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Equipment Discussions >> Binoculars

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DJB
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 02/23/05
Posts: 1259
Re: Are 7x50's any good at anything? new [Re: Rich V.]
      #2685060 - 10/07/08 10:37 AM

Hi 2682,

So you are saying that the optical equipment used to survey mars before the landing will be a binocular. Very interesting concept. And, the binocular(s) can be used on the surface of mars, once there. I really like your idea. Great.

Best regards,
Dave.


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Pinewood
professor emeritus


Reged: 12/07/04
Posts: 662
Loc: 40.77638º N 73.982652 W
Re: Are 7x50's any good at anything? new [Re: Rich V.]
      #2686273 - 10/07/08 09:46 PM

I think that the popularity of the 7x50 can be traced to the numbers available as booty and military surplus in the decades after World War II. A coated 7x50 in dark skies can reveal a lot that is hidden from the unaided eye. Even in city skies, the 7x50 can show the craters of the moon, reveal the Galilean moons of Jupiter as well as revealing many stars. Finally, most can make use of one without a tripod or other support.
Then it became established as "fact" in popular publications, which never caught up with the changes in what amateurs wanted to do with binoculars.

My first view of the Galilean moons with a 7x50, in about 1978, was quite memorable as was using them on Orion's Belt and Hyades.

7x50's are good for maritime use and beat having no binoculars, at all. For some other specific purpose, I am sure another configuration may do better. However, many folks cannot hold even an eight power glass steady for objects much above the horizon, so I keep and use my 7x50 binoculars.

Clear skies,
Arthur

--------------------
Bread is not enough. We demand circuses!


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DJB
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 02/23/05
Posts: 1259
Re: Are 7x50's any good at anything? new [Re: Pinewood]
      #2686663 - 10/08/08 05:27 AM

Hi all,

I remember my most exquisite view through a 7x50 that my father bought me for my birthday. It was of comet Arend Roland, circa. 1957. We went to a dark ball field to view it, and I mean it was a DARK field back then--pity today.

I eventually broke the binocular down. I gave one monocular to an 86 year old school teacher (a Phd) who used to go on all of our club activities, veiwing the Persieds in August, for instance. Of course she served tea at 4am. Quite a lady, Mrs. Kathern Beltzhoover Hess.

Best regards,
Dave.


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2682
super member


Reged: 02/18/08
Posts: 192
Loc: The Heartland
Re: Are 7x50's any good at anything? new [Re: DJB]
      #2688908 - 10/09/08 11:39 AM

Quote:

Hi 2682,
So you are saying that the optical equipment used to survey mars before the landing will be a binocular. Very interesting concept. And, the binocular(s) can be used on the surface of mars, once there. I really like your idea. Great.Best regards,Dave.



Incorrect, you impute a premise to me I do not hold or you did not comprehend my statement. I consider binoculars to be poor equipment with which to observe Mars. Therefore, once a Mars expedition is underway, I would predict some who might have bought binoculars will buy telescopes instead. But, I grant you that my opinion may be wrong and that MORE binoculars will be bought IF you and the experts recommend it. And, who knows? Due to technology and manufacturing techniques, maybe 200mm Petzval ED binoculars will be considered the premiere affordable planetary observer.

--------------------
Benders 1000/11 1180/9.29
Folder, Newt 1219/6
"(Sigh!) I sold it for a song. But, that song was 'White Christmas.' I made millions!" - Montgomery Burns



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Mary
member


Reged: 01/29/08
Posts: 95
Re: Are 7x50's any good at anything? new [Re: KennyJ]
      #2689156 - 10/09/08 01:30 PM

What are they good for? LOTS! This morning I got up at 4am and enjoyed the views of Orion and the starfields around him. I also enjoyed the Pleiades, The Hyades, Messiers 36,37 and 38, the double Cluster, M33, Capella and the kids and more before returning inside to get a few exta z's before work. I love 'em! Grab them off the table and just step outside the back door!

Mary


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DJB
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 02/23/05
Posts: 1259
Re: Are 7x50's any good at anything? [Re: Mary]
      #2690499 - 10/10/08 05:25 AM

Hi 2682,

Now I see your original point. I took it in the complete opposite direction. Sorry. Now, I will have to contemplate what I did post. That shall be left up to future consideration.

Best regards,
Dave.


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Dylan Gladstone
scholastic sledgehammer


Reged: 08/05/07
Posts: 955
Loc: Connecticut, USA
Re: Are 7x50's any good at anything? new [Re: DJB]
      #2691151 - 10/10/08 01:35 PM

I have particularly shaky hands so I chose the 7x50 size primarily for the lower magnification.

IS would change that. But since I'm getting by Ok with my 7x50's I'm not about to spend the cash needed to get IS. I'll put that cash towards another scope...

--------------------
Orion SkyView Pro 127mm Maksutov



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