65 replies to this topic

[revans]

I finally relented and bought the Nikon 18x70 Astroluxe.  I really had high hopes for the Oberwerk 20x80 Explore but I just found them a bit too bulky to handhold. I hope everything people like about the Astroluxe turns out to be true for me as well.  I very nearly went for the Oberwerk 20x70 ED Ultras instead and I really can't give a logical reason why I went for the considerably more expensive Astroluxe as I doubt the experience using them would be very different using either pair. I think it was an irrational decision, but its done.

 

Rick

[bokemon]

You've worked hard in your life - you deserve the best

[Dale Smith]

Congratulations, Rick! Welcome to the Astroluxe cult club   I was just using mine last night to view Jupiter and M3 through gaps in clouds, handheld, while standing. FWIW, the Astroluxe at 4.52 lbs*  is lighter than your Oberwerk 20x80 Explore. The Oberwerk 20x70 EDU is listed at 5.25 lbs. For me, the Astroluxe is the most "handholdable" of my 15x and up binoculars.

 

Looking forward to your first light report!

 

*4.52 lbs is from BH Photos listing for the new Astroluxe model. Roger Vine lists the old model at 1954 grams, which is 4.3 lbs.

[Milos1977]

Astroluxe is way less bulky and heavy than Oberwerk 20x70EDU. If this was one of the goals, you made a right decision. Specially if you live in "bortle 6" or better. 

Edited by Milos1977, 14 May 2025 - 08:56 AM.

[revans]

You've worked hard in your life - you deserve the best

I guess that is debatable, but the decision came down to quibbles... 4 deg FOV, 64 aFOV in the Nikon vs 3.5 deg, 70 aFOV in the Obie. 18x in the Nikon vs 20x in the Obie.  4.5 lbs for the Nikon vs 5.25 lbs for the Obie. 11.5 inches long for the Nikon vs 11 inches for the Obie. Unspecified glass type for the Nikon (but probably non-ED glass) vs FK61 glass for the Obie.  $$$$ for the Nikon vs $$ for the Obie. 

 

The biggest factors for me were the slightly larger true FOV, the slightly lower magnification of the Nikon and the lighter weight of the Nikon for binoculars with similar dimensions.  On the other hand, I suspect the Obie has better glass composition and a great price point.  Traditional Japanese obsessive quality vs innovative and savvy Chinese production.  

 

I went with the lower weight and wider true FOV.  Everything else was a wash except price.

 

Rick

[Dale Smith]

I find the Astroluxe's 4 degree FOV an excellent minimum for "pan-and-scan" viewing of star fields, asterisms, and DSOs, something our CN administrator Erik had pointed out for himself. That extra half-three quarters of a degree (depending on the 20x binocular) makes a huge difference in finding my way around the night sky.

[fishhuntmike]

I think you will like it. The sweetest marriage of quality, nostalgia, comfort, AFOV, size, magnification and smell.

Edited by fishhuntmike, 14 May 2025 - 09:27 AM.

[revans]

I find the Astroluxe's 4 degree FOV an excellent minimum for "pan-and-scan" viewing of star fields, asterisms, and DSOs, something our CN administrator Erik had pointed out for himself. That extra half-three quarters of a degree (depending on the 20x binocular) makes a huge difference in finding my way around the night sky.

Another factor was daytime observation.  With my 20x80s I need to wear my eyeglasses using the binoculars to see at the minimum focusing distance of 25 meters, although for distant views of the stars I don't need to wear glasses.  The Astroluxe has a minimum focus distance of just 11.5 meters [edit: 3.5 meters] as opposed to my 20x80s at 25 meters and the Obie 20x70 ED Ultras at 15 meters.   So, I'm hoping to be able to see birds in tree branches in my yard using the Astroluxe.  That was a subliminal factor in my final decision.

 

Rick

[jrazz]

You will not be able to use them for birding. I don't know where the 11.5 meter value is from but my Astroluxe focuses much much farther than that! (estimating ~25 meters)

 

The Astroluxe is a fantastic landscape binocular and one of the best astronomy binocular IMHO. For birds there are better options.

[gwlee]

If I could be sure that I could use the Astroluxe handheld for astronomy, I might be interested in purchasing one to replace my small refractor that went to new home a few weeks ago. Getting rid of the telescope and its paraphernalia freed up enough cash to purchase an Astroluxe or two. I have an NT608 mount to use with it for long distance terrestrial viewing.

 

If the new OB 15x70 Ultra with a field flatter materializes someday, depending on tariffs, it might be a less financially risky way to find out if I can handhold a 70mm binocular. I suspect the OB might have less CA, which is an important consideration to me for long distance terrestrial viewing. 

