Binocular Use

[Solanum]

Well, lucky chap that I am my Ice in Space prize binoculars arrived today. Which pair they were was going to be a surprise, so I was even more chuffed when they turned out to be the 20x80s that I had hoped for.

I took them out this evening, but there was some cloud about (I don't do broken cloud) and of course the moon is high and bright. So that was my target and I was very impressed! Lot's of detail. Jupiter was behind light cloud, but I could still see a good sized disk and Ganymede.

I must say, using binoculars is easy on the eye. Not so much on the arms though. I tried out the tripod adaptor that came with them but it is pretty flimsy and was twisting under the weight.

So:
1) can someone recommend me a sturdy tripod adaptor suitable for AOE 20x80 binoculars, and
2) I've had a look at the binos article linked to from the beginners section, but does anyone have any tips in regard to use or good objects to view? I was surprised to read that that the phase of Venus should be observable in binos for instance.

Finally, thanks once again to Ice in Space and to AOE for my prize binoculars!

[ngcles]

Hi Everard,

A quality tripod is almost mandatory for binos that big -- they are too heavy to hand-hold except for very short periods. One old, old trick I picked up from others years ago is to use a broom as a "monopod" -- get out a kitchen broom, turn it upsidedown, put a towel on the top and the head of the broom becomes a binocular rest. I use it all the time.

You have to hold 'em on the rest and can't let go. Need to find the right length broom-handle though! Just helps to support the weight but it is still very difficult to observe at zenith. Works great up to about 60 deg elevation.

As for objects to look at a good starting point is here:

http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/sskybino/ssbinoc2.html

There is also a binocular highlight column in AS&T but it only covers one object at a time -- might be worth a look.


Les D
Contributing Editor
AS&T

[PCH]

Hi Solanum,

the following link is for a book that I have found invaluable for providing stuf to look for thru your new bins.

http://home.st.net.au/%7Edunn/heavensabove/

When I bought my 20x90 bins from AOE, I bought their suggested mount along with the bins. This is currently priced at $179 and is part # HVT11 at the bottom of the bino's section :thumbsup:


Cheers,

[saberscorpx]

I don't see a heavy duty L-adapter at AOE, but the AOE-BAM adapter should be sufficient.
For freehand use one can create a human tripod by resting both elbows on a support (car, railing, etc.). Observing prone or in a recliner is often recommended. Many find holding the fat ends more stable.
Relax your breathing and employ a slow, hovering pass around your targets (trying for a perfectly steady image only further competes with the fast twitch hand/arm/shoulder muscles, making the fireflies worse).

Along with the Messiers, an excellent rites-of-passage southern DSO bino list can be found here:
http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/sskybino/ssbinoc2.html

With average visual acuity (~200") 20x mounted binos can also split doublestars as tight as 10" separation.


Congrats on the new glass, and happy hunting!

SJS

[jjjnettie]

Try this link for a binocular observing list for Southern Skies.

http://seds.org/messier/xtra/similar/albi-s.html

TUMOL also rates every Messier object by degree of difficulty for observing with binoculars. This one is really good as it has maps etc.
http://www.davidpaulgreen.com/tumol.html

[erick]

Everard, I have the AOE-BAM metal tripod adapter which works fine on 12x60s. Sounds like you have the plastic one - AOE-BAP. I suggest that you upgrade. My 20x80s have the central supporting bar. I have looked at those AOE 20x80s and wondered how well they can be supported without a bar.

http://www.aoe.com.au/binoculars_accessories.html

I've made a few attempts to see the phases of Venus, but haven't been successful. I think you'll need very good viewing conditions.

[Solanum]

Thanks, Erick I looked at the BAM one and wondered whether that was the way to go. However, although I don't have the central bar and thus although the bino centre of gravity isn't as well placed it isn't up and down motion that is the problem it is side to side motion caused by the plastic BAP mount twisting. The slightest touch causes it to do that. The BAM mount is the same design as the BAP (rather than an L bracket), is it totally stable or does it twist at all?

Thanks for the other replies, I shall print off those lists and have a try for some of the objects when that pesky moon gets out of the way (though it is very impressive in the bins).

[erick]

I have no trouble with 12x60s and the BAM. I've just tried to bend it by hand and I cannot get it to bend at all in my fingers. Ask AOE their advice is my suggestion.