Brooklyn
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/24/08
Posts: 870
Loc: Central New Jersey
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http://www.telescopes.com/telescope-accessories/binoviewers/williamopticsbinoviewer.cfm
I was looking around for some good binoviewers and i noticed that out of all of them on telescopes.com the william optic's is by far the cheapest.
The celestron bino is 200 bucks by itself....while the william optics is 200 bucks for the bino viewer, barlow lens, and 2x 20mm SWAN eyepieces...which all come in a nice carrying case.
The celestron only has the bino itself, for 200 bucks.
I have seen 5/5 reviews for this WO bino, but what do you guys think about it?
Surely it is the cheapest, but that doesn't mean its the worst. I have found great products that are cheap in the past.
Anyone have any comments on this product? how does it compare to other binos?
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Meade 8.25"(209.55mm) LX-90 EMC (SCT)
Albert Einstein =>
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”
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Nick Lloyd
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/24/06
Posts: 1618
Loc: cincinnati
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These import binoviewers are made in the same factory, but with slightly different features. The little set-screws can be frustrating.
The self-centering diopters found on the Stellarvue binoviewers make merging the image much easier. It's also less cumbersome to use with gloves on (i.e. winter observing). I've tried the W.O., Celestron, Burgess, and Stellarvue BVs.
My preference (in that price point) is the Stellarvue. The 23mm eyepieces that are included are a good buy, as well.
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"The best scope is the one you use." -rcg
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Brooklyn
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/24/08
Posts: 870
Loc: Central New Jersey
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"BV3 Binoviewer. Our new BV3 binoviewers feature high contrast, 22mm BAK4 prisms and they weigh only 22 ounces! This binoviewer will work with any of our "binoviewer-ready" telescopes as well as popular SCTs. For use with our non binoviewer-ready telescopes (such as the Nighthawks, 809D and SV102ED) or any other refractor on the market, the BVA adapter below is required. This system includes the improved BV3 binoviewer with locking, self centering collets, and two fully multi-coated 23mm eyepieces.
These binoviewers come with our high performance 23mm wide field fmc eyepieces providing a 50 degree field of view and 18mm of eye relief. These are great high contrast eyepieces. These binoviewers work great with 23mm or shorter focal length 1 1/4" eyepieces. Our favorite binoviewing eyepieces are the 19mm Panoptics. For higher power work we like the 9 - 16mm Naglers.
#BV3"
http://www.stellarvue.com/bv.html
Is this the one you were talking about? Yea it does look nice, and its the same price as the WO bino...
Does the BV3 come with a nice carrying case like the WO ? seems they offer a special optional carrying bino case, but what about the one that comes with the bino originally.
For my scope, an 8" lx-90 i really don't see a reason to go crazy and buy a really high quality bino. My telescope is GoTo and doesnt have any counter weights, so i have to be reasonable with how much i put on the back end.
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Meade 8.25"(209.55mm) LX-90 EMC (SCT)
Albert Einstein =>
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”
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Brooklyn
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/24/08
Posts: 870
Loc: Central New Jersey
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the stellarview comes with two 23mm 50 degree FOV eyepieces, but doesnt come with a barlow.
the WO bino comes with two 20mm eyepieces. A few people in the reviews below the WO bino said that these 20mm eyepieces are in fact the SWAN models.
Heres info on the WO Swan eyepiece:
"Item Details
SWAN: a huge-lens rich-field eyepiece at a very reasonable price!
Fully multicoated advanced design for breathtaking 72 deg. F.O.V. jaw-dropping views.
Try it out on the Milky Way!
A True Spacewalker!
* Marvelous super-wide field of view: 72 deg. F.O.V.
* Fully Multicoated lenses for excellent transmittance.
* Outstanding chromatic aberration correction.
* Sharp and well contrasted.
* Internally fully blackened (lens edges and internal spacers).
* No flaring or ghosting on high-contrast objects.
* Parfocal."
So...it doesnt say anything about eye relief, but it does have a 72 degree FOV which is pretty amazing inside of a bino.
What do you think about the standard goodies that come with each bino?
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Meade 8.25"(209.55mm) LX-90 EMC (SCT)
Albert Einstein =>
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12485
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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When you comparing pricing of binoviewers, list out what you get and add shipping. We did this comparison on this forum once before and what appeared to be the cheapest was not the cheapest.
the case that comes with the SVB3 is too small. Mine sits on the shelf unused.
In your package comparison, look for;
binoviewer
optical corrector
eyepieces
shipping
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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Brooklyn
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/24/08
Posts: 870
Loc: Central New Jersey
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For a 2003 meade lx-90 EMC (sct) would i need to buy the special adapter to be able to use the bino?
