New binos.

[matt]

Hi guys.

Need some help/advice with a new purchase.

I've been thinking lately about a new pair of higher mag/larger aperture binos.

I was given a very nice tripod for Xmas...so I'm now able to move up to something like 15x70 or 20x80 binos.

I know I'll lose a lot of FOV from my 10x50s (which I'm keeping) but that's OK.

I'd just like a larger bino....but not too much $$$$

Do I go AOE or Andrews? I'm guessing there's not much difference, and I'm leaning toward the Andrews 20x80 triplets.

Your help much appreciated.

[CoombellKid]

I have a set of andrews 20x80's and for the price I think they awesome :thumbsup:
especially since I made a parralellogram mount for them. Perfect size for
many things M31, Carina Neb, M42, SMC, LMC are stunning same with
comets. Actually you'll be surprised at what available up there with them.

regards,CS

[dannat]

how did you make the mount - looks great for using binos

[astropolak]

Great looking Bino mount, can you post some close up photos please?

Joe

[GazzMeister]

I have the AOE 20x80 triplets. As far as I can tell they are very similar to the Andrews pair, if not exactly the same. They are great binos for the price, I've been extremely happy with my purchase. Although I cannot comment on the service from Andrews, the service from AOE was excellent. The first pair I got were out of alignment, and I e-mailed them about it. They replied with some suggestions about collimating them, which I wasn't confident with doing myself. I let them know and they got me to send them back for a replacement pair and even covered the cost of postage! Anyway, as I said they are a great pair for the price and will give you many good nights of observing.

Gareth

[astropolak]

Hi
I forgot what this thread was all about....
I have a AOE 15x70 MX Ultra Binoculars. They are well made and look very solid indeed. Individual Eyepiece focus works well but virtually makes the binoculars astronomy use only. There is some astigmatism but not overly distracting. There is virtually no ghosting or reflections due to superb baffling and anti reflection coatings. I see no light scatter and visual glass inspection shows no flaws in the glass or coatings.
Those are not perfect but at the price probably a good compromise.
AOE service is very good, I can not say the same for Andrews.

Joe

[CoombellKid]

I can vouch for Andrews. Lee is excellent to deal with well thats my
experience anyways. Infact I can remember when I ordered my 20x80's
it was a Friday and told him I wouldn't be in town again until the following
Tuesday to direct deposit the funds. When I got into town they were already
at my P.O.Box. You cant get more prompt than that. The only other time
I ordered something off him was about 3 years before that and the package
was in my P.O.Box the next day.

Also I think you'll find the AOE and Andrews 20x80's are made by the same
folks. Andrews were bringing them in by the container full, so maybe AOE
were being supplied by Andrews. He does act as a distributer

regards,CS

[CoombellKid]

there are a couple here, I just looked about on the net and made my own
design. They have nice smooth stable action with no flex. I haven't manage
to fully finish them off, as the weather up here is still crap.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=23798&page=6

regards,CS

[AGarvin]

I've wondered about these binos. They look identical to the ones that Astro-Physics (http://www.astro-physics.com/)are selling. Same physically, same color, same aperture and same mag offerings. I wonder if the optics are the same.

Andrew.

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Matt I've got a pair of 20x80's from AOE, same bino's that Andrews carry as far as I can see. Have had great service and fast delivery from both dealers.

If we manage to get together for a viewing session you can have a decent play with them and see what you think. Personally I love them!