Telescope Reviews: Re: How old? What Quality? Celestron "Classical" 7

Japan produced a number of wide angle 7x50 binos in the 60s,70s and 80's. Most were reasonable quality. I have a 'Scope' 7x50 with a wider 9.5 degree FOV which I still enjoy using on dark skies. You will notice some 'softness' at the edge of viewing which is normal for a W.A. bino - however at 8 degrees it will not be so marked. The main concern with earlier Japanese binos is the eye relief - which is usually limited - which means you have to get your eyes in close to get the full FOV - you may need to check that out first esp. if you wear glasses. The 'UV' coatings is an earlier form of lens coating and have a deeper bluish hue to them. They are not up to the latest lens coatings standards so you will see some internal reflections on bright objects and the contrast will not be as good.
They are not waterproof so do check for internal deterioration and make sure they are well collimated. These Japanese binos are usually well built and hold collimation well.
They are still usable binos if in good condition and will do well on dark skies where you can take advantage of there 7 mm exit pupil.

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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