Binoculars

Orion 9X63 Binoculars

johnm — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:26:28 GMT

Looking for some opinions on these.

The widest angular field of view

Alnair — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:55:52 GMT

I'm looking for a bino with the widest FOV. I just want to sweep the sky and see small constellations and asterism such as Lyra, Corona Borealis, Corvus, Equuleus, The False Cross in Carina and Vela, The Keystone, etc. I've owned 8x42 William Optics with 7° FOV, the lens is good, but I'm not satisfied with its field of view which I think it's not wide enough for me. Sure I can see Crux, Delphinus, and Corona Australis with it but that's not enough. With my 8x42 WO I can't encompass the whole stars of Lyra and Corona Borealis for instance. I can't see Vega and Sulaphat (Gamma Lyrae) simultaneously. And for Corona Borealis, I can only see 4 or 5 stars (out of 7) at a time. I've searched on internet, and as far as i know, binoculars with widest angle are Nikon Action 7x35 (9.3°), and Russian-made EWA 7x35 (11°) and EWA 6x30 (12.5°). (Did I miss anything?)

My questions are:

1. Can I encompass the whole stars of Lyra; Corona Borealis; Corvus; and the False Cross; with Nikon Action 7x35 (9.3° angular FOV)

2. Are Russian-made bino EWA (Newcon) any good?

3. Are these binocualars sharp to the edge?

4. Which one do you think better, Nikon or Newcon?

Yay or Nay

stiffdogg06 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:58:10 GMT

I have been researching a little bit. I rather work with binos first before going to a nicer telescope.

I want something pretty nice, I don't mind spending the money. $150 would be the max I'd spend on Binos. So with that being said, what do you guys think about these two items?

http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN

http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-71018-SkyMaster-20x80-Binoculars/dp/B0007UQNTU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1256330988&sr=1-3

- Andy

Bright Jupiter through Binoculars?

billy — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:11:07 GMT

I was looking through my Orion Resolux 7x50 Binoculars at Jupiter tonight and noticed that there was a constant bright white glow around the Planet. bright Stars that I also observed with my Binoculars did not have this bright glow. I'm thinking this is because Jupiter was the brightest object in the sky and the moon wasn't out yet?

Preferred Exit Pupil?

galactic_photog — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:14:39 GMT

I've read various preferences for exit pupil size. For instance, one person posted:

"you're better off with a 12x60 than with a 15x60 if you want to see dim objects, as a 12x60's exit pupil is 5, while a 15x60's exit pupil is only 4. The higher the exit pupil, the more light will reach your eyes. For astronomy, you'll want a binocular with an exit pupil of 5 or better."

Other posts note that 4 to 5mm is preferred, while yet others note that anything larger than 5 or 6mm (for an old person, like myself) is wasted (since old eyes don't dilate like young eyes). What is a "good" range for astro use ?

Robert

Comparing Galileoscope with a 15x70

Renton — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:04:01 GMT

Hi all,

This is my first post here.

I recently started watching the sky thanks to the IYA initiative and their Galileoscope.

I really enjoy it and I would like to get an upgrade so I was looking at Celestron Skymaster

15x70 or possibly the 20x80. How would they compare with the Galileoscope?

Should I save my money for now and upgrade to a better telescope later on?

I live in Toronto, ON and there is a lot of light pollution.

Thank you in advance!

Tripod mounting Nikon 10x50 Action Ex ATB

monkeylizard — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:00:29 GMT

Total n00b question here.

Can I tripod mount my new Nikon 10x50 Action Extreme ATB binos? I have a Bushnell tripod adapter, and a tripod, but I can't find any place on the binos where I would attach the mount. Is there a cover that I need to remove to expose a mounting hole, or am I just out of luck with these?

New Binocular astronomy forum

Karri Ferron — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:35:33 GMT

Want to share the observations you've made with your binoculars? Pass along tricks and tips to others? Visit the new Binocular astronomy forum.

January Comet Hunter's Heads Up

Genesis 1:1 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:23:59 GMT

http://transientsky.wordpress.com/2009/01/01/in-the-sky-this-month-january-2009/

http://www.aerith.net/comet/catalog/2007N3/2007N3.html

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Comet-Images/

http://spaceweather.com/

CLICK HERE

25x100 Zhumell Review

adrienrick — Mon, 21 Mar 2005 01:02:58 GMT

I recieved the 25x100 Zhumell binoculars 2 weeks ago. The first thing I would like to say is how impressed I was at the construction, and the aluminum case they came with. I have them mounted on the Paragon Plus HXD tripod purchased from Orion. This is a perfect combination for the very smooth motions in both axis. My first test with the binoculars were Saturn and Jupiter. Yes the binoculars showed all 4 moons of Jupiter as well as the 2 cloud bands with pinpoint accuracy with the moons. Then I observed Saturn which showed the ring structure of the planet. Remember I am observing under 4 annoying street lights as I am not at a dark sky location. Next was M42 the Orion Nebula WOW! this was a real treat with green nebulosity and pinpoint stars in the FOV. Then I observed M13 this was very impressive with a round cotton ball green patch of stars with the core showing brighter. The binoculars come with a 25 year no fault guarantee that I could not refuse. WOW! to get these monsters under dark skies at Upham NM at our next star party will be a big Event for observing Galaxies, Nebula, Globular clusters etc. For a total price including the tripod for $443.00 I have a great setup indeed. Rick.... Clear Dark Skies

