance Wayland (see home.europa.com/~telscope/Ross/Ross.model.names.by.T.Wayland.pdf, Ross catalogue, 1962 and contemporary advertisements.

(*) In 1962 catalogue.

For the Solaross range (1957 to 1975) see Ross Solaross.

Ross Steptron 8x30

The Steptron was a small, general purpose binocular. It was Zeiss-style shape. The Steptron was marketed as a binocular to take on holiday.

It was relatively light weight at 20oz.

Price (1953): £31 5s (in today's money: £600)

Ross Stepruva 9x35

Ross Stepruva binoculars
Ross Stepruva binoculars 9x35, 1957

The Ross Stepruva was a Zeiss style binocular. It was aimed at race goers who wanted a little extra power. The slightly increased objective lens sized at 35mm offered brighter vision on dull days.

It was also relatively light at 21oz.

The Stepruva was introduced by Ross in 1933.

Price (1953): £32 10s (in today's money: £640)

Ross Stepvue 8x30

These had the familiar shape of Ross military binoculars with their distinctive circular prism cases. The Stepvue was a lightweight binocular, only 15oz.

Price (1953): £33 (in today's money: £650)

Ross Steplux 7x50

These were the classic military derived binoculars. 7 x 50 was ideal for low light. They were designed for sailors who appreciated low magnification for a steady image and large objective lens for good vision at night.

These were quite heavy at 36oz.

Price (1953): £42 10 (in today's money: £840)

Ross Stepsun 12x50

These had high power and large objective lenses. They were designed for big game hunters (it was the 1950s remember). You needed a steady hand get a stable image with these.

Weight: 36oz.

Price (1953): £48 10 (in today's money: £960)

Ross Stepmur 10x50

Very similar to the Stepsun, with slightly less power. The Stepmur was aimed at bird watchers.

Weight: 36oz.

Price (1953): £48 10 (in today's money: £960)

Ross Enbeeco 13x60

These were lightweight, high magnification binoculars introduced by Ross in 1960.

The Ross Enbeeco was a collaboration between Ross and Newbold and Bulford, wholesalers of binoculars, in 1960.  They sold for £33 17s 6d.

How old are my Ross binoculars?

Ross binoculars are all marked with a serial number. There were two runs of serial numbers. One from 1899 to 1954 and another from 1954 to 1974. To establish how old your binoculars are, you need to make a guess based on the model and then work it out from the serial number.

For post-war binoculars the following guide will help:

This guide was compiled from information in the guide produced by Terence Wayland which is available here Ross serial numbers by T Wayland

Ross binoculars - data

ModelField of view at 1000 yardsExit pupilWeight
7x42 Solaross105 yards7mm24oz
9x35 Solaross97 yards3.9mm21oz
9x35 Spectacle Solaross87 yards4.4mm24oz
12x40 Solaross73 yards3.3mm24oz
16x70 Solaross54 yards3.7dmm24oz
9x35 Stepruva128 yards3.9mm21oz
7x50 Steplux125 yards7.1mm32oz
8x30 Stepvue122 yards3.75mm15oz
8x30 Stepron144 yards3.75mm20oz
8x40 Spectaross109yards5mm25oz
7x50 Stepmur115 yards5mm34oz
12x50 Stepsun96 yards4.2mm33oz
7x40 Tropical165 yards5.7mm31oz
10x50 Tropical115 yards5mm38oz

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Komatz

My binoculars are marked on the right side "Ross London" and "PATENT". They are also marked on the left "Prism Binocular X3 No 2480". They are constructed of what appears to be brass and stainless steel with leather(?) grips. I have not been able to match these with any I've seen on the internet. Any insight you could provide is appreciated.

Thank You

Ted

V T Komac

I can find no information for a Ross "x3 No 2480". This in brass and stainless (?) steel with "leather" grips.

I appreciate your site and help.

Ted

Jamie Smart.

Hi, I have a pair of Ross London S/N 59355. Stereo Prism Binoculars, Power=6. Any info would be appreciated.

Jamie Smart.

Hi, I have a pair of Ross London, serial No 59355 , other side says " stereo Prism Binocular"

Power = 6. Any info on them would be appreciated.

Nicole

Hello! I have a pair of Ross Binoculars 8X35 T195114. Wondering how old they are! Thank you!!

 
   
Retrowow - vintage, retro and social history

Mid Century ★ Facts & Figures ★ Collectibles

Retrowow - vintage, retro and social history

★ Mid Century ★ Facts & Figures ★ Collectibles ★