Saxon binoviewer - is it worth it?

[niko]

There's a Saxon binoviewer for sale ($120) - is it worth buying? I did read somewhere that it might be a bit "soft and mushy".

I've got a 10" GSO dob and thought it might provide a bit of a 3D feel to my viewing but not interested in throwing good money after bad.

Hoping some might provide some comment.

thanks in advance.

niko

[chris lewis]

Hi - I think there are issues when using a B.V. and Newt. - not enough back focus - you may need to get an additional corrector to compensate.
The Saxon site says ‘not suitable for Newts’.
Also getting the correct posture and angle of view is not as easy as with a SCT or refractor.
The Saxon looks similar to my Stellarvue B.V. I use mine with my Equinox ED120 and I would not go back to monoviewing. The positives are great –1/ ‘pseudo’ 3D viewing 2/ because you are using 2 eyes it is far more relaxing 3/ I actually 'see' more, because of these factors. I can view for hours without eyestrain. I have to use the 2x OCA [built in barlow] to get focus. There are negatives - narrow FOV, the increase weight / strain on the diagonal / focuser, the cost of the BV and doubling up your E.P.’s and some people have problems 'merging' the images.
I think most of the entry level B.V.s from WO, Burgess, Stellarvue, Celestron etc. have similar specs. but I cannot comment on the Saxons as such. The Stellarvues have excellent Q. and A and I have had no problems with them. To get superior images you have to go to the Denkmeiers which cost considerably more I believe.
Good luck.