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Equipment Discussions >> Binoculars

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waldi
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Reged: 07/14/06
Posts: 41
RA-88 or Refractor 120mm , F-5?
      #3332822 - 09/14/09 07:04 AM

RA-88 or Refractor 120mm , F-5?
what will be better for DS?

Edited by waldi (09/14/09 07:05 AM)


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GlennLeDrew
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Re: RA-88 or Refractor 120mm , F-5? new [Re: waldi]
      #3333977 - 09/14/09 07:42 PM

Considering that the RA88 works at a real aperture closer to 77-78mm due to light cone clipping by the prisms, I'd probably lean more toward the 120mm short tube. And this is coming from a dyed-in-the-wool, foaming-at-the-mouth zealot when it comes to two-eyed viewing!

Another limitation I just can't abide re. the RA88; it's largest field can never get above about 2.5 degrees, no matter what eyepiece you could slap on the back end. That's because of the small-ish prism rear aperture, which moreover the focal surface lies *very* close to, thus limiting eyepiece choices.

--------------------
Home-made 11X50 right angle bino, 8.1 deg. FOV
Modified 26X100 bino, 3.5 deg. FOV
Home-made Mk II RA bino, using interchangeable objectives and eyepieces

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charen
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Reged: 05/28/05
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Re: RA-88 or Refractor 120mm , F-5? new [Re: GlennLeDrew]
      #3334083 - 09/14/09 08:55 PM

It is difficult to compare one eyed viewing to two eyed viewing. I use my Binoviewer with my ED120 almost 90 % of the time and mainly for planetary use. I also use my Oberwerk 100-45 B.T. for most of my dark sky use. I can go from 20x -80 x and I can get really jaw dropping images esp. on low power, wide field, dark sky, Milky Way viewing. With 2x eyes I 'see more' as it is so much more relaxing and 2x eyes I can view for hours without eyestrain. Hovewever if you have to choose from the 2x you mentioned above the 120 mm S/T may be superior for the reasons Glenn said - but it is still one eyed viewing. If however if was between a 100-45 B.T and a 120 S/T I would certainly go for the 100-45 B.T.

Chris

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35 binos.
80mm Cat.
WO66ED
SV NH 80mm / EQ3
Meade 8in.LX90
Skywatcher Equinox ED120 / Goto HEQ5.


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waldi
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Reged: 07/14/06
Posts: 41
Re: RA-88 or Refractor 120mm , F-5? new [Re: charen]
      #3335210 - 09/15/09 12:53 PM

you wrote "real aperture closer to 77-78mm" Ok I agree but if we will count like this:

78 x 1.4 = 109 aperature!! and more comfortable observation

am I think right?


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EdZModerator
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Re: RA-88 or Refractor 120mm , F-5? new [Re: waldi]
      #3335259 - 09/15/09 01:20 PM

Quote:

you wrote "real aperture closer to 77-78mm" Ok I agree but if we will count like this:

78 x 1.4 = 109 aperature!! and more comfortable observation

am I think right?




Sorry, not correct

Pi r squared x 1.4 then take square root = effective aperture = 92

compared to the 120ST with a binoviewer
area sqrd / 2 x 1.4 = 100

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