Telescope Reviews: review of General hi-t 20x110

Hi to all, I public here my old review perfected by Kenny J. in this way, if edz want he will can insert it in the sector: binoculars reviews.
Best Regards from Italy
piergiovani

Introduction
After a long wait I can finally share with readers the characteristics of the USM ( General Hi –T ) 20 x 110 binocular , based on my impressions following six weeks of use , both for daytime and astronomy .

Physical Properties / Mounting Requirements
If the 15x85 seemed to me a GIANT , the 20x 110 is indeed HUGE ! It is 500mm ( HALF a METRE ! ) in length , and 6.5 kilograms ( 14.3 pounds ) in weight .Due to the above statistics of size and weight , a tripod and mount normally acceptable for the type of 100mm binoculars with which many readers may be more familiar , would not provide adequate support . As far as I know, the General Hi-T is recommending and planning to supply a solid wooden tripod , similar to one known to me as the Baader AHT . Even using this support , I found due to the remarkable weight of the 20x110, it showed vibrations more than 5 seconds. The situation only improved closing the tripod to the minimal extension of the legs. Much of the problem is not so much due to the WEIGHT of the instrument , but it’s balancing point , and I would suggest a custom made plate attached to the underside of the body , to spread the weight more evenly , would be an improvement upon the supplied mounting hole . Personally I much prefer a parallelogram mounting , both for the simplicity of use , and for the greater zenith observing comfort. I have a strong mounting manufactured by Gaddo Fiorini , and use counter weights according to the weight of the binoculars mounted .

Objective Lenses
They are enormous: However , following careful measurement the objective lenses were found to be 108mm and not 110mm as stated by the manufacturer . Such characteristic depends on the cell that accommodates the double lens (spaced in air and composed of lowest dispersion glass) that "vignette", I think intentionally, the optical system, in order to eliminate the common defects to the edges of the lenses. If you remember I had found the same peculiarity measuring lenses of the clone of the Miyauchi 100mm.

The eyepieces
As with the brothers of smaller diameter , I have not been given any information .They have a diameter of 26mm and depth of the hood is 14mm. Eye relief is optimal also for wearers of glasses, similarly to how I assessed in the model 10.5x70. The reflection coating is multi-layer on every surface .
The classic "reflection" test has shown once again that this type of coating is among the best ones that I have tested in the course of the years .

Prisms. Exit Pupils Exit Pupils
The prisms are Bak 4 and look to be the same size and style for all the models in the series .

Exit Pupils
One thing I like in this series of binoculars is the outstanding brightness of the exit – pupil , often better than that to be found one of the most famous Japanese products. Fortunately , regarding this , my impression has been confirmed also from Ed Zarenski of Cloudy Nights , and I suggest to read the test of the Oberwerk Ultra 15x70 where the analysis with the laser beam would seem to qualify what I have been able to assess personally, in these months , testing several models. In this case I have found the following : The brightness of the exit – pupil from the center until to 50% of the field is equal to 100% illumination .Such brightness , comes down to 55% between the 50 and 90% from the center of the field , in order to become less luminous , approximately 45%, to the extreme edge of the field. The hull and the prisms are identical for all the series of binoculars, from the 50mm until to the 110mm, only exist differences in the eyepieces, the focal lengths of which are directly responsible for the magnification factor .I have discussed with Mr. Mazzoleni, on the most obvious comfort of the prisms of 45° and on the feasibility, in future, to enjoy using a USM with such system . From what I learned following these conversations , this will not be carried out from the constructor in the foreseeable future , because to maintain such high optical quality is dependent on a straight through Porro prism system . It is my understanding that the most significant optical aspects to suffer from the addition of angled eyepieces would be loss of contrast and increased chromatic aberration .

Collimation
As is the case with the 15x85, I have not had the opportunity to look inside the binoculars , but my impressions are the same . Upon arrival , the collimation was much precise, however, I think that if binoculars of such size and of such cost arrive uncollimated , given the complexity of the instruments , I would personally advise returning the product to the supplier for rectification of the problem .

Chromatic aberration
Following observations in daytime , my impression is that chromatic aberration is better suppressed not only than in the classic 25x100s I’ve looked through , but is also superior in this regard to clones of the Miyauchi , even including the Miyauchi semi-apo of 100mm of diameter. Observing the tops of mountains we noticed only a very slight blue halo against the background sky , and even that from only approximately 70% out from the centre of the field of view . On axis , daytime image quality is very good indeed , the only thing potentially ruining the view being air turbulence due to heat mirage , which at 20x magnification is a more serious problem than it is with binoculars of lower magnification . Even so , this is a problem seemingly directly related to DISTANCE , so there are many times when although it may cause problems at distances greater than , for example , one kilometre or half a mile , objects up to 100 metres or yards distant may remain unaffected . Semi – APO is not a definition I particularly like or always agree with , but is probably about as near as I can find , to which many people may be able to relate , to describe where the optical quality of this binocular lies with regard to chromatic aberration , which for the majority of astronomical observations , the moon and brighter starts such as Vega being notable exceptions , is not as objectionable a problem as it can be in daytime use .
Astronomical observation

