ngc 9999
super member
Reged: 08/13/12
Loc: Sunrise, Fl. 26 degrees N
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Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
#5528586 - 11/19/12 07:04 PM
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Hello guys,
After so much ''paralysis by analysis'' after deciding between the 10x50's that Edz reviewed, there were some binoculars that had better atributed than others, like for example, the Nikon AE 10x50 had good illumination but Pentax better coatings, the garrett had as good coatings as the Pentax but significantly reduced aperture and as bad off axis perfomance as the Nikons, etc, etc.
But now that I'm working for burning some personal money and thinking that it was probably going to be my last purchase, I've decided to invest in a binocular that will last a lifetime and with premium optics, I considered buying the Garrett 10x50 signature series, which means I am getting about 90% of Fujinon perfomance in an affordable price, which also means that almost every atribute is superior to the average binocular.
When I receive the binocular a meticulous analysis and report is sure to be expected.
Jose.
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edwincjones
Close Enough
Reged: 04/10/04
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ngc 9999]
#5528622 - 11/19/12 07:21 PM
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enjoy
edj
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ngc 9999
super member
Reged: 08/13/12
Loc: Sunrise, Fl. 26 degrees N
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: edwincjones]
#5528798 - 11/19/12 08:58 PM
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My only bug is not to get a bad sample.
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ChiroCop
member
Reged: 04/05/11
Loc: Fort Worth, TX.
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ngc 9999]
#5529254 - 11/20/12 01:06 AM
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Congradulations !! Keep us updated.
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Man in a Tub
Postmaster
Reged: 10/28/08
Loc: Fogpatch, CA
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ChiroCop]
#5529293 - 11/20/12 01:48 AM
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Bravo! 
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Binojunky
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/25/10
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: Man in a Tub]
#5529712 - 11/20/12 09:58 AM
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These are sold under a few names, Garrett, Orion, Stellarvue, Williams etc, etc. Of the three samples I have seen this is what I noticed, one had the eyepieces so stiff to turn that the outer rubber knurled sleeves would slip if you weren,t careful, the second sample had dirty optics, the third were fine. I bought mine from Stellarvue, they were on sale at the time and they were willing to ship to Canada using a low cost means suggested by me, also they came with a heavy duty tripod bracket as standard, some sellers charge extra for this.Stellarvue have a good reputation for returns and customer service, they were happy to check my pair out before shipping.
It pays to shop around for the best price, one seller may charge a bit more but ship for free, any critisism of the bino in general?, a couple, I find the IF limits them to certain uses, if you want to do double duty with this glass say bird watching them you would be better getting a model with a centre focus system and its not a binocular for taking on hikes around your neck, I find it heavy,for looking at fixed objects its a good performer however like most Chinese optics QC can be spotty, DA.
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ngc 9999
super member
Reged: 08/13/12
Loc: Sunrise, Fl. 26 degrees N
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: Binojunky]
#5529766 - 11/20/12 10:28 AM
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Thanks.
I bought them from Garrett and as I can see they have the 14 inspection thing in their products, I hope thats the truth. And I am going to use them purely for astronomy and very distant daytime objects. And again, I hope they check the binoculars before sending them.
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KennyJ
The British Flash
Reged: 04/27/03
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ngc 9999]
#5530044 - 11/20/12 12:29 PM
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Hi Jose,
Many have commented on this model,under it's numerous different brand names,representing excellent value for money,which I'm sure it does.
Whether or not 90% is an accurate representative figure of how closely it actually compares, in all respects, to a Fujinon FMTSX 10x50,could be debatable.
Kenny
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richsvt
sage
Reged: 01/09/09
Loc: North Shore of Boston
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ngc 9999]
#5530652 - 11/20/12 05:15 PM
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Well done, sir.
I think you'll be pleased.
In case service is needed Zach is great to work with...
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Man in a Tub
Postmaster
Reged: 10/28/08
Loc: Fogpatch, CA
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: richsvt]
#5530825 - 11/20/12 06:56 PM
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Reports of defective or damaged Kunming United Optics BA8 Series binoculars are rare. The most recent report was suspected coma in an Orion Resolux 15x70.
I don't like e-commerce/phone orders + shipping. 
However, the four binoculars I have purchased this way have all arrived in excellent condition. I believe my experiences are not just good luck but representative of the vast majority of such binocular orders.
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ngc 9999
super member
Reged: 08/13/12
Loc: Sunrise, Fl. 26 degrees N
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: Man in a Tub]
#5530852 - 11/20/12 07:08 PM
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Someone from Garrett Optical called me asking for another email address because the one with gmail was doubtful, who was that man? Zach Garrett?
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richsvt
sage
Reged: 01/09/09
Loc: North Shore of Boston
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ngc 9999]
#5530947 - 11/20/12 08:07 PM
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He is a man who wears many hats. Sometimes you find him doing stock , sometimes packing and sometimes answering the phone...exceptional in this day.
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ngc 9999
super member
Reged: 08/13/12
Loc: Sunrise, Fl. 26 degrees N
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: richsvt]
#5543424 - 11/28/12 08:51 AM
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Today my binoculars will be arriving!!
Please give me ideas of what you want me to evaluate when they arrive.
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RichD
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/08/07
Loc: Derbyshire, UK
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ngc 9999]
#5543527 - 11/28/12 10:05 AM
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They are an excellent bino, I think you'll be happy with them. Personally I'd like to hear your thoughts on sharpness of stars across the field of view and contrast on extended objects like M42 or M101.
