Hello guys,
After so much ''paralysis by analysis'' after deciding between the 10x50's that Edz reviewed, there were some binoculars that had better atributed than others, like for example, the Nikon AE 10x50 had good illumination but Pentax better coatings, the garrett had as good coatings as the Pentax but significantly reduced aperture and as bad off axis perfomance as the Nikons, etc, etc.
But now that I'm working for burning some personal money and thinking that it was probably going to be my last purchase, I've decided to invest in a binocular that will last a lifetime and with premium optics, I considered buying the Garrett 10x50 signature series, which means I am getting about 90% of Fujinon perfomance in an affordable price, which also means that almost every atribute is superior to the average binocular.
When I receive the binocular a meticulous analysis and report is sure to be expected.
Jose.
Finally took a decision on binocular purchase!
Started by
ngc 9999
, Nov 19 2012 07:04 PM
26 replies to this topic
#1
ngc 9999
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topic starter
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Ranger 4
Posted 19 November 2012 - 07:04 PM
#2
edwincjones
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Close Enough
Posted 19 November 2012 - 07:21 PM
enjoy
edj
edj
#3
ngc 9999
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topic starter
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Posted 19 November 2012 - 08:58 PM
My only bug is not to get a bad sample.
#4
ChiroCop
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Sputnik
Posted 20 November 2012 - 01:06 AM
Congradulations !! Keep us updated.
#5
Man in a Tub
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Posted 20 November 2012 - 01:48 AM
Bravo! 
#6
Binojunky
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Fly Me to the Moon
Posted 20 November 2012 - 09:58 AM
These are sold under a few names, Garrett, Orion, Stellarvue, Williams etc, etc. Of the three samples I have seen this is what I noticed, one had the eyepieces so stiff to turn that the outer rubber knurled sleeves would slip if you weren,t careful, the second sample had dirty optics, the third were fine. I bought mine from Stellarvue, they were on sale at the time and they were willing to ship to Canada using a low cost means suggested by me, also they came with a heavy duty tripod bracket as standard, some sellers charge extra for this.Stellarvue have a good reputation for returns and customer service, they were happy to check my pair out before shipping.
It pays to shop around for the best price, one seller may charge a bit more but ship for free, any critisism of the bino in general?, a couple, I find the IF limits them to certain uses, if you want to do double duty with this glass say bird watching them you would be better getting a model with a centre focus system and its not a binocular for taking on hikes around your neck, I find it heavy,for looking at fixed objects its a good performer however like most Chinese optics QC can be spotty, DA.
It pays to shop around for the best price, one seller may charge a bit more but ship for free, any critisism of the bino in general?, a couple, I find the IF limits them to certain uses, if you want to do double duty with this glass say bird watching them you would be better getting a model with a centre focus system and its not a binocular for taking on hikes around your neck, I find it heavy,for looking at fixed objects its a good performer however like most Chinese optics QC can be spotty, DA.
#7
ngc 9999
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Posted 20 November 2012 - 10:28 AM
Thanks.
I bought them from Garrett and as I can see they have the 14 inspection thing in their products, I hope thats the truth. And I am going to use them purely for astronomy and very distant daytime objects. And again, I hope they check the binoculars before sending them.
I bought them from Garrett and as I can see they have the 14 inspection thing in their products, I hope thats the truth. And I am going to use them purely for astronomy and very distant daytime objects. And again, I hope they check the binoculars before sending them.
#8
KennyJ
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The British Flash
Posted 20 November 2012 - 12:29 PM
Hi Jose,
Many have commented on this model,under it's numerous different brand names,representing excellent value for money,which I'm sure it does.
Whether or not 90% is an accurate representative figure of how closely it actually compares, in all respects, to a Fujinon FMTSX 10x50,could be debatable.
Kenny
Many have commented on this model,under it's numerous different brand names,representing excellent value for money,which I'm sure it does.
Whether or not 90% is an accurate representative figure of how closely it actually compares, in all respects, to a Fujinon FMTSX 10x50,could be debatable.
Kenny
#9
richsvt
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Posted 20 November 2012 - 05:15 PM
Well done, sir.
I think you'll be pleased.
In case service is needed Zach is great to work with...
