Aoe Bino

[thomas2003]

Hello to all this is my first post. I am Looking at buying a new set of small binoculars from AOE the 8x25 or 8x32 odyssey range for about 99.00 to 130.00 dollars does any one know about how they rate, and the general quality of AOE binoculars thanks.