Refractors vs Binos

amzolt (Alexander) · #1 01-01-2009, 03:35 AM

I posted this in "Observational Astronomy" but it might be better(?) here:

I have Celestron's 25x100 binos.

I'm using the Virtual Moon Atlas by Legrand.

In the Information area there's a listing for Minimal Instrument.

Most of the features I can see easily have 50mm refractor as the Minimal Instrument though I'm training my eye (slowly) to see smaller features.

How can I compare the mm refractor ratings to my 25x100s?

dannat (Daniel) · #2 02-01-2009, 11:49 PM

I forget the conversion factor but a bino will show 25-50% more than a refractor of the same size objective. i think a 50mm bino = 76mm refractor. However the magnification is something you can go up in a refractor but not in a bino. Your 25x100 should be able to see the luna stuff alright - they are pretty big. I would try 80mm refractor settings to see how it compares