Advice Please on Binoculars

[Nordo]

For my introduction to astronomy I am taking the repeated advice to start with binoculars (to test the waters, so to speak).
I already have a pair of 7x50 but I want to get something bigger that I can mount (on a tripod).
I was about to order a pair of Zhumell's from the US (either 20x80 for $205.00 US, or 25x100 for $468.00 US, including shipping to Aust) Then I came across the Australian AOE site which have their "own brands" - 20x80T for $219.00 & 25x100FB for $449.00.

Does anyone have any experience with AOE's binoculars and their quality?
The Zhumell's seem to be highly rated by users (based on forums, user reviews, etc).

I live about 10km from a small town on acreage (no street lights ) and get fairly dark skies. I also have quite good terrestrial views, so the binoculars can have a dual purpose.

BTW, for sky viewing, are there prism adaptors for binoculars to set the eypieces at 45/90 deg, or do you need special binocs?
Thanks

[jmb]

i have a pair of 11x56 AEO binos and have been very happy with them...
before purchasing, like you i sought advice through iceinspace, and had good feedback from other customers...
i got mine about 8 months ago now.
hope this helps
good luck
Janine

[Nordo]

Thanks
Still, it makes you wonder who makes AOE's products

[jmb]

As far as i remember they are from an American company called Oberwerk
http://www.oberwerk.com/products/default.htm
i found the service at AOE great, the staff were very helpful and patient with my questions.
good luck

[Nordo]

Thanks Mate

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

The AOE binos are awesome value for money. Coatings are brilliant. They are not from Oberwerk rather they are from the same Chinese supplier as the Oberwerks are sourced from. www.binocularschina.com

[johnno]

Steve is correct,
as far as I know,a lot of Binoculars are made to fit the retailers specs,Depending on what the retailer,is prepared to spend,and their profit margin.
It seems the A.O.E Binoculars follow the Oberwerk brand Specs,fairly closely,
IE,fully Broadband Multicoated,BAK-4 Prisms,etc,But, there is a lot more to be considered,than these couple of items,

Although these Binoculars,are not "High End Types",they do represent good Value for the money spent.

I have several A.O.E Binoculars,10x42,11x56,20x80lw, (Which according to 1 Cloudy Nights Binocular Guru) are the same as Oberwerk Standards.( Very Highly Regarded).
The 20x80s being my Favourites for deep sky,(Mounted of course),and 11x56 for handheld,Wider field,Viewing.

Regards.
John

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

re 45 deg prisms: they either come with them (eyepiece diags) or don't. I don't think you can attach them yourself without effectively building your own binos. A mirror mount is an option...

[Nordo]

Thanks Gang
My problem now is, is the 25x100FBs worth twice as much as the 20x80Ts?

My next problem/query is what would be a cheap better tripod than my aluminium camera tripod ?

[johnno]

Hi All,

Nordo,
Sorry I cant help you with the question "are the 25x100,s worth twice as much as the 20x80t,s"

THAT,is something you will have to research,and decide for yourself,

BUT,bear in mind,the 25x100,s have a Narrower Field of view,than 20x80,s.
AND,will be MUCH heavier,Requiring a tripod,costing almost as much as the Binocular.

Even the 20x80 LW Binocular,requires a Good tripod,the 25x100 WILL require a Good EXPENSIVE Tripod.

A cheap camera tripod WILL NOT,handle the weight,of either one.

Regards.
John

[Nordo]

Thanks John for the advice on the need for a decent tripod. I knew I would need a tripod. If my old aluminium camera tripod won't be good enough, can you recommend an economical study tripod and head?

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

to the site Nordo. Just a heads up on get togethers on the Sunshine Coast. If your interested we get together each new moon out at Kenilworth under nice dark skies. Keep your eyes on the Star Party and Observing Sessions forum. If the weather is fine there will be one on this weekend. Check the thread here and there is a map here

Good luck with the Binos

[astroron (Ron)]

nordo, a member of iceinspace has built a parallelogram to hold his 20x80 bino's,if you are handy with woodwork /metal you can make your own, I have the plans to make one if you want them.
As Paul (1 ponders ) mentioned we have a get together every New Moon weekend at my site in the Mary Valley near Kenilworth, you are to join us this Saturday weather permitting

[Nordo]

Hi Fellas
A parallelogram sounds interesting. I'd always envisioned a parallelogram as being a very floppy device. I'll do a search and see if there are any photos in IceInSpace. Hey - where the hell is Cambroon?

When my wife and I first came to the Sunshine Coast about 25 years ago we went to a viewing night at someones house in Caloundra, I think. He had a large reflector in a domed observatory in his back yard. Can't remember his name. I became very busy with work and never had time for a hobby like astronomy (still busy ).

My renewed interested has been prompted by a pending visit from my brother-in-law's family from England. I want to show him that there are things in the night sky that he has probably never seen, eg stars, planets (I'm assuming you can see the moon occasionally in the Birmingham skies). Also we have fairly good terrestrial views from our verandah which is why I have been think of a multi-purpose viewer such as binoculars or maybe a refractor. I thought binoculars would be better, but I'm beginning to think that a refractor might be better, where you normally would have a 90deg prism. I already have a relatively cheap pair of 7x50s bins.

Oops, work calls

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Check out the map link in my last post Nordo. That will show you how to get to Cambroon. Basically you go through Kenilworth, out past Little Yabba CK for about 4 or 5 Km then turn left back over the Mary River. It's sorta about half way between Kenilworth and Conondale.

[Nordo]

Ron & Paul
Checked your links. NOW I know where Cambroon is.
We used to take the kids camping at Charlie Moreland Park - in amongst the goannas and snakes (serious).
Nice country out there. Bit cold for a coastal boy like me (but bottle of Stone's Green Ginger Wine usually helps ).
Can't make Saturday night - going to a 50th birthday. Sh-t, I remember when I used to go to 21st birthdays .
I've started a separate thread for advice on a tripod for giants.
Check out Dennis's DIY tripod for his Vixen's 30x125's
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/a...3&d=1150940688

Hope the weather breaks for Saturday. Could be perfect - couple of rainy days to clear the air, then a crystal clear night for viewing. I'll have a chat to the bloke upstairs for you .

[johnno]

Hi All,

Nordo,
Firstly,Welcome to the site,I do believe a Parallelogram mount would be a good choice,for the larger Binoculars,A tripod is Literally a pain in the neck,no matter how good it is,INMHO.

They are ok to use at lower points in the sky,but, very difficult to use when looking high,and to me,cause neck pain after a while.

I am thinking of making one myself,
They are VERY stable,if made correctly,however a little more cumbersome than a tripod,to move around.
Thanks for the link to Dennis's tripod,it looks very good.

Regards.John

[Nordo]

Thanks Johnno
Maybe I should have a closer look at a parallelogram. Astroron has built one.

Ron
If you're there, can I take you up on your offer for instructions and plans for you parallelogram .
Hope to ring you tomorrow.
I had a chat to the bloke upstairs. He said he will turn the sprinklers off about 11am Saturday morning (something about giving his veges a good soaking ).

[astroron (Ron)]

Hi Nordo, we can work something out if we speak over the weekend, I am confident of the weather being OK for tomorrow