sometimes smaller is better

carbonunit — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:55:56 GMT

hello all, discovered a few facts for myself this weekend. Started with the 25x100s on my paragon and as in the past had too much problem with fogging being i'm in the low wet valley. I had better luck with the dew using my 15x70s and believe it was even better using my 12x50 ex nikons! I did read somewhere that the smaller binoculars can be exceptionally better optics * sharpness and as a matter of fact,, i had a more 3D pinpoint sharp focus with the nikons over the bigger mags even though it was a dewy evening before the fog rolled in around midnight.. of coarse m31 was easy but m110 was easily seen with my 12x50s .. so imho, a smaller pair of quality binoculars is a good all around astronomy bino.

What size binoculars are best for viewing planets and galaxies, etc?

EClovesSC — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:32:56 GMT

I have read that 10x50 binoculars are a good pair for viewing night sky objects. But as I was viewing different sites like Celestron, they have ones as big as 15x20. I'm not that famililar with binoculars and their sizes so I'm just curious as to what size would be good for viewing the planets, galaxies, and many more.

Zhumell 20 x 80

Kevin Bozard — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:33:01 GMT

Against recommendations and reviews I've read on the Zhumell 20 x 80 binoculars, I must confess that I've ordered a pair from Telescopes.com. For a couple of years I have been looking at purchasing some 20 x 80's, and even though Garrett's are what I had my heart set on, I just couldn't pass up the 1/2 price sale on the Zhumell's. I know there have been issues with collimation, double vision, and a few other problems others have mentioned, but the customer service response to those issues, in my opinion, has been top notch. Besides, even if the pair I get aren't perfect, they still have to be better than the 7 x 35 Tascos that I own now. Of course, I won't settle for less than what I should expect from the Zhumells, and any issues found; I expect Telescopes.com to rectify accordingly.

With that said, I would love to hear the thoughts of you that own a pair of these, or have had some experience with these particular binos. Thanks in advance for your replies, and keep looking up.

Clear skies!

Decisions, decisions!

Kyle — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:16:45 GMT

Okay. I need a new pair of binoculars. I've narrowed it down to Orion Mini Giant 9x63, Nikon Action Extreme 10x50 and Pentax PCF WP II 10x50.

Mini Giant has more aperture and a larger exit pupil. It's also the most expensive.

Nikon AE has the largest field and is more rugged. It's also the cheapest.

Pentax PCF supposedly has sharper images and better quality.

All are supposedly good deals. But which one to get? I like the Mini Giant's features but it's more expensive, has a small FOV and I don't have much money.

I prefer the Pentax over the Nikons, but the Nikons are cheaper.

Help? Please? BTW I have a binocular mount I can use for steady viewing.

curious about my binoculars

MarieD — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:28:56 GMT

Hello,

I am a newbie and I have a question. The binoculars my kids gave me as a present are called ORION Ultra View field 6.5

Jupiter is in the sky but what I see is a big round ball with what I would crystals in it? Is that the best such binoculars let you see? A real distorted view of the planet.

If that is the case, I have to get myself a telescope soon.

Thanks for any reply

MarieD

Binocular Mount

rmr531 — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:21:57 GMT

Hello all,

Roughly a year ago I became interested in astronomy and bought myself a pair of Celestron 15x70's I used them a couple times mainly for moon viewing and to get myself acquainted with some of the easy to find objects. However I soon got a new job and between long hours and travel my binoculars have been gathering dust until I recently got laid off.

Anyway, I decided to use my surplus of free time to pick up my hobby again. The trouble now is that when I decided to purchase those 15x70's I didn't realize that a mount would be crucial and now I am having a very frustrating time trying to view anything. I was able to find a cheap ($5) tripod at a garage sale a few weeks ago but honestly most of the time I can get a steadier view holding them than on this shaky tripod with knobs that poke me in the throat, but my arms get tired while it doesn't.

So my question would be does anyone have any suggestions for a fairly inexpensive tripod or mounting solution that would make my viewing a little more pleasurable. Please remember that I am currently unemployed so getting more "bang-for-my-buck" is my new motto. Thank you for any advice you can offer.