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ronharper
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/14/06
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: RichD]
#5543576 - 11/28/12 10:33 AM
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Using such a big mutha binocular is rewarding, but is a demanding task, especially in the beginning. It will take some fooling around before you have the IPD and focus on both sides set well enough to feel sure they can't be improved, and more time yet as you realize the influence of eye position, maybe a few days before you're comfortable with it. You will master it over a period of years if you are like me.
It can be a strain on the eyes, trying to push a new binocular to the limits and inflict every known viewing torture on it, and once your eyes get tired, then you don't see as well, and everything looks worse, and there you go.
So have faith, flow with it and let it happen naturally.
Actually the thing that interests me most is something you may not be able to judge without a direct comparison to a Fujinon. The eyepieces are simpler than the Fujinon's, with the result that the edge will not appear as sharp. But I read a review that claimed that as a result of having less glass to scatter light, the BA8 actually showed perceptibly better transmission and contrast than the Fujinon.
Have fun,
Ron
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RichD
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/08/07
Loc: Derbyshire, UK
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ronharper]
#5543639 - 11/28/12 11:03 AM
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the edge performance will be the big noticeable difference should the OP ever get a chance to compare it to a fuji 10x50. Most reports say it is not as good, but even a simpler eyepiece being the case i'd be astonished if the contrast was better than the fuji, because it has outstanding contrast.
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ngc 9999
super member
Reged: 08/13/12
Loc: Sunrise, Fl. 26 degrees N
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: RichD]
#5544509 - 11/28/12 08:33 PM
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My binoculars arrived!!
When I arrived from working my mom told me where the binoculars were, and when I looked the box I immediately opened and saw all the accessories that came with the binoculars along with the very well made nylon case.
Upon closing inspection the binocular arrived in excellent condition, round exit pupils, good collimation, no scratches, no smears. I was doing some testing at night but unfortunately conditions where not good, a mostly cloudy sky with so-so seeing. But had opportunity to test them for CA on the moon but only found the barest hint only when looking a bit off axis, as expected due to a full moon, and Jupiter focused to a sharp disc with no flares and could see its moons. Could see the entire FOV and could see the parallelogram of Lyra excluding Vega with some room to spare, I need to measure this more closely.
As soon as conditions get better and get a tripod I will continue giving more impressions. So far I'm happy with my purchase.
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ronharper
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/14/06
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ngc 9999]
#5544539 - 11/28/12 08:59 PM
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Excellent news! It usually sets in heavy rain for a few days, good luck with that.
Ron
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ngc 9999
super member
Reged: 08/13/12
Loc: Sunrise, Fl. 26 degrees N
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ngc 9999]
#5544547 - 11/28/12 09:03 PM
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Did a closer estimate of the FOV. Beta Cas and Gamma Cas touch the field stop.
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Rich V.
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/02/05
Loc: Lake Tahoe area, Nevada, USA
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ngc 9999]
#5544617 - 11/28/12 09:48 PM
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Quote:
Did a closer estimate of the FOV. Beta Cas and Gamma Cas touch the field stop.
That's a 6.15° TFOV in case you haven't checked your atlas yet!  Enjoy your new binoculars!
Rich
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ngc 9999
super member
Reged: 08/13/12
Loc: Sunrise, Fl. 26 degrees N
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: Rich V.]
#5545235 - 11/29/12 10:18 AM
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Rich,
This was handheld, next time when I get a tripod I'm going to measure it more carefully
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daniel_h
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 03/08/08
Loc: VIC, Australia
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ngc 9999]
#5545702 - 11/29/12 03:19 PM
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6.15 is peob close to the money
When I had a pair of the same bino I often used a bino harness with it, it took the strain off the neck harness & I found the weight less bothersome & I could use it for longer periods
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ngc 9999
super member
Reged: 08/13/12
Loc: Sunrise, Fl. 26 degrees N
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: daniel_h]
#5566435 - 12/11/12 06:49 PM
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What tripod and adapter is good enough to hold the binoculars?
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Man in a Tub
Postmaster
Reged: 10/28/08
Loc: Fogpatch, CA
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ngc 9999]
#5566601 - 12/11/12 09:22 PM
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For an L adapter:
https://www.garrettoptical.com/category-s/86.htm
Do not get any kind of "standard" L adapter because it might not fit between the prism housings. This is most important for this binocular.
I hope others will make recommendations for a tripod.
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ngc 9999
super member
Reged: 08/13/12
Loc: Sunrise, Fl. 26 degrees N
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: Man in a Tub]
#5603754 - 01/03/13 09:51 PM
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Hello,
Tested today the binoculars on faint nebula (LM about 4.7, give or take 0.1 magnitudes, time 8:30 pm):
M1 vs M78:
M1: I first located Zeta Tauri and started concentrating above the two stars before M1, the last time I saw it in a darker sky, it was possible to pick it up, it appeared about 40% or 50% the time spent looking, adverted vision only object. The mag 9.6 star next to it was easy to see.
M78: I had located this the same night as M1 in the dark site, so now in my backyard I wasn't expecting to find it. But concentrating my sight in the right spot, it was easier than M1, I even could see it handheld, not needing the effort associated with locating M1, I consider this very good.
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wky46
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/05
Loc: west Ky.
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: ngc 9999]
#5603788 - 01/03/13 10:11 PM
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Wonderful! Glad you had a chance to get them under the stars. I seriously contemplated purchasing the Garrett Signature 10x50's but opted instead for the Nikon AE's. I simply didn't have the extra cash. Hope you get many years of enjoyment out of them  .... Phil
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ngc 9999
super member
Reged: 08/13/12
Loc: Sunrise, Fl. 26 degrees N
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Re: Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
[Re: wky46]
#5604356 - 01/04/13 09:19 AM
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Thank you.
I hope you enjoy your binoculars too.
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