Garrett 25x100 Binocular - Filter Threads?

[Noble]

I'm looking at this (http://www.astronomybinoculars.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=G251 00WP-IF&CartID=1) binocular as a step up from my current Garrett 9x60 binocular. On the site, there is an option to purchase the binocular either with, or without, 1.25" filter threads. I presume these would be for things like moon or nebula filters.

Would I need to purchase eye pieces for this binocular before I could put it to use? Or would I be able to use eye pieces that come with the binocular (if it even comes with eyepieces), and then replace them with more specialized ones down the road? When buying eyepieces, would I purchase the same kind that are sold for telescopes (as long as they are 1.25" in diameter)?

[Rod66]

I'm not sure about eyepieces for Binoculars, but with that kind of money , why not make the step up into a telescope. You can get a good 6inch telescope for $399 in Australia or even go to a 8inch for $499 if you look around.
You'll be able to see fainter objects more clearly that you can with Bino's.

Rod

[Noble]

Well, I've really enjoyed binocular viewing so far. It's easy to relax my eyes with the stereoscopic view, and it's also very easy for me to grab my equipment on short notice and set it all up without any problems. Mostly, I just don't know enough about telescopes yet to buy one. I want to be very comfortable with all the technical details before buying one. I plan on putting my tax return towards a 8" reflector sometime next spring.

Also, binocular viewing has been a great introduction to star-hopping and learning the night sky for me.

In any case, I did some looking around and these do come with standard eyepieces. I scaled down my purchase to the GO 20x80 binocular and a somewhat sturdier tripod. This shaved a good $500 off the purchase (when factoring in the required mount and all), which is awesome.

This binocular also has 1.25" filter threads on the eyepieces (and objectives I think), so I went ahead and included a nebula filter with my order. I plan to put the filter on one barrel, and leave the other one standard to produce a nice image of nebula while retaining the context of the surrounding stars.

[dannat]

that particualr binocular I'm pretty sure has fixed ep's, & yes the filter threads are for nebula/skyglow type filters, apparently they can be effective in big bins
If you want seperate ep's you need to buy a binocular telescope BT, which runs clsoe to $1000.

I see you're from the US, check cloudynights.com - binocular threads for more advice

If you want to buy better i would recommend the Garrett sig series 22x85 - they are in a class above, with terrific coatings offering much better contrast, keep in mind most 25x100 binos are acually close to 23x93mm (testing done by US amateur), whereas the premium garrett's are as stated. I have the 15x70SS & they are terrific

[PCH]

I'd be fairly sure these bins don't cater for the use of separate ep's since they are quoted as being 25x100. So the mag is fixed. I have a pair of the oberwerk bt100-45 as sold by your www.BigBinoculars.com right there on the home page at the right of the screen. These can be fitted with ep's to suit your magnification need, and of course the individual ep's can be fitted with whatever filters you choose.

The quality of the bins is worth the extra in my opinion, but it is a bit more than the pair you seem to have ear-marked so far.

And I agree, binocular viewing is much easier on the eye than the single ep. BUT, be aware that for viewing above about 45 degrees from the horizontal, you WILL NEED a speedy height adjustable mount for whatever model you choose - otherwise it becomes too painful.

Cheers,

[Noble]

Man, that Obererk bt100 looks like a fine instrument. I wish I had the $2000 to spend on it!

Dannat: The signature 22x85 is certainly attractive. Especially if the advertised power and aperture is accurate (I also read some of edZ's articles on the inaccuracies of these advertised values over at cloudynights). But they are unfortunately out of my price range. The extra money for the binocular I could do, but their sheer weight would necessitate a new mount as well.

So, if the eyepieces are fixed, does that mean I'll be screwing the nebula filter on outside of the eyepiece? Or would it go in between the body of the binocular and the eyepiece? If it's the former, I would think you'd run into problems with the filter getting dirty fairly quickly (eyelashes touching it, dust, etc)

[PCH]

I thought about the filters and where they would go. I guess it must be the outside unless they have some obscure way of making a regular filter fit on the inside. Why not give them a call or email them to find out how they do it?

Cheers,

[Noble]

Will do. I'll also have the equipment sometime this week, so one way or another I'll figure out how the filter interacts with the binocular. I'll be sure to update the thread once I've got info. :)