-Ryan

New Guy Here

Splabluagh88 — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:55:03 GMT

Hey, I've been reading up on and looking into binoculars and I really wan't to get a pair. I'm looking for something decent and affordable. I found a pair I'm interested in but I don't know if Chinese binoculars are very reliable. Can anyone give me some input or suggestions on brands or types? Please and thanks.

These are the ones that caught my eye.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/oberwerk-9x60.html

Difference between PENTAX PCF WP and WP II

goon — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:31:52 GMT

I have an anniversary gift catalog from work and I'm thinking to choose binocs. They have an 8x40 and the picture shows a Pentax PCF WP. All I can find much info on is WP II. Of course they don't guarantee that you get what's pictured anyway. I have a Garrett Optical Gemini 12x60 and it seems like this would prolly be a worthwhile addition, easier to hold and waterproof.

August 2009 Binocular Universe: A Clearing in the Clouds

skywriter — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:06:37 GMT

My August column is now available on-line on Cloudynights.com

Remember, two eyes are better than one!

How does Altair look from binoculars?

Aleksey — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:06:16 GMT

Hello, I'm very new to astronomy, I bought some 20x80 binoculars and for the last 2 nights i was able to observe the moon and the Jupiter. At first I wasn't sure if I was actually seeing the Jupiter but according to different software applications it should be the Jupiter that I was looking at. Last night my friend and I actually went out into the country (still disappointed about all the light from the towns around us) and we were able to observer another planet like object. We simply looked for another very bright object in the sky and according to different astronomy apps the only thing that it could have been is Altair but it looked not much different than Jupiter from my binoculars.... so I am not sure what we've actually seen. Could a star look like a planet through binoculars?

Sun filters

goozie — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:59:01 GMT

Hi friends:
I am almost buying solar filters for a pair of Bushnell 7-15x50mm to see
the Sun in orange hue. The filters are made by Seymor.
Can I receive some comments if you have tried this or similar conbination?
Clear Skies and regards
Joseph Guzman

Far out music on a far out night

carbonunit — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:53:29 GMT

Just thought of something to share in the way of entertainment.. pandora radio is free and i been taking advantage at this time listening to artists and music i probably would have never bothered seeking or coming across which I find enlightening while stargazing both on and off line! If it is allowed, (not advertising) may I suggest for starters "DEUTOR" AND "LIQUID MIND" it makes it a much more pleasurable mediatationexperience. I think some of this music goes great with astonomy

Zhumell 20x80

goon — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 04:45:11 GMT

What do y'all think of this?

http://www.binoculars.com/binoculars/long-distance-viewing-binoculars/20x80supergiantastronomicalbinocular.cfm

I'm also considering Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 or some 10X50. I intend to use an adjustable lawn chair or a camera tripod, but not always. I want to be able to just point and look at least for a few minutes. My eyes are not good (cataracts and Fuchs' Corneal Dystrophy), so I prolly wouldn't even notice a bit of imperfection in the optics. Poor collimation would be unacceptable, but everything within my budget seems hit and miss according to the reviews. I want to spend $50-$80 but I guess I could stech to $100 if necessary. Thanx,

Goon

My first Telescope/Binoculars, need help to make the right choice.

the — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 08:59:00 GMT

My screen name is supposed to be theQuintessence but it's not due to a mistake that occurred while registering ...

It's been a long time since I caught the habit of sky gazing and I was fascinated when a friend told me that there're some telescope and binoculars capable of providing powerful zooming at an affordable prices. I've been looking on the internet for the articles and reviews about these telescopes and binoculars yet I don't know which one (telescope or binoculars) will give better performance when sky watching. So, could you please tell me what should I choose as my first [binocular/telescope] ?

another issue is the prices, I found a (10-22 X 50) nikon binoculars at 130$ in a local store whereas celestron provide a 25-125 X 80 at 140$ on their website, is this due to the quality differences or that local store wants to rip off extra money ?

thanks in advance

Binoculars - adjusting height.

ed2020 — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:40:32 GMT

Hi all, Apologies if this question has been asked before: I recently invested in a pair of Celestron 20x80 Skymasters to compliment my 10" Orion reflector. I'm pleased with the improved portability and reduced set-up time, however there is one thing I am having difficulty with. When I alter the angle of the binoculars I also need to alter the height of the tripod (or myself) in order to comfortably look through the eyepieces. Altering the tripod is awkward, especially with the binoculars attached, and I haven't found a way of altering my own height without simply bending my knees which quickly becomes uncomfortable. This is a particular problem when viewing objects high in the sky. I can't help thinking this is an easy one to solve, but I can't come up with a good solution. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance, Ed.