[revans]

If I could be sure that I could use the Astroluxe handheld for astronomy, I might be interested in purchasing one to replace my small refractor that went to new home a few weeks ago. Getting rid of the telescope and its paraphernalia freed up enough cash to purchase an Astroluxe or two. I have an NT608 mount to use with it for long distance terrestrial viewing.

 

If the new OB 15x70 Ultra with a field flatter materializes someday, depending on tariffs, it might be a less financially risky way to find out if I can handhold a 70mm binocular. I suspect the OB might have less CA, which is an important consideration to me for long distance terrestrial viewing. 

A zero gravity chair helps a lot holding 15x70s and I can hold my 20x80s for short periods.  I'd initially thought I could hold the latter for 5 minutes, but eventually found out that I would tire in half that time.  That is why I wanted to step down in bulk, magnification and weight just a bit from the 20x80s.   

 

I use a tray table to steady my elbows and usually also put a mattress pad on the zero gravity chair.  All that makes a big difference to me if I plan to use binoculars unmounted.

 

I also like using them mounted but a straight through design will not always give you good enough eye placement and you risk seeing double on that basis alone.  Much depends on the altitude in the sky your viewing object is located and how much you have to crane your neck. This is more of an issue with higher powered binoculars. 

 

Rick

[glittledale]

here's to irrational decisions!!!  enjoy!!

[revans]

You will not be able to use them for birding. I don't know where the 11.5 meter value is from but my Astroluxe focuses much much farther than that! (estimating ~25 meters)

 

The Astroluxe is a fantastic landscape binocular and one of the best astronomy binocular IMHO. For birds there are better options.

Actually, I got it wrong.... but in the right direction.  The specs for the Astroluxe 18x70 give a minimum focusing distance of 11.5 feet or 3.5 meters.

 

I find that such specified minimum focusing distances as these might only be achieved if I'm wearing my glasses though. I am near sighted and this applies to looking through binoculars to some extent.... my nearest focus distance is further than most people's unless I wear glasses using them). 

 

I'm beginning to suspect that jrazz is right about the minimum focus distance and that the number is wrong in the specs below on the retailer's website.

 

 

Rick

[glittledale]

they are awesome for long distance birding!  

[fishhuntmike]

If I could be sure that I could use the Astroluxe handheld for astronomy, I might be interested in purchasing one to replace my small refractor that went to new home a few weeks ago. Getting rid of the telescope and its paraphernalia freed up enough cash to purchase an Astroluxe or two. I have an NT608 mount to use with it for long distance terrestrial viewing.

If the new OB 15x70 Ultra with a field flatter materializes someday, depending on tariffs, it might be a less financially risky way to find out if I can handhold a 70mm binocular. I suspect the OB might have less CA, which is an important consideration to me for long distance terrestrial viewing.

I wish you had the opportunity to look through a similarly priced OB BT70 if you plan to use that 608 mount. Its heavy but better in my opinion as a mounted terrestrial and astronomical device because of the 45deg interchangable eyepieces and mostly CA free. The stock 14mm eyepieces are very good and are 70deg AFOV.

Having both is even better (one lighter one for supported handheld use and the other for a tripod and higher magnification if one desires).

Edited by fishhuntmike, 14 May 2025 - 10:15 AM.

[jrazz]

If I could be sure that I could use the Astroluxe handheld for astronomy, I might be interested in purchasing one to replace my small refractor that went to new home a few weeks ago. Getting rid of the telescope and its paraphernalia freed up enough cash to purchase an Astroluxe or two. I have an NT608 mount to use with it for long distance terrestrial viewing.

 

If the new OB 15x70 Ultra with a field flatter materializes someday, depending on tariffs, it might be a less financially risky way to find out if I can handhold a 70mm binocular. I suspect the OB might have less CA, which is an important consideration to me for long distance terrestrial viewing. 

You can use it for hand held astronomy if you have a steady hand. They are remarkably light and surprisingly easy to hand hold. That being said, mounted makes them much much much better. I use mine hand held for quick peeks but would prefer a 15x50 IS if that was my jam. When mounted they are SPECTACULAR.

 

 

I wish you had the opportunity to look through a similarly priced OB BT70 if you plan to use that 608 mount. Its heavy but better in my opinion as a mounted terrestrial and astronomical device because of the 45deg interchangable eyepieces and mostly CA free. The stock 14mm eyepieces are very good and are 70deg AFOV.

Having both is even better (one lighter one for supported handheld use and the other for a tripod and higher magnification if one desires).

The Astroluxe and BT-70 are very different beasts. The BT is arguably better optically and definitely more flexible but having had the choice I easily picked the Astroluxe. There is a convenience and simplicity to them that can't be matched by a BT. You know I'm a BT snob and still, many times I just choose the Astroluxe on a simple tripod because it's lighter and simpler to live with.

