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Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu.... uh, User
Scott Hamilton
super member
Reged: 05/22/03
Posts: 144
Loc: Germany
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Try a parallelogram mount. A good one is on an adjustable tripod so that it can
be varied in height. This means it can be used either standing or when sitting in
a chair. Using a garden chair which also can be tilted in
elevation results in the capability
to view absolutely vertically while
laying back in the chair. The downside of this arrangment is that you are constantly getting
up and shifting the chair around every time you want to look somewhere else. It gets better
with time, but it's a pain nevertheless.
Another approach is a revolving platform, upon which the chair sit and which contains a
mounting mechanism for the binos integrated with the platform. A google search on
"binocular mount" will reveal many interesting devices of this type.
In fact, I've built one myself ($50 - $100) depending on your individual buy/scrounge ratio.
I can put up some images if there is interest but alot is already available on the net in
this space. Mine does not use the typical counterweight arrangement as I just cannot
bring myself to lug all that extra weight around. What I did was to put a storage box
and wheels on the back side of my mount which provides a storage bin for my tripod, binos etc. The
wheels allow me to pull it behind me when underway. As an added bonus I diesinged it so that it
almost perfectly counteracts the weight of to binoculars when in use. To take care of
the samll moments on the beam then inevitably crop up and to allow different binoculars
to be used without completely upsetting the dynamics of the system, I have used Tom Kracji's
virtual counterweight set up.
My next project will be the revolving chair, as I feel that viewing while sitting down has
more advantages.
All the best,
Scott
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49 53 5 N
08 16 1 E
GSO 8" Dobsonian Reflector
KRONOS 26 x 70 Binoculars
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12588
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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Quote:
I see. So its not the size of the optics that increase the amount of star i can see, but the quality of the lenses which give sharper images and enable me to see more. I'm a bit confused now though, as i read one article that mentioned all optics came from the same chinese factories and their was little difference when comparing cheap binoculars to expensive, apart from the name. Maybe i should be looking for some good quality 10x50 binocs to enable me to see more stars. Maybe some japanese binocs, as i have read they are very good quality.
George,
All binoculars are NOT manufactured at the same factory. I get this information for Oberwerk.
Quality makes a difference and you can see it when you have binoculars mounted side-by side. Fujinon in every respect are better than most others. Oberwerk 15x70/'03 in some respects are better than Pentax PCF WP 16x60. Pentax has higher quality movements, Oberwerk sees wider, deeper and equally clear and sharp.
You would do better to go for as high a magnification as you are comfortable with rather than a larger aperture. For deep sky viewing, except for extremely faint extended objects, magnification will allow you to see more.
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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Anonymous
Unregistered
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All noted thanks for the info everyone.
I am considering some fujinons. Although they seem to be the most expensive and I would like to buy some binocular that perform almost as good but at a price giving value for money. I think what would help me would be a chart giving some indication of people’s views on binocular optic quality. By manufacturer rankings.
For example
1. Fujinons (best) expensive
2. Nikon (pretty good) average price
3.
4.
5.
15 Tasco (crap) cheap
This should be helpful to me, being a newbie.
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Charlie Fisher
member
Reged: 06/28/03
Posts: 38
Loc: Tampa, FL USA
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Ranking by manufacturer will be problematic. Nikon is a perfect example. They produce incredible astronomical binoculars in the five digit dollar range (US$20,000 or so), down to sport optics in the low two digit range (US$25 at the right place) that you probably wouldn't want to use for astronomical purposes at all but might be nice for looking at fireworks displays or for kids to use in the backyard for daytime looks at lizards, squirrels and birds.
So Nikon alone might run the very gamut you describe. Maybe with a little more direction the group can help...
Charlie
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12588
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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I agree with Charlie.
Even same models but produced in different years as in the difference between the Oberwerk 15x70/'02 and 15x70/'03 can be substantial.
It's one at a time with binocs.
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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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10155
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Charlie makes a good point about Nikon , but actually Nikon is quite an exception to the rule as regards this wide variation in quality offered , at least amongst other market leaders ( Canon and Pentax being other possible exceptions if you are to include their very best offerings as "world -class ".
In alphabetical order , you are hardly likely to find any "bargain basement binos" that are genuine Fujinon , Leica , Swarovski , Takahashi or Zeiss , and most if not all offerings from these companies represent top quality optics , though by no means all "tailor -made " for astronomy .
The best offerings from Nikon certainly belong in the same company as the above five.
I see these as representing a "top tier" of optical quality.
Just below this level is a whole host of others , too numerous to mention here but possibly of even more interest to yourself and many others.
Even at this "second -level" from what I've read and seen for myself , quality control ( or lack of it ) would seem to be more of a potential problem , but always with possibility of finding a really good product from the likes of Kahles ,Leupold ,Optolyth ,Swift ,Eagle Optics, Celestron , Oberwerk , and a whole host of others .
Just my brave , and possibly foolhardy attempt to put some names forward .
Regards --Kenny.