"Stellarvue fully multicoated binoviewer adapter. All binoviewers will work with our bino-friendly telescopes (80ED, 90TBV, 102ABV, SV130, SV145, SV160, SV165, SV190). But when using more conventional Stellarvue telescopes like the SV102ED, binoviewers by themselves do not come to focus without an adapter. This is because binoviewers have an internal light path that is longer than the travel of the focuser. To compensate for this with the BV3 binoviewer above, use the BVA. This adapter will not work with the major brand name binoviewer such as the Denkmeiers, Televue and Baader. These require their own. It will also not come to focus with every telescope on the market as they all vary. This device screws into the front of the BV3 or other similar type import binoviewers to allow you to reach focus with conventional refractors. It includes a filter thread. Merely screw it into the front of the binoviewer and start using it. The specially designed high transmission optics are fully multi-coated. Also included is a separate extension tube. Some telescopes require a separate extension between the BVA and binoviewer in order to reach focus. Newtonian reflectors may require two extension tubes which can be provided separately if needed. #BVA"
Can i simply insert the bino into my diagonal like a 1.25" eyepiece? Or do i need to insert this adapter first?
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Meade 8.25"(209.55mm) LX-90 EMC (SCT)
Albert Einstein =>
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”
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dmgriff
sage
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 257
Loc: 30 degrees latitude, USA
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Quote:
Can i simply insert the bino into my diagonal like a 1.25" eyepiece? Or do i need to insert this adapter first?
SCT/maks generally do not need an opitical corrector assembly (adapter)
Here is a link to the discontinued Burgess 125 model c, which is very similar to the current orion bv. It is full of general bv info on focus/merging etc.
bv operation info
Check out the Orion, Stellarvue, Burgess 24s, wo and others on optical specs and included acc.
Good viewing,
Dave
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ST80 EQ1, ra drive; aka "Seeker"
4.5in Tasco Luminova f8 newt ota (Coulter 1/8 wave primary) Meade LXD300 mount, ra controller; aka "Finder"
Hardin DSH 6 Dob (alternate Apogee EQ5 mount, wooden legs, dual axis controller); aka "Looker"
Hardin DSH 10 Dob; aka "Believer"
Borg/Hutech Helical Focuser S (#4317), 1.25 in adapter (#7316) for high power focus adjustment
Burgess 24 Binoviewers
10X50, 15X70 Binocs, relatively inexpensive eps
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12485
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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please don't copy dealer ad copy into your posts.
thank you,
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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Brooklyn
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/24/08
Posts: 870
Loc: Central New Jersey
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Quote:
please don't copy dealer ad copy into your posts.
thank you,
edz
Sorry edz, ill make sure to link it from now on. I figured since the specifications listed are from the original company, and not from the site i linked, it isn't copyrighted.
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Meade 8.25"(209.55mm) LX-90 EMC (SCT)
Albert Einstein =>
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”
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Brooklyn
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/24/08
Posts: 870
Loc: Central New Jersey
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dmgriff,
judging from
http://www.burgessoptical.com/Accessories/BVFocus.html
It would seem that SCT and maks are the ONLY telescope design that accepts binos without the adapter? All of the other designs on that page are stated to need an adapter.
Why is this? does the SCT mak focuser provide a far longer range than the other optical designs?
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Meade 8.25"(209.55mm) LX-90 EMC (SCT)
Albert Einstein =>
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”
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dmgriff
sage
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 257
Loc: 30 degrees latitude, USA
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The sct design can compensate for the additional travel....
There are specially designed/adaptable refractors that will accept a bv without a oca.
Newts can be custom built to compensate.
I think the additional in travel is about 100mm (roughly). The oca's are specially designed for bv to reduce this (to about 12mm on my Burgess24s with about 2x). Some ocas are available at 1.25, 1.6, and up.
Your sct should reach focus with or without a oca.
Good viewing,
Dave
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Brooklyn
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/24/08
Posts: 870
Loc: Central New Jersey
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Excellent!!
I also read that you can use any barlow to increase focus!
I have a standard zhummel 2x barlow, but the william optics comes with a barlow also.
Basically, i want to figure out which added eyepieces are better...the stellarvue 50 degree 17mm eye relief...or the william optics EPs (no fov listed).
Does anyone know if the eyepieces that come with the williams are indeed the SWAN eyepieces? If this is the case...how does the 72 degree field look and any idea what the eye relief is?
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Meade 8.25"(209.55mm) LX-90 EMC (SCT)
Albert Einstein =>
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12485
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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Quote:
I also read that you can use any barlow to increase focus!
I have a standard zhummel 2x barlow,
With a BV that barlow would give you about 3.75x.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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Dangermouse
member
Reged: 02/13/08
Posts: 47
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How would one identify them as SWAN EPs, specifically. I have the WO unit (its great), from memory the EPs that shipped with it were 20mm with a 66 degree FOV
I can confirm this tonight if you like.
- DM
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Brooklyn
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/24/08
Posts: 870
Loc: Central New Jersey
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Yes if u can confirm i would owe ya one.
