June 29, 2007 They may have been around for almost 400 years, but rarely have binoculars looked quite this slick. Developed via a recently announced licensing agreement between Ferrari and William Optics, the Ferrari Visio 8x25 binoculars borrow more from the F1 racing team than the famous Prancing Horse logo - they include a real carbon fiber plate which, as well as looking the part, adds to their lightweight construction.
Designed for use at sports venues, the ergonomic folding binoculars provide 8X magnification through high-quality optics – the lenses are multi-coated and the roof-type prisms are phase coated to enhance sharpness and color fidelity.
Weighing in at 290g, the Ferrari Visio binoculars are waterproof and the package includes a neck strap and a cordura pouch.
The racing optics range also includes the Ferrari ZenithStar Racing Edition telescope – a 66mm, high-grade aluminium body scope designed for use in casual observations, astronomy and as a spotting scope. The design also accommodates digital SLR cameras so photographers can use it as a (very distinctive) telephoto lens.
Both products are available from mid-July. The William Optics Racing Ferrari VISIO 8x25 Binoculars cost US$199 and the Ferrari ZenithStar Racing Edition telescope cost US$699.