I think you'll be pleased.
In case service is needed Zach is great to work with...
#10
Man in a Tub
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James Webb Space Telescope
Posted 20 November 2012 - 06:56 PM
Reports of defective or damaged Kunming United Optics BA8 Series binoculars are rare. The most recent report was suspected coma in an Orion Resolux 15x70.
I don't like e-commerce/phone orders + shipping.
However, the four binoculars I have purchased this way have all arrived in excellent condition. I believe my experiences are not just good luck but representative of the vast majority of such binocular orders.
I don't like e-commerce/phone orders + shipping.
However, the four binoculars I have purchased this way have all arrived in excellent condition. I believe my experiences are not just good luck but representative of the vast majority of such binocular orders.
#11
ngc 9999
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Posted 20 November 2012 - 07:08 PM
Someone from Garrett Optical called me asking for another email address because the one with gmail was doubtful, who was that man? Zach Garrett?
#12
richsvt
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Posted 20 November 2012 - 08:07 PM
He is a man who wears many hats. Sometimes you find him doing stock , sometimes packing and sometimes answering the phone...exceptional in this day.
#13
ngc 9999
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Posted 28 November 2012 - 08:51 AM
Today my binoculars will be arriving!!
Please give me ideas of what you want me to evaluate when they arrive.
Please give me ideas of what you want me to evaluate when they arrive.
#14
RichD
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Posted 28 November 2012 - 10:05 AM
They are an excellent bino, I think you'll be happy with them. Personally I'd like to hear your thoughts on sharpness of stars across the field of view and contrast on extended objects like M42 or M101.
#15
ronharper
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Posted 28 November 2012 - 10:33 AM
Using such a big mutha binocular is rewarding, but is a demanding task, especially in the beginning. It will take some fooling around before you have the IPD and focus on both sides set well enough to feel sure they can't be improved, and more time yet as you realize the influence of eye position, maybe a few days before you're comfortable with it. You will master it over a period of years if you are like me.
It can be a strain on the eyes, trying to push a new binocular to the limits and inflict every known viewing torture on it, and once your eyes get tired, then you don't see as well, and everything looks worse, and there you go.
So have faith, flow with it and let it happen naturally.
Actually the thing that interests me most is something you may not be able to judge without a direct comparison to a Fujinon. The eyepieces are simpler than the Fujinon's, with the result that the edge will not appear as sharp. But I read a review that claimed that as a result of having less glass to scatter light, the BA8 actually showed perceptibly better transmission and contrast than the Fujinon.
Have fun,
Ron
It can be a strain on the eyes, trying to push a new binocular to the limits and inflict every known viewing torture on it, and once your eyes get tired, then you don't see as well, and everything looks worse, and there you go.
So have faith, flow with it and let it happen naturally.
Actually the thing that interests me most is something you may not be able to judge without a direct comparison to a Fujinon. The eyepieces are simpler than the Fujinon's, with the result that the edge will not appear as sharp. But I read a review that claimed that as a result of having less glass to scatter light, the BA8 actually showed perceptibly better transmission and contrast than the Fujinon.
Have fun,
Ron
#16
RichD
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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:03 AM
the edge performance will be the big noticeable difference should the OP ever get a chance to compare it to a fuji 10x50. Most reports say it is not as good, but even a simpler eyepiece being the case i'd be astonished if the contrast was better than the fuji, because it has outstanding contrast.
#17
ngc 9999
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Posted 28 November 2012 - 08:33 PM
My binoculars arrived!!
When I arrived from working my mom told me where the binoculars were, and when I looked the box I immediately opened and saw all the accessories that came with the binoculars along with the very well made nylon case.
Upon closing inspection the binocular arrived in excellent condition, round exit pupils, good collimation, no scratches, no smears. I was doing some testing at night but unfortunately conditions where not good, a mostly cloudy sky with so-so seeing. But had opportunity to test them for CA on the moon but only found the barest hint only when looking a bit off axis, as expected due to a full moon, and Jupiter focused to a sharp disc with no flares and could see its moons. Could see the entire FOV and could see the parallelogram of Lyra excluding Vega with some room to spare, I need to measure this more closely.
