Editor note: this excellent discussion started in a totally unrelated thread. Superfluous info edit out to leave pertinent info. edz
Another point that seems to be a hot topic currently is how large a binocular can be handheld. I've read quite a few of the responses on the relevant thread. My experience is similar to a number of the pro bigger bino group, although my conclusions are a bit different.
Sure, I can handhold 20x80 binoculars without too much difficult especially from a seated position. I find any handheld observing much more comfortable and stable while seated rather than standing. It helps a lot to have some sort of support (high arm rests) to brace your arms against.
But handholding a 20x80 or even a 10x50 is nowhere near as comfortable (for me) as handholding a pair of 8x42s.
Several people have commented on how long they feel comfortable holding a larger pair of binos -- saying they can't hold them as long but feel okay for a couple of minutes. I wonder if they've really timed this. My own comfort limit is about 30-45 seconds with the 20x80s. I'm not a weightlifter, by any means, but did shovel 4 tons of gravel last weekend and lived to tell the tale so I'm not exactly a candy-b*tt either  ).
The second thing I've noticed about handholding is the subject and the type of detail you're looking for make a big difference. Regarding M57, ahem, which is an averted vision object that you're merely trying to detect as being nonstellar, hand holding is fine. But hand holding ANY binocular to observe the moon (other than crescent phase) makes me nuts in about 5 seconds. I find the slightest shake is very distracting when trying to pick out fine detail.
Several of the respondants on the handhold thread made comments about comparing handheld versus mounted while trying to read fine print. I think they're getting at pretty much the same thing.
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Fiske Miles
Nikon 8x42 LX / 12x50 SE Binos
Mini Borg 60ED, TV-101, AT80Ach, XT-8, C11/CI-700, 22-Inch Dob
Way too many Nagler eyepieces
http://www.fiskemiles.blogspot.com/
www.fiskemiles.com
Edited by EdZ (07/19/07 09:49 AM)
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