Jim K
member
Reged: 03/08/06
Posts: 11
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I am trying to decide between these 2 Oberwerks.
They will be used for both terrestrial and astronomy viewing.
What are the practical differences if any among these two models?
It would seem the difference i the two powers is not significant. Will the image qualities differ between the two?
Any hands on experience would be appreciated!
Jim
Thanks for your help!
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charen
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/28/05
Posts: 1446
Loc: New Zealand
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Having viewed both size binoculars I personally would go with the 15x70's. Better image scale from the higher magnification, but primarily the Afov is better. The 11x has a FOV of 4.5* and a Afov of 49.5*, the 15x70 has a FOV of 4.3 [which is only slightly less] but more importantly the Afov is 64.5 degress.
Anything below 50* Afov is considerd 'narrow' and the view will be more 'tunnel' like.
Just my thoughts.
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30 binos.
Celestron C8
Skywatcher Equinox ED120 / Goto HEQ5.
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CESDewar
GorillAstronomer
Reged: 01/16/05
Posts: 2085
Loc: Blue Ridge, GA, USA
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The other consideration of course is if these are going to be mounted or handheld. The general wisdom is that 12x is around the top end of what can be comfortably handheld. Above that, binoculars really need to be mounted, although obviously this is a personal issue with a fair amount of variation. So if they are going to be exclusively handheld that might be an point in favor of the 11x70's although I have to agree that the FOV issue is pretty compelling - after all binoculars are great for wide field views, and a tunnel-like 50° FOV works against that.
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edcannon
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/19/03
Posts: 693
Loc: Austin, Texas
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Actually, 15x is 36 percent more magnification than 11x, enough difference to be quite important. If they will NOT be used mounted, I would suggest considering 12x60, 11x56, and possibly even 12x50 (for lighter weight) - all of which are still big for handheld use.
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Ed Cannon - Austin, Texas, USA
Bushnell H2O 8x42, Celestron Skymaster 12x60
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DJB
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/23/05
Posts: 1742
Loc: Lisle NY
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Hi Jim,
I have the OB 11x56 binocular. It is more lightweight than, say, a FUJI FMT-X or a WWII MIL 7x50. Of the "higher" power units that I use, this particular one is the easiest for me to handhold, apparently due to the ergonomics.
Also the FOV is quite pleasing for an 11x unit.
Best regards,
Dave.
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johnno
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 807
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Quote:
Hi Jim,
Also the FOV is quite pleasing for an 11x unit.
Best regards,
Dave.
Hi Dave,and all.
My 11x56 is 6 Deg Fov,as you say Dave.
Quite Pleasing.
Regards.John
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starramus
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 1124
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Choosing between my 11X80 Celestrons and my 15X70 Celestrons/ 16X70 Fujinons I find the added magnification of 15x and 16X far more preferential. It is the increased image scale that really makes the difference. The Skymasters are very easy to handhold because of their low weight, but i handhold both them and the Fujinons. A little time spent in the weight room at the health club and these binocular weights are a mere triviality.
Regards and clear skies,
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ckwastro
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/23/05
Posts: 1192
Loc: Tempe, AZ
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I had the 15x70's and they were very nice. I went with those over the 11's because of the better exit pupil and wider AFOV.
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Kerry
- Astro-Physics 92mm f/7 Stowaway
- Takahashi Mewlon 210
- Denkmeier BV
- Giro III mount
- Brandon, Nagler, Leica single EPs, UO Ortho and Edmund RKE Binoviewer sets
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Swedpat
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 02/18/05
Posts: 1144
Loc: Boden, Sweden, Scandinavia
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Jim,
If you consider to use the binocular without a tripod the 11x power is on the limit to be comfortably handheld more than occasionally. The length of these 70mm models is also making them to be far more difficult to handhold than a 50mm model with the same weight and magnification (the lenght of the barrels makes the point of weight to be far out from the face).
My personal experience and opinion (I have both these models) is that they are too heavy and large for handhold use. But if you use some sort of tripod or support it's another thing. Then I would recommend the 15x version.
Regards, Patric
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*2,3x40 Constellation View Wide-Bino
*Leupold Katmai 6x32
*Nikon Sporter I 8x36
*Swarovski SLCNew 7x42B
*Bresser (Lidl) 10x50
*Oberwerk 11x70
*Stellarvue SV50 spottingscope
*Meade 5000 26mm Plössl, Vixen LV 10/5mm
Psalm 19:2
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starramus
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 1124
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Quote:
I am trying to decide between these 2 Oberwerks.
They will be used for both terrestrial and astronomy viewing.
What are the practical differences if any among these two models?
It would seem the difference i the two powers is not significant. Will the image qualities differ between the two?
Any hands on experience would be appreciated!
Jim
Thanks for your help!
As you can readily see there are differing views on this question. The best possible answer for you is to attend a star party held by a local club. As ownership of the 15X70 is very widespread (of differing dealer names tacked on of course) you can try them out for yourself and see what will work best for you. Or if a local dealer exists you could compare similar binos in his shop. One picture (viewing) is worth a thousand words. I would perform this personal hands on test before buying.
Regards and clear skies,
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Uranus
super member
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 134
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I recently had to make a similar decision, but with the Garrett brand. I went with the 10.5x70 because I was going to be using them hand-held.
The views a very nice and contrasty. It is easily hand-held while sitting in a chair for long periods of time. I just want to reiterate what others have said: If you are going to mount them, get the 15x, if not, get the 11.
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18" Teeter f/4 "Fat Daddy" Sky Commander, ServoCat
ETX125PE/UHTC
10.5 x 70 Garrett Signature Series Binos
5'8" Angrywife
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