4 replies to this topic

[DPT]

At current listed prices, there is only $100 difference between the Oberwerk BT-82XL-SD ($2550) and the BT-100XL-ED ($2650).

 

I live in borderline Bortle 4/5 skies and am mainly interested in generally scanning the night sky for various objects, and will also check out the moon and planets on occasion, however I have a variety of telescopes for my detailed viewing of the planets and the moon.  I am looking for something relatively grab-and-go for an hour or two of casual viewing.  I already own an Oberwerk Series 5000 tripod and head so could use this as a mount.

 

Question: Should I focus more on aperture and go with the BT-100XL-ED? OR focus more on quality with the smaller but better glass in the BT-82XL-SD?  Side note, I am nearsighted with strong astigmatism so maybe the SD would not be fully appreciated with my eyesight?  I do view with eyeglasses.

 

Any actual experience comparing the ED vs SD would be appreciated, also the 80 mm vs 100 mm aperture as well.

 

Thanks in advance,

David

[revans]

I have an Oberwerk BT-82 XL ED and BT-127 XL SD.  However, I'm waiting for the arrival of an Orion BT-100 90 degree eyepiece model which with its FK-61 glass is an ED.  

 

I'm in Bortle 6 and have been able to eventually find every Messier or Caldwell object I've looked for in my BT-82.  The SD is marginally nicer for looking at the rim of the moon and at bright planets but for higher power views I switch to a telescope these days. For deep sky targets I don't find much difference between ED and SD. 

 

I use the BT-82 ten times for every time I use the BT-127.  This is because the latter weighs 25 lbs and needs a substantial tripod as well.  The BT-82 is just more convenient and gets used a lot more.

 

The reason I bought the Orion is for zenith viewing and it has a 90 degree eyepiece tilt system.  Zenith viewing with 45 degree tilt eyepieces hurts your neck after awhile and that causes you to malposition your eyes in the eyepieces leading to poor views. I bought the Orion BT-100 rather than their 90 degree model in a BT-82.  This is because I already have an Oberwerk BT-82.

 

Everyone has different personal preferences.  I think ED is fine and I'm happy with it.  I think that if most people were to own both a BT-82 and a BT-100, human nature would cause them to use the BT-82 more often.  If you want to do a little astronomy and a lot of nature viewing of birds etc. then I would get a 45 degree eyepiece tilt BT.  If I was only interested in astronomy, I'd get a 90 degree tilt BT.

 

In your place, my decision would be more centered on 45 degree vs 90 degree eyepiece tilt than with ED vs SD glass.  I would also consider how much weight I was comfortable with and how much my mount and tripod wanted to deal with.

 

Rick

[sevenofnine]

This is the 90* Orion BT-100 ED that Rick is referring to:

 

https://www.telescop...pe/p/132191.uts

[DPT]

Thanks for the input! 

 

I will be very interested to hear about your impression of the Orion 90 degree 100 mm ED binocular telescope.  I guess hearing how Oberwerk does solid quality control on their products, and stands behind them "should" any issues arise, makes me wonder about the quality control behind the Orion version. Again, look forward to hearing of Rick's impression of the Orion unit.

 

David

[jrazz]

At current listed prices, there is only $100 difference between the Oberwerk BT-82XL-SD ($2550) and the BT-100XL-ED ($2650).

 

I live in borderline Bortle 4/5 skies and am mainly interested in generally scanning the night sky for various objects, and will also check out the moon and planets on occasion, however I have a variety of telescopes for my detailed viewing of the planets and the moon.  I am looking for something relatively grab-and-go for an hour or two of casual viewing.  I already own an Oberwerk Series 5000 tripod and head so could use this as a mount.

 

Question: Should I focus more on aperture and go with the BT-100XL-ED? OR focus more on quality with the smaller but better glass in the BT-82XL-SD?  Side note, I am nearsighted with strong astigmatism so maybe the SD would not be fully appreciated with my eyesight?  I do view with eyeglasses.

 

Any actual experience comparing the ED vs SD would be appreciated, also the 80 mm vs 100 mm aperture as well.

 

Thanks in advance,

David

The answer is as usual, it depends.

 

I would pick the bigger aperture BT if you are looking for dimmer objects like nebulae or galaxies. If you are looking for double stars and planets then the SD will serve you better.

Weight should also be a consideration. What mount are you putting these on? In general the 100 would require a sturdier mount which would cost more. 

Finally, how portable do you want these to be? Granted, both are very transportable but the 82 would be easier to move, again, weight and lighter tripod.

 

I personally really like the SD versions because I can see the difference. It's not just CA. The better glass reduces aberrations in general and provide a sharper view overall. It's not like the ED are not sharp but the SD do have an edge and for someone like me who really is particular about the view that makes a difference. Looking through your signature though I can imagine you liking the 100ED more.