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
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
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Thanks for being brave, Kenny. For those of us that don't know hardly anything about binoculars but understand the difference between quality and junk will appreciate it.
We all want to get the best bang for our buck...some have more bucks than others and can focus in on the top tier and not worry about the quality...it is inherent in the product. It is the second-level where most of us will turn to get a good-quality set of binocs. For instance, I know nothing about Swift but everything that I have read about their Audubon products state that the optics are superb. Does that quality statement go across there product lineup? I don't know but would like to find out! Same is true about the other manufacturers you list.
Tom, being foolhardy as well!
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10155
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Tom ,
Your appreciation is appreciated !
Swift are a good example of a company name that appears on a variety of products ranging from what I would classify as "entry -level" -- which in itself is quite distinct from and several levels higher up the ladder than "junk" all the way up to what I would rate as " very good " as opposed to "excellent".
The original Audubon Porro prism was designed by a Japanese
chap ( whose name escapes me embarrassingly )and is quite different from all other binoculars bearing the name Swift, whose founder and company head , a reportedly great man called " Hop Swift " sadly passed away about 18 months ago.
The 8.5 x 44mm Porro prism Audubon with it's wide 8.2 degree FOV became a firm favourite amongst birders and deservedly so.It probably was , and in my opinion still is , representative of the very best value for money binocular in existence .
It's main weakness was that after a few years of hard outdoor use it tended to "leak" in moisture which clouded the optics.
Since about 3 years ago a "waterproof" version beacme available , but in the bino world " waterproof " can mean different things to different folk -- but almost NEVER means you can take one scuba -diving and expect it to be OK afterwards :-)
There was also a Swift Audubon "Kestrel" 10 x 50 of which I am a proud owner , but that model went through a couple of changes before being , as I understand it , restored to it's original 7 degree wide field configuration.
Complicating the "Audubon" name further , there are now also Roof prism Swifts available which bear the same name.
AND , as you know Tom , there are ED and "standard" versions available , with the EDs considerably more expensive.
So , you see , as Ed wisely warned earlier ,each one must be taken on it's merits.
Unfortunately it's a complex old business with many choices and individual opinions , and also unfortunately , it seems to me that most people who REALLY know their stuff rarely take the time to give free advice to us lesser mortals !
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
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
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Thank you all for your help with my newbie questions. It is much appreciated. Clearly the best thing to do before buying binocs is to check the forums and see what others think about them before buying.
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Darren Hiebert
super member
Reged: 06/30/03
Posts: 122
Loc: Madison, Alabama
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Hmmm. Denkmeier Optical seems to come to the oppposite conclusion. They tested both types of glass for their binoviewer prisms and describe their findings here:
Glass Types
Above is a Broken Link and info not found
Denkmeier uses BK7 glass for the prisms in their binoviewers.
Denkmeier Article
edz
Edited by EdZ (09/18/05 03:18 PM)
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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hello Kenny,
I'm Olivier From Belgium, in Germany(telescope service) they offer the 15 x 70 with bak 4 prisms, about 1300 grams,green broadband multicoating.Do you recommend me this one, picture on http://www.telescope-service.com/binoculars/start/medium/medium.html#1570
Thank you very much
Olivier
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10155
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Hello Olivier,
I'm not sure my opinion is any more valuable than anyone else's , or why you should have specifically directed your question to me , but I'll try to help.
Looking at not only the 15 x 70 you highlighted , but at several of the models illustrated on the website , it does appear that much of the range is very similar to that offered under the Oberwerk brand at Bigbinoculars.com.
I cannot testify to the quality of the model you highlighted , but given the specifications and price , I doubt you would go far wrong with one of those 15 x 70s, providing of course , you either already own ( or are prepared to spend twice as much as the binocular price on) a tripod and mount.
I think you would soon tire of using a 15 x 70 hand -held , not to mention raise frustration to an unwanted level.
Regards , Kenny
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
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
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Thanks, so you would recommend me the 15 x 70 but only on a mounth with tripod? it only weights 1300 gr, and the 10 x 60 1200grams, a difference of 100 grams!
But you think the optics is simular than those I saw on the site bigbinoculars.com
Regards
Olivier
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medinabrit
professor emeritus
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 535
Loc: medina ohio USA.
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one brand of binos i never see mentioned anywhere are minox . i have there 10x42 & think they are the equal of just about any others that i have , lets here it for minox
ps i remembered the caps lock this time
brian
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edcannon
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/19/03
Posts: 679
Loc: Austin, Texas
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Better late than never? Here are five UK web sites that seem to belong to outfits that sell big binoculars:
http://www.brayimaging.co.uk/Astro/binoculars.html
http://www.flybird.co.uk/
http://www.bigbinoculars.co.uk/
http://www.monkoptics.co.uk/astronomy.html
http://www.swoptics.co.uk/
On some of them the big ones are called "observation binoculars".
Caveat: I have no connection to any of the above, nor can I speak to the quality of their binoculars or customer service.
Ed Cannon - Austin, Texas, USA
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