Telescope Reviews: Re: JUST FOR GRINS

Used this binocular, again, last night for stargazing, and compared it to my Orion 15x70mm Little Giant II & my Orion 16x80mm MEGAView.

Both Orion's with the Fully Multi-Coated optics and the larger exit pupils, 4.6mm/70mm & 5mm/80mm, did a better job of light transmission to my eyes.

The NcSTAR 20x70mm with an exit pupil of only 3.5 and only Multi-Coated optics was darker/dimmer than the other two. No surprise, especially against the 80mm, with its lower magnification.

Not surprising, the biggest disappointment with this inexpensive binocular has been trying to view plantets. Doesn't do well on those brighter bodies.

Still, overall, it is a FUN binocular to use, considering the price, expecially during the daytime. The only fault I noticed during the day was some very slight blackout if I tried to hold it too close to my eyes. Nighttime STARGAZING is enjoyable, even with its optical limitations.

The FUN part is the fact that it is EASY to handhold, for whatever reason(s), it seems pretty much the same as handholding my 15x/16x. It has good balance and weight, and fills up my hands nicely, allowing a comfortable and a steady grip.

Of course, it does even better when mounted on a lightweight tripod and solid head. (Mantrotto 3021BN tripod legs & 501 head)

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Pentax 12x50mm PCF WP II FMC/WP/FP
Pentax 16x60mm PCF WP FMC/WP/FP
Pentax 20x60mm PCF WP II FMC/WP/FP
Orion 12x63mm Mini Giant FMC/JAPAN
Orion 15x70mm Little Giant II FMC/JAPAN
Orion 16x80mm Giant FMC/JAPAN
Orion 20x70mm Little Giant II FMC/JAPAN
Orion 30x80mm MEGAView FMC/JAPAN
Barska 30x80mm X-Trail LW FC
Burgess Optical Series II 20x90mm FMC/WP/FP

Handel's Messiah**Hallelujah! For the LORD God Omnipotent Reigneth

Edited by hallelujah (05/25/08 07:50 PM)

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