Here is what one 5 star review said on Telescopes.com:
"The Williams Optics Binoviewer is an excellent product. With the included 20mm SWAN eyepieces, there is excellent contrast and a large field of view. Views of the moon appear 3-dimensional - mountain peaks and crater rims stand out beautifully. It is hard to go back to one-eyed viewing now. Images are clear and sharp across the entire field of view. The binoviewer is well worth the money I spent."
http://www.telescopes.com/telescope-accessories/binoviewers/williamopticsbinoviewer.cfm#ReviewHeader
It would end up for me being a balance of the better binoviewer or the better 2x eyepieces. Getting 2 swan 72 degree eyepieces would be an amazing deal. They would in effect be the biggest FOV eyepieces that i currently own, and all for 50 or so dollars for 2 of em. I currently do not have any eyepiece doubles. Each one is their own focal lenght. I dont think i will be mixing a baader hyperion 8mm with a zhummel super plossl 6.3mm. 
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Meade 8.25"(209.55mm) LX-90 EMC (SCT)
Albert Einstein =>
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”
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Brooklyn
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/24/08
Posts: 870
Loc: Central New Jersey
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Can anyone comment of the optical quality of each bino viewer in the 200 dollar category?
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Meade 8.25"(209.55mm) LX-90 EMC (SCT)
Albert Einstein =>
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”
|
EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12485
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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Basically, they are all the same binoviewer. They all have 20mm clear aperture, regardless of what the advertising says. They are all identical except, as mentioned above, the only difference is mechanical, how they hold the eyepieces. I think you would find it to your advantage to get one with locking collets and self-centering eye piece holders, one with diopter.
FWIW, I have the Stellervue B3, but not because of the eyepieces. I rarely even use the SV eyepieces. I rank them among my lower quality eps. In that range, I use 20mm and 25mm TV plossls and 21.5mm RKE, all better eyepieces than the SV23.
Does the WO binoviewer come packaged with an optical correcter, or is the WO OCA sold separately?
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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bcuddihee
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/04/06
Posts: 919
Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
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I agree with ED..get the one with locking collets and self centering ep holders. The ones with screws will make merging difficult especially at moderate to high powers. I had the SV B3's as well before switching to Denks. The only issue I had with them is the lubricating grease on the collets can make tightening and untightening a bit difficult especially when the weather gets colder. The Denks have no such issue and removal of ep's is a joy.
bc
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B Cuddihee
On the quest to find the best for the least!
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1968 Jason Empire 60X700mm refractor (my buddy from way back)
Celestron Nexstar8SE(a remarkable 8" grab and go)
Feathertouch Microfocuser
Stellarvue 50mm "Sparrowhawk" finder
Denk bino's with Power x switch
Pair of Smart Astronomy 25mm Sterling Plossls
Pair of Smart Astronomy 19 EF's
Pair of 15 Garrett SWA's
7mm UO HD Orthoscopic
Agena 38 SWA
Agena 26 SWA
Garrett 2" 2x ED Barlow
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Nick Lloyd
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/24/06
Posts: 1618
Loc: cincinnati
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Quote:
The only issue I had with them is the lubricating grease on the collets can make tightening and untightening a bit difficult especially when the weather gets colder.
This thick grease is a very important component of the self-centering feature. Vic at Stellarvue told me that removing this grease and using some thinner can result in a binoviewer that does not merge images. There is some "slop" in the machining tolerances of these import units, and the thicker grease fills in the weak link. A Burgess BV owner (locally) returned his BV because it would not merge at higher powers. The collets on his unit were very easy to turn, as well.
Just more information to make the OP more confused. 
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"The best scope is the one you use." -rcg
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kenren10
member
Reged: 06/05/06
Posts: 17
Loc: Delaware, USA
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It appears that the eyepieces are 66 degrees (despite the swan logo):
http://www.scopecity.com/detail.cfm?ProductID=4415
I have limited experience with BVs, but it seems the CA of 20.2 mm could be another limiting factor as well as the set screws vs. SCDs...but for $200 including OCA and eyepieces it is tempting. Denk, TV and EarthWin are all out of my current budget. 
But I'll keep reading up until the funds are there...thanks, all for your input - when I do make a purchase it will be an informed one! 
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Vixen ED80Sf
Vixen porta Alt-Az
Orion 127 Mak-Cass
Orion SVP EQ mount
Orion ST80
Orion Paragon-Plus XHD Tripod
eBay special 6" f5 Newtonian (donated by a frustrated friend - used as a "decoy" to alert neighbors I will be observing that night)
Nikon 8x42 Binos
Garrett 8x45 Binos
Tasco 10x50 Binos
Baader Hyperion & TMB planetary eyepieces
Tele-vue 2.5x PowerMate
Mixed box o' Plossls, barlows etc.
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