[revans]

Hmmm... I wanted to see what Nikon had to say about the minimum focusing distance of the Astroluxe.  I'd assumed that my retailer's website got it wrong, but the numbers are on the Nikon USA site.  Still, something doesn't seem correct...  I still think jrazz is right.

 

 

Is it possible that Nikon produced different editions of this binocular and that this minimum focus distance might apply to the latest edition?  That would be wishful thinking I suppose.

 

Rick

[jrazz]

I just checked again. Yes, mine does not focus any closer than about 25 meter and even then it is very unhappy doing do. The view is rather full of CA and lacking the superb sharpness I normally get with it. 

The 7x50SP OTOH is perfectly happy focusing down to ~3-5 meters and be perfectly sharp.

 

Astroluxe is for astronomy  

[revans]

I just checked again. Yes, mine does not focus any closer than about 25 meter and even then it is very unhappy doing do. The view is rather full of CA and lacking the superb sharpness I normally get with it. 

The 7x50SP OTOH is perfectly happy focusing down to ~3-5 meters and be perfectly sharp.

 

Astroluxe is for astronomy

There is a review of the 18x70 Astroluxe on a UK site and this lists the minimum focus distance as 81 meters (followed by... ! claimed).  I think this is probably closer to reality.  The only other possibility is that the binoculars changed over time in their design and specifications and that new models are different from old models.... but I see nothing to indicate that this is the case. 

 

Rick

[Milos1977]

^^ For some crazy reason Nikon official page states close focus of 11.5 feet :-) 

How did they come to this number, I wander 

 

https://www.nikonusa...Gu3n#tech-specs

[fishhuntmike]

 

The Astroluxe and BT-70 are very different beasts. The BT is arguably better optically and definitely more flexible but having had the choice I easily picked the Astroluxe. There is a convenience and simplicity to them that can't be matched by a BT. You know I'm a BT snob and still, many times I just choose the Astroluxe on a simple tripod because it's lighter and simpler to live with.

 

I totally understand.  I mostly agree too. 
When I see gwlee's pics of his small refractor and his tripod mounted  binoculars from his spectacular viewpoint from inside his home (w/open window hopefully when viewing) my first thought is a BT70, especially if one stores the setup next to the window 24/7, and a lower powered handheld instrument in the windowsill. My inflexibility (back and neck) contribute to my preference for astronomical purposes of course.  
 

I used my 18x70s for a good 10 years from this lake vantage point but now prefer the BT70.

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[gwlee]

A zero gravity chair helps a lot holding 15x70s and I can hold my 20x80s for short periods.  I'd initially thought I could hold the latter for 5 minutes, but eventually found out that I would tire in half that time.  That is why I wanted to step down in bulk, magnification and weight just a bit from the 20x80s.   

 

I use a tray table to steady my elbows and usually also put a mattress pad on the zero gravity chair.  All that makes a big difference to me if I plan to use binoculars unmounted.

 

I also like using them mounted but a straight through design will not always give you good enough eye placement and you risk seeing double on that basis alone.  Much depends on the altitude in the sky your viewing object is located and how much you have to crane your neck. This is more of an issue with higher powered binoculars. 

 

Rick

Extensive tree cover at this forested mountain site means that most of my observing is between 45°-90° in altitude. I prefer to use a handheld binocular from a ZGC for almost all my binocular stargazing although I have mounts for my binoculars. 

 

Before buying a larger binocular, I plan to experiment with various ZGC modifications (tray, mattress pad, etc.) using my current binoculars (7x50 & 8x56) to test their efficacy and gauge their potential with a larger binocular. I am more concerned about binocular magnification than weight although a heavier binocular will require lowering the binocular more often to rest my arms. If 15x-18x is too much magnification for me, I am confident that 10x70 would most likely be OK based on using 10x50 porros for many years. 

[jrazz]

The solution is a parallelogram. Easy viewing from a ZGC, stable, easy to move and easy to cover the sky. That's my preferred setup.

[sevenofnine]

Rick,...I'm positive you will love your new Astrolux 18x70's. They are a classic astro-binocular that everyone should have. I chose the Obie 20x70EDU mainly due to price but I would also need a good tripod to hold them steady enough for astronomy. The ED glass and field flatteners sealed the deal. I use a TeleVue Air Chair with the bino's tipped back on 2 legs to reach about 70* for short periods.

This works very well for me 

 

.

 

Please ignore that I have the lens caps on 

Edited by sevenofnine, 14 May 2025 - 12:39 PM.

[fishhuntmike]

 

I use a tray table to steady my elbows and usually also put a mattress pad on the zero gravity chair.  All that makes a big difference to me if I plan to use binoculars unmounted.

 

This too is very comfortable, but very ugly.  An old foam archery target under the elbows and a makeshift forehead rest makes for super steady viewing with the 18x70s.

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