Telescope Reviews: canon IS15x50 versus 18x50

Michiel,

I cannot answer your question directly , having used neither of the two models you specified for astronomy.

What I can say is "Welcome to Cloudy Nights bino forum" and I strongly advise you to take a GOOD long look , over several viewing sessions , into the " Best Of" section at the top of the forum page.

From the equipment you own , and the fact that you have already written reviews , it is quite possible that you might have a good idea already what the answer to your question might be.

I could be wrong , but your mention of the words "sweep" and "deep sky" suggest to me that the option of wider -field and larger exit pupil might just swing your decision in favour of the 15 x 50s. Indeed actual "sweeping" is not , by all accounts , one of the tasks which Image Stabilised binos do very well , as I've found even in daylight , that when actual scanning or moving the binocular from one target to another , the images perform a kind of slow -motion dance before settling down again.

Very few people I know have used Zeiss 20 x 60 IS binos -period.

Even fewer bought them specifically for astronomy purposes.

The general opinion of them seems to be that they are somewhat overpriced , over -heavy and possibly , dare I say , over -rated.

I guess therein lies the dilemma with IS binos , which is basically that any model 50mm or above has proved to be on the border line of what can comfortably be held for any length of time , and any magnification approaching 20x with such restricted objective size presents a potential restriction with exit -pupil.

PORTABILITY and CONVENIENCE are a MAJOR plus -- but if one wants 20x power with optimum light gathering potential AND optimum exit -pupil , one is really looking at MOUNTING a binocular anyway.

Enter the true giants -- of which I see you already own one.

I suppose with a friendly , understanding supplier , you COULD order BOTH -- and keep just the one you prefer.

The Dutch have a reputation for being "easy -going" , I wonder if that extends to optics retailers ?

I hope you get some more relevant help on this one Michiel, but whatever , keep in touch , and why not post one or two of your reviews to the "mini -reviews" section here ?

Clear skies -- and good luck -- Kenny.

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Two eyes and a preference to use both

Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera