AOE 25x100 Binoculars

[zumka]

Hi Guys,

Does anyone know if 25x100 AOE binoculars have Individual focusing adjustments for diopters ?

Thnaks,

Dan

[erick]

Yes, I'm pretty sure they do. I had the 30x100 AOE and they had individual adjustments.

[zumka]

Are they the same model as andrews ?

[erick]

Sorry, I don't know.

[chris lewis]

Yes the are I.F. They are the United -Kunming series BA3 series and are rebranded and sold by Oberwerk, Garrett and Andrews and numerous others at basically the same Hi. specs. There are multiple postive reviews on various other sites on these binos esp. on Cloudy Nights. They are heavy at 4.5 kgs. I have my 'generic' versions on a H.D. 7 ft. mount with a crank which costs more then the binos. There true aperture is 98 mm. The Andrews 100/45* BT [again Kunming-United] with the changable E.Ps. which I have also measures 91mm but are optically superior as they are triplets. There is some minor / moderate CA fringing with the 2x100's on bright objects, there is curvature of field from about 70% -80% out but they are impressive cost effective binos esp. on dark skies. Just be prepared for a sore neck !


http://www.united-optics.com/Products/Binoculars/Giant_Binoculars/BA3_Series/BA3_Series.html



Chris

[zumka]

I didn't fully understand above statement. Are you saying that it's better to buy 25x100 from Andrews?

One more question is it better to buy 30x100 or 25x100?

Thanks you

[chris lewis]

Hi sorry to confuse you. The Andrews and the AOE 25x100 are the same binocular. They are currently both advertised at the same price at $A439. I have dealt with Lee Andrews previously with good results but it is up to you which way to go. Look at the warrantees / after sales service etc. to make your choice. The 100/45 B.T. is a different beast all together and is around the $A2000 mark and that has interchangable 45 degree E.P's. on a H.D. yoke mount.
As to the 25x vs. 30x - personally I prefer the 25x100 versions - but that is my view point. The 25x100's have a slightly wider field of view, less CA and frames DSO's like M6, M7, M42 and M31 nicely.
You also have to consider a suitable tripod mount. The H.D. type of camera type of mount as sold by AOE for $189 will simple not do. You really have to go for the large [and expensive] 7 ft. Manfrotto type of mount with a crank so you can get 'under' the binos. You seriously cannot undermount these size of binos. 1/ for safety reasons and 2/ you will not view with them comfortably or adequately. Again 'Cloudy Nights' has an excellent article by 'Edz'. on the various mounts that are suitable for these size binos.

Chris

[PCH]

I have a set of these and confirm thay are great. But as Chris has said, they do need a crankable tripod. This Manfrotto 161BK added a further $US600 ish to the deal but I did buy the dolly at the same time, and shipping for the two items was about $US150. But this item wasn't available in Oz, so I had no choice. Great binos though once you've got them on the right tripod :thumbsup:

[zumka]

Why such an expensive tripod. Some articles cloudy nights are talking about SLIK AMT 700DX Pro or simmilar which is not as expensive and can hold binoculars prety well.

[PCH]

Well Daniel, in simple terms, these binos are very expensive, and they're also very heavy. So you really do need a solid tripod - that's crankable. There aren't that many to choose from. Manfrotto came highly recommended at the time, and I have no regrets - it is a first class beast and very very solid. And crankable :)

PS the SLIK AMT 700DX Pro only holds 15 pounds weight. Way less than half what these things weigh. No good - sorry

[zumka]

What do you guys think about Manfrotto 475B