9 replies to this topic

[Cielo_nocturno]

Hello, a bit of context: I've been enjoying visual astronomy for more than 3 years with my 8" f6 and 12" F5 Dobsons.

 

I bought an Arcturus Binoviewer a year ago and I loved it with the moon and plantes, but with the Barlow to reach focus, the lowest magnification I can get with the 12" dob is 165x using 25mm Plössl or 295x using ES 14mm 82⁰.

 

I think I would enjoy large TFOV views of the milky way, and I think a big binocular is needed for that.

 

Now, I've seen the model of the picture in my local market (100mm Omegon Nightstar f/5.6 acromatic 45⁰ + tripod and mount + 2 basic eyepieces for 800€). Is it a great deal? Will I get great results and enjoy it more than my Binoviewer?

 

The thing I'm most afraid is the acromatic design and color aberration. In the past, I had a 120mm F5 refractor and I didn't like it due to color aberration in all the bright starts and objects I observed. So I'm afraid this happens the same way with this bioscope. But I don't want to spend 3.000€ right now in an apocromatic one...

 

So, should I just wait and enjoy my dobsons with Binoviewers and mono-viewing for low magnifications or buy this binoscope for 800€? (800€ is a big amount of money for me and my situation, but I guess I could resell it for that amount in the future if I need the money? So that's why I asked if the price is great or just "typical" for this kind of instrument.

 

Thank you.

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[Inkie]

It says 'triplet', which makes me wonder what it really means for what you fear. You don't want these, just going by what you have related about your preferences, if they are NOT triplet and truly ARE achromats.  So, you might wish to seek clarification. (I know nothing about binoscopes...)

[Sincos]

Is there any way you could look thru them before buying ? Got the WO binoviewer love it but haven’t used it in a couple years . Also got a 100mm 45* binoscope , recent addition to the stable . There is CA but I’ve learned to ignore it or better still find the sweet spot to position the eyeballs to where it is unnoticeable.  If they are a great deal ( $ ) then if you find the CA oppressive you can sell them on without a loss but gained experience.

 Good Luck and Clear Skies

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[Cielo_nocturno]

It says 'triplet', which makes me wonder what it really means for what you fear. You don't want these, just going by what you have related about your preferences, if they are NOT triplet and truly ARE achromats.  So, you might wish to seek clarification. (I know nothing about binoscopes...)

I'm pretty sure its a doublet design. That must be a mistake in the ad.

 

I'm just not sure how will it compare to my current experience with binoviewers on my dobson

[Cielo_nocturno]

Is there any way you could look thru them before buying ? Got the WO binoviewer love it but haven’t used it in a couple years . Also got a 100mm 45* binoscope , recent addition to the stable . There is CA but I’ve learned to ignore it or better still find the sweet spot to position the eyeballs to where it is unnoticeable.  If they are a great deal ( $ ) then if you find the CA oppressive you can sell them on without a loss but gained experience.

 Good Luck and Clear Skies

No, I can't look through then before buying, it's very far away.

How was your experience going from binoviewer to binoculars? That's what it's more interesting to me. Did you stop using them after you buy the big binocular? If the answer is yes, why do you think did you do it? And what telescope did you use with the binoviewer?

[Sincos]

Was using the binoviewer on a Celestron 102mm HD achromatic .  Loaned it to another club member for a season , they liked it but didn’t run out and buy one . They were using it on an 8”dob .

 Most use was on the achro during outreach events seemed folks liked the 3D effect . Have had the binoviewer for 15 years probably used it only couple of dozen times . I do have an assortment of binoculars that get way more use than the binoviewer also .

  There is definitely CA on the BT and you have an aversion , so that’s why I suggested having a look thru . Have you tried a minus violet filter on your achro ? It might tame the CA enough as to not be nauseating. Down side you’d have to buy two for the BT .

  Tough decision unless you think they can be sold on easily if need be . 

[tturtle]

I do not care for the ergonomics of this type of binoscope. You always have to position your body/head directly behind the thing which I would find very uncomfortable. Objects near zenith would be particularly problematic.

Edited by tturtle, 20 February 2025 - 01:26 AM.

[Spikey131]

These 100mm binoculars will in no way take the place of your reflectors for any kind of high magnification observing.  They will be best for low magnification observing.  Only buy them to use in addition to you Dobs.

[ABQJeff]

If CA bothers you  do not get these.

 

For wide field to partner with your Dob, since you didn’t like the ST120, get a short focal length refractor with ED glass or ~15x binoculars.

[bokemon]

I love my 100mm  90 degree ED binoculars.  Note I said ED.

But for wide views, may as well get a 70 or 82mm one.  Also suggest 90 degree for astro only.