Telescope Reviews: Miyauchi 25x141 Galaxy.... so little information?

Joad, you were so right... I have been using the BT-100's for a few weeks and they are superb. I really wonder how much more benefit the 2x light gathering ability of the 25x141's Galaxies would offer.

Also, the included EP's are superb. I compared them with the Panoptic 24's and actually prefer the supplied EP's. This is a classic case of an EP's design oppimized for ONE task. I also concur that 11mm EP's are about the max these binocs can handle. But all in all, I am OK with that.... ~60x

Comments above regarding BV'ing vs. Binocs are well received. Binocs are the only option for wide sweeping bright views. Once you go with BV'er, to get the same light, you will nearly double the Scopes fl, cutting the TFOV in half using an APO. With a reflector, you could easily cut this TFOV in half again due to the added OC's required to use the BV'ers, with reflectors, assuming 2x corrector.

So in general, BV'ing should be considered two eyed, high powered viewing with limited TFOV. Binocs offer the unique wide TFOV with very appealing brightness levels (due to dual objectives) A huge distinction probably often overlooked.

I imagine it is possible to fine tune this using a very large APO and a 2" BV'er, allowing the biggest EP's made, with very large field stops, which may get you back to the binocs TFOV. But this set up, say 6" APO (or achro if you can find one) with 2" BV'er is even more expensive and bulkier than the BT-100s by a long shot... so the Binocs win hands-down, although the scope has a value by itself for higher magnfication.

Then to compare the Miyauchi 25x141 Galaxies.....you would need an 8" APO w/ 2" BV'er to equal the views.... and 8" APO's with the 2" BV'ers and 2 pair of the ultra expensive wide field stop EP's are easily in the $30k range with mount, so the Galaxies ($12k) seem like a bargain compared to this alternative.... Not to mention portability... So no matter how you slice it, binocs have an amazing value for bright wide views. I am actually surprised they are not more popular.... My guess is, they are not advertised by the big makers, so most people don't consider them as true astronomy instruments....but one look at the BT's and it will change your thinking...

After a 100mm objectives in binocs, it seems the gains are VERY disproportional to the cost, size and weight. Hence when the sanity checks must come into play :-) But I surely do have Binoc fever now, after using the BT's for a few weeks!

I would consider the BT-100's probably the most undervalued astronomy instrument on the market. (assuming you enjoy bright wide views) Many experienced observers that look through them are stunned at the views.... specially considering the cost of the binocs, 25mm EP's, Rock solid fork, and decent tripod all for $1750...