As soon as conditions get better and get a tripod I will continue giving more impressions. So far I'm happy with my purchase.
When I arrived from working my mom told me where the binoculars were, and when I looked the box I immediately opened and saw all the accessories that came with the binoculars along with the very well made nylon case.
Upon closing inspection the binocular arrived in excellent condition, round exit pupils, good collimation, no scratches, no smears. I was doing some testing at night but unfortunately conditions where not good, a mostly cloudy sky with so-so seeing. But had opportunity to test them for CA on the moon but only found the barest hint only when looking a bit off axis, as expected due to a full moon, and Jupiter focused to a sharp disc with no flares and could see its moons. Could see the entire FOV and could see the parallelogram of Lyra excluding Vega with some room to spare, I need to measure this more closely.
As soon as conditions get better and get a tripod I will continue giving more impressions. So far I'm happy with my purchase.
#18
ronharper
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Vanguard
Posted 28 November 2012 - 08:59 PM
Excellent news! It usually sets in heavy rain for a few days, good luck with that.
Ron
Ron
#19
ngc 9999
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Posted 28 November 2012 - 09:03 PM
Did a closer estimate of the FOV. Beta Cas and Gamma Cas touch the field stop.
#20
Rich V.
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Voyager 1
Posted 28 November 2012 - 09:48 PM
Did a closer estimate of the FOV. Beta Cas and Gamma Cas touch the field stop.
That's a 6.15° TFOV in case you haven't checked your atlas yet!
Enjoy your new binoculars!Rich
#21
ngc 9999
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Posted 29 November 2012 - 10:18 AM
Rich,
This was handheld, next time when I get a tripod I'm going to measure it more carefully
This was handheld, next time when I get a tripod I'm going to measure it more carefully
#22
daniel_h
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Mercury-Atlas
Posted 29 November 2012 - 03:19 PM
6.15 is peob close to the money
When I had a pair of the same bino I often used a bino harness with it, it took the strain off the neck harness & I found the weight less bothersome & I could use it for longer periods
When I had a pair of the same bino I often used a bino harness with it, it took the strain off the neck harness & I found the weight less bothersome & I could use it for longer periods
#23
ngc 9999
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Posted 11 December 2012 - 06:49 PM
What tripod and adapter is good enough to hold the binoculars?
#24
Man in a Tub
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James Webb Space Telescope
Posted 11 December 2012 - 09:22 PM
For an L adapter:
https://www.garretto...tegory-s/86.htm
Do not get any kind of "standard" L adapter because it might not fit between the prism housings. This is most important for this binocular.
I hope others will make recommendations for a tripod.
https://www.garretto...tegory-s/86.htm
Do not get any kind of "standard" L adapter because it might not fit between the prism housings. This is most important for this binocular.
I hope others will make recommendations for a tripod.
#25
ngc 9999
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topic starter
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Ranger 4
Posted 03 January 2013 - 09:51 PM
Hello,
Tested today the binoculars on faint nebula (LM about 4.7, give or take 0.1 magnitudes, time 8:30 pm):
M1 vs M78:
M1: I first located Zeta Tauri and started concentrating above the two stars before M1, the last time I saw it in a darker sky, it was possible to pick it up, it appeared about 40% or 50% the time spent looking, adverted vision only object. The mag 9.6 star next to it was easy to see.
M78: I had located this the same night as M1 in the dark site, so now in my backyard I wasn't expecting to find it. But concentrating my sight in the right spot, it was easier than M1, I even could see it handheld, not needing the effort associated with locating M1, I consider this very good.
Tested today the binoculars on faint nebula (LM about 4.7, give or take 0.1 magnitudes, time 8:30 pm):
M1 vs M78:
M1: I first located Zeta Tauri and started concentrating above the two stars before M1, the last time I saw it in a darker sky, it was possible to pick it up, it appeared about 40% or 50% the time spent looking, adverted vision only object. The mag 9.6 star next to it was easy to see.
M78: I had located this the same night as M1 in the dark site, so now in my backyard I wasn't expecting to find it. But concentrating my sight in the right spot, it was easier than M1, I even could see it handheld, not needing the effort associated with locating M1, I consider this very good.
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