Chromatic Aberration is not the easiest thing to quantify , but even when present on extremely luminous stellar objects, such as Vega , the residual at the center of the field is indeed little, and for those fortunate enough to have experienced the views through one , to provide a comparison , the Swarovksi SLC 15 x 56 is not better in this regard . Observing the moon to the approximately half phase , C.A can be noticed , carrying the satellite towards the RIGHT of the field a light yellow halo, near the illuminated zone and a green halo close to the terminator .
Carrying this time the moon towards the LEFT of the field of the eyepiece , I was reminded of the residual chromatism of the optimal refractor Vixen 102mm , with the 20 x 110 binoculars seeming to provide more pronounced colour tonality , particularly around the Cygnus area , where a surprising number of stars appeared very bright .
Performances of the supplied field
Please note the following abbreviations I have used for these estimations : CM: = the field of maximum contrast, where the images are contrasted and the stars do not show distortion. CP : = the panoramic field still sufficiently usable and that , joining the CM , offers a pleasant panoramic vision . US: = the UNUSABLE field , where lateral chromatism , distortion and the absence of contrast combine to make the view intolerable .
Through this specimen of 20 x 110 , in astronomical use I have calculated these performances .
CM = 75% CP = 15% US = 10%
These figures replicate what I observed in the 15 x 85 version .
Viewing the regions of Lyra and Perseus , I had the impression I was looking through a high quality refractor , but with the added bonus of two – eyed vision .
Other Field Tests
I particularly bore in mind comparisons of this 20 x 110 against the 25 x 100 , with specific regard to two main points .
What am I LOSING by the 5x reduction in magnification ?
2. What am I GAINING by the increased aperture of 108mm versus 100mm ? Yet to do so would be missing other very important aspects .From the rigid construction and mechanical point of view alone , the selection of this 110mm model would be well justified .The collimation of such instrument is indeed precise and this seems to happen in the factory. The focusing is smooth and precise the hull is solid as a rock . These attributes come at a price . Even though these instruments are made in China , they obviously cost more as a consequence of superior raw materials and workmanship having gone into their production , as compared with lesser products , whether made in China or anywhere else . This is a great example of Chinese products surely getting closer in quality to those Japanese products we know to be of high repute . Negative sides ? -- The sheer size , weight and balance of these binoculars is not to be underestimated , so a satisfactory mounting system , costing more money , is essential . The 25 x 100 FB is more easily portable , more suitable to " grab and go " ?
In comparison with the 25 x 100 , 20x110 the USM shows less chromatic aberration , greater clarity , superior contrast and better rendering of the colors. These factors are very obvious both in daytime and night sky observation , where many times now , I have noticed the 20x110 seem to DETACH from the deep sky , the galaxies far better than the 25 x 100 .
Some celestial impressions through the 20 x 110

M57 is deep in a field full of colourful stars and in a small out of focus ring
M13 beginning to show granularity in the central zone M81 and M82 show their real shape M33 shows much width M31 occupies all the field of the binoculars as well the satellites galaxies Under a good , dark mountain sky , it is perhaps above all , the image that has made me so enthusiastic M27 is perhaps the object which through these true giant binoculars hints at the extended structure which can be marvelled at through telescope of 8 inches when used with minimal to medium magnification The Double Cluster of the Perseus is most fascinating , revealing of lot of stars, many as perfect pin points , yet with several tonalities of color M78 in Orion is visible , although at the time of the observations , before midnight still too close to the horizon to be seen at it’s best M42 is unparalleled: only who has observed such nebula with two eyes having in the hands two lenses of at least 100 millimeter knows to what I’m saying .
M101, M51 and M98 I have often observed from the garden of my house , while on a October evening in 2006 , with a particularly smooth sky , I have perceived the Veil of the Swan also from the house garden ! The sky under which it is observed obviously is decisive for such fascinating experience.

Conclusions
This 20x110 has impressed me as optically irrepressible binoculars .It must be remembered that the appearing field is not very wide , approximately 2.4 degrees , but thanks to the greater contrast compared with the economic 25x100 more than satisfied THIS owner in the observation of the weak objects. The brightness is remarkable, thanks to the quality of the prisms and the optimal anti-glare coating. However , personally , possessing already a 25x100 , I think that I will await the forthcoming version with 28x magnification , for two reasons .
Because I DON’T need to wear eyeglasses when observing , the shorter eye relief which will surely accompany the 28x magnification eyepieces will not present a problem for me of not being able to take in the full field of view .
2. Because I am already in possession of a 15x70 that has a true field of view of 4.4 degrees , which I feel to be optimal for " stellar walks " , I feel myself to be already satisfied in THAT department of celestial viewing , and my requirement of greater magnification , only for the observation of the star clusters and the galaxies , will be better served with the extra 8x magnification . That said , for anyone who currently has NOT got a " giant " binocular of any description , providing due note and care is given to the important factors of size , weight and adequate support , I think many people with an interesting in visual binocular astronomy , especially if located close to dark skies , could enjoy years of untold joy by owning one of these finest 110mm to come from China thus far .

Thank you kindly for taking the time to read this review .

Piergiovanni Salimbeni

A rough translation from Italian by CN member Kenny Jones , with apologies to Pier for my failure to accurately translate some of the text , which I decided to omit completely rather than misrepresent .

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