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Also, if there are 7x35s, 8x40s, 10x50s and 12x60 all with a 5mm exit pupil, apparently this exit pupil size is popular, so why aren't the 70s 14x and not 15x. Is it just to get a magnification halfway between 10x50 and 20x80?

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Probably the latter, but I don't manufacture and market binoculars. As far as the 5mm exit pupil goes, your impression that 5mm is popular may be correct, but I don't think that the manufacturers decide what they produce by exit pupil criteria alone. You've listed several binocular sizes which are well known and good sellers (for example, 7x35 and 10x50); however, the binocular market has so many magnification and aperture configurations with their resulting exit pupils that it is impossible for us amateurs to know what the most "popular" exit pupil(s) is/are (we don't have worldwide sales figures), or even what percentage of binocular sales is clinched by exit pupil preferences or considerations. At my age, I will probably never get a 7x50 and I certainly would not get a binocular with less than a 3mm exit pupil (example of a limit here: a 20x60 Pentax). That's because I know a little bit more than three years ago — not as much as the many fine amateur experts who contribute to this forum, but enough...

If you order the Garrett Gemini 15 x 70, you'll probably end up with a binocular that delivers a 4+ exit pupil. With this entry-level quality and price range, you'll get less than 15x magnification and less than 70mm effective aperture. But it'll be more powerful than a 12x50 or 12x60! Or as so many Garrett Optical customers say: the Gemini 15x70 is a lot of bang for the buck. If you want better, you'd have to go with the Garrett Optical Signature Series or Oberwerk Ultra 15x70s — as many of us here have done.

I don't know how many more bins I'll acquire, but a Garrett Gemini 11x70 or 15x70 is on my short list. In fact, several months ago (in a moment of anti-budget insanity), I was thinking of getting both!

But I came to my senses and picked up a Nikon 12x50 Action EX at Scope City...

Clear Skies!

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Todd

Brunton Eterna 15x51 ° Garrett Optical Signature Series 15x70
Nikon Action EX 12x50 ° Oberwerk 15x60 and 20x80 Standard
Orion Paragon Plus Mount and Paragon XHD Tripod
Garrett Optical Series 2000 Grip-Action Monopod



Edited by Man in a Tub (08/20/09 03:42 PM)

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Are the binoculars from Garrett Optical good quality?

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I've got a GO 20X110 SS bino, it is really really good

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Lone Mountain Observatory
Andover, Maine



Takahashi Mewlon 180
Giro III w/Sokkia Tripod
Losmandy GM8 w/tripod

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