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Wes James
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 2423
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I have looked off and on again at the Apogee RA-88's with interest, mainly due to the right angle viewing capabilities. Noticing the new Garrett 70mm R/A's today- realizing they're probably based on the BT-70's- and noting the closeness in price of all 3 of these (now that Optics Planet is carrying the RA-88;s again)- has made me give consideration to them. In reading the reviews and past postings, it seems like they each have their supporters and detractors. Based upon the similarity in price points- and the known issues with each, anyone care to offer an opinion as to which one would overall provide the better value in overall views? Even if the RA-88's really aren't 88mm due to design flaws, they're still a bit more aperture than the 70's, I'm sure.  Any thoughts?
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Wes
Atlantic Beach, FL
Some bino’s from Miyauchi 5x32 Binon's up through Garrett 20x110 Signature's,
Some telescopes from a Stellarvue 80mm NHNG up through a couple of 8” reflectors…
And a wonderful 4.25" Delmarva Shiefspiegler!
Some good friends, made here on C/N.
Oh- several cats and a wonderful wife!
Anyone want a cat???? :-O
"When your work speaks for itself- Don't Interrupt" -Gamble Rogers
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amys
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/06
Posts: 1763
Loc: Groton, CT
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I don't think Optics Planet has any more RA-88s. I spoke with them 2 weeks ago about the 70mm version. I was told that Apogee is defunct, Optics Planet bought their website, the 70mm binos never arrived and they no longer have an RA-88s.
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Amy
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GlenM
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1047
Loc: 53° 36'N 2° 06'W
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Now you know they won't fit you Amy 
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Glen
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amys
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/06
Posts: 1763
Loc: Groton, CT
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Well, Zach and I have been going back and forth about his new RA 70mm binos. I'm going to have my IPD measured again before I decide. The trials and tribulations of having a little pin head . . . 
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Amy
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GlenM
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1047
Loc: 53° 36'N 2° 06'W
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Better than a car I can't drive 
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Glen
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DeepSpace67
sage
Reged: 05/13/06
Posts: 448
Loc: Kansas City, KS, USA
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Quote:
... Based upon the similarity in price points- and the known issues with each, anyone care to offer an opinion as to which one would overall provide the better value in overall views? Even if the RA-88's really aren't 88mm due to design flaws, they're still a bit more aperture than the 70's, I'm sure. Any thoughts?
Even with the prism masking on the 88's, most still perform like 80-83mm binoculars, significantly more (33%) light gathering than the BT70. However, the BT70 is about (4) lbs less, and gives wider views at 20x (3.2 deg. vs. 2.5 deg.), but the 88s will go to 32x (not very compatible with eye glasses, eye relief = 10mm) which is nice for planets and smaller DSOs.
When I bought the 88s in November they were only $499, IMHO a steal. I've been very impressed with the 88 triplet, and its views, but how much do you value wider views and the lighter weight of the BT70? It seems like the decision will come down to your observing style and mount preference.
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Matthew
10" Antares Dobsonian, 8x50 RACI, Telrad, Green Laser
Apogee RA-88-SA, Custom Mount, Green Laser
Garrett Gemini Lightweight 11x56 Binoculars
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Daud
sage
Reged: 08/05/06
Posts: 250
Loc: AZ, Scottsdale
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Quote:
I don't think Optics Planet has any more RA-88s. I spoke with them 2 weeks ago about the 70mm version. I was told that Apogee is defunct, Optics Planet bought their website, the 70mm binos never arrived and they no longer have an RA-88s.
Hmm, still offered by Kunming but interesting reference about the US export limit:
See
Opticsplanet is out of them.
This is probably a forgotten webpage.
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WO ZS110 | Meade SN-6 | Johnsonian 16" goto | Celestron Regal 8x42 | Canon 15x50IS
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hallelujah
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/14/06
Posts: 1639
Loc: Colorado Rocky Mt. High
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http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=578216
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Pentax 12x50mm PCF WP II FMC/WP/FP
Pentax 16x60mm PCF WP FMC/WP/FP
Pentax 20x60mm PCF WP II FMC/WP/FP
Orion 12x63mm Mini Giant FMC/JAPAN
Orion 15x70mm Little Giant II FMC/JAPAN
Orion 16x80mm Giant FMC/JAPAN
Orion 20x70mm Little Giant II FMC/JAPAN
Orion 30x80mm MEGAView FMC/JAPAN
Barska 30x80mm X-Trail LW FC
Burgess Optical Series II 20x90mm FMC/WP/FP
Handel's Messiah**Hallelujah! For the LORD God Omnipotent Reigneth
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Wes James
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 2423
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That was the 2nd one that's been on there the past couple of days! Of course, I've now got the Garrett BT-70's, so feel slightly less pain at the prospect of available RA-88's!
Wes
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Daud
sage
Reged: 08/05/06
Posts: 250
Loc: AZ, Scottsdale
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Opticsplanet confirmed that there will be no more Apogee binos and had no positive response when I suggested they import the 88 or 100mm model.
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WO ZS110 | Meade SN-6 | Johnsonian 16" goto | Celestron Regal 8x42 | Canon 15x50IS
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