Telescope Reviews: best bang for the buck 15 x 70's

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The visual difference between a binocular with several single-coated (or uncoated) surfaces versus a binocular that is fully multicoated (all surfaces including prisms) may not be striking, and in some cases may not be noticeable at all to the casual eye. We are talking differences in light transmission that may be 1-5% : could you tell the difference between a 60 watt bulb and a 55 watt bulb burning at a distance? This is not a game of orders of magnitude. Rather, the binocular that is fully multi-coated may have other advantages besides the coatings. In the cases of Oberwerk and Garrett Optical, these are two companies that live and die by binoculars. Binoculars are their business. Both companies have optical experts at their disposal to personally inspect their product before shipping. The higher price and better coatings also come with a higher level of quality assurance (inspection) and customer service. I've never heard of anyone needing to return 2 or 3 pairs of Obies or GO's to get a good pair.

Optics giants like Celestron, Orion, and the rest sell thousands of pairs of binoculars a year (likely) in addition to telescopes, eyepieces, filters, mounts, electronics, heated observing vests, planispheres, microscopes, spotting scopes, CCD equipment, etc, etc....you get the idea. The chances that your sub-$100 pair of binos from one of these giants is going to be inspected by a qualified person trained to detect/correct build defects and collimation errors is ZERO.

I guess what I am trying to get at in my rambling way is this : if you can afford to spend another $30-$40 above the stated budget of $100, then get the Garrett model. It's well worth the extra investment, will serve you well, have a slightly higher resale value, and has the better coatings that everyone is debating. If you are strictly limited to less than $100 by budget (completely understandable, I have been there before), then you have a wide field to pick from full of potential good deals or disappointments. It's like rolling the dice. If you are not a gambling man, then go with the Obie or GO.

Good luck and clear dark skies...

MikeG

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THANK YOU Mike!

MikeG joined this CN forum 1.5 years ago. His obsession with binocular performance is well known to the regulars here.( just look at his post count) A satisfied owner of Celestron Skymaster 15X70 but not the 25X100, he shared his binocular buying wisdom and experience with those hoping for "Best Buys Giants" the day before his birthday. It's one of the best summary of "why & why not of lowest cost binoculars" I have read anywhere.

I recall saying to myself: "I wish we can tag Mike's post for the next guy who is going ask the SAME question in Different thread in a few hours...."

Well they did, again and again, but MikeG's words were already lost on the 2nd page just a few days later....I am giving it a bump here: Bargain Giant Binos: Why Not?

I suggest it should be a "must read" for new members starting another "Best Bang for the Buck?" or "Looks just like xxx" thread.....

Erik D