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Yea...
I’ve pretty much made my mind up...Thanks all!
After some lengthy research amongst various forums, websites & the links you guys have provided-considering my needs (Astro/scenic & portability); I’ve gone pretty much what Nick has recommended! I had my mind pretty much made up before & after reading your post Nick...it seemed two great minds think alike.
Call me crazy, but I did a little test with TWO X 2.5killo weights in my backyard + my 850gram 10X50s. I found I could get a FEEL of the different weight ratios by placing my 10X50s snugly atop of the dumbbell weights. My hand hold was pretty much the same taking into account that I placed the Binos a little back to allow my nose the space needed, so as to rest the eye pieces snugly in place. (The weights were more to the front) I did this test with no bracing of any kind except changing my stance.
Results:
Were interesting to say the least...First impression left me thinking what is the big deal...with 2x2.5killos + 850grams total of 5.85kg I seemed to be holding out quite well...that was until I spotted a 747 (or commercial airliner of some sort) up in the clouds. It was very jittery...extremely. It did not take long to hit home the effect this was going to have on my stargazing. I then tried this weight and trained my sights on some distant trees attempting to spot birds at the wrong time of the morning. Unfortunately I could see the same kind of dilemma when trying to concentrate on very fine targets.
Despite now knowing firsthand the kind of trouble that can arise with viewing very small objects against a lager background...I did find that scanning was no trouble at all and that practicing could yield good results for quick concentrated attempts. Once I dropped the weight back to a total of 3.35kg I found the effectiveness of scanning twice as good when compared to 5.85kg. That’s like comparing a 20X80 Triplet to a 25X100. Short concentrated bursts also yielded twice the performance and I was happy with that.
There are two things my test does not count for...the weight distribution & offcourse Magnification! I therefore expect that indeed the truth may not really be known until I get my hands my intended purchases. However I did learn that there are certain techniques one can practise to assist with stability other than just a tripod, and that indeed, there is quite a noticeable difference in jitter as the kilos are added.
Like you suggested nick...I am going to get a pair of 12X60 from “AOE” where I can clearly see & read what it is that I am buying (I’ve also bought from Andrews & will continue too (Bar TNT delivery!) However find AOE much defined with respect to specifications & quality control when discussing Binoculars.
I am also going to get 20X80, BUT because I am going to BUILD my own mount...I’m putting the otherwise mount money into the $349.00 AOE 20X80 TIF (Higher Quality up marketed – Triplet) I like the fact that the BaK-4 Prisims are rated as “oversized” as I read that helps brighten up the image with respect to magnification & app...There is a lot of sales pitch and Toughness & durability, however am a little upset that there is nothing on fog proof. Oh well.
I’ve always wanted a triplet of some kind since I heard about them, and being way over my budget in the scope dept at present...I think this selection of Bino will serve me well for many years. I am confident that I will be able to rig up a good mount following the instruction on this sight somewhere. In fact I have all sorts of ideas floating in my head on that score & relish the idea of yet another project...(not that I am any good, but it will keep my busy)
I think will mess around with larger exit pupil & wider fields of view (+ added benefits of stability with such binos) on my next purchase. I’ve been told that I am young at 39-40, but I thought at that age ones exit pupil is on its way down from 6-5. I am beginning to understand some of the significances as I learn more and would like very much to see, if in fact “I” do notice a brighter image ect...when thinking of such things. At the moment I’m happy to settle dealing with the high mags as a separate issue which will benefit my in the longer run as I get older.
That’s it!!!!! & it’s final this time! 12X60 (with optional mounting ability) Good Quality 20X80 Triplets & I’ll build my own mount.
Now......mmmmmmmmmmmm......Bino Views?
Thanks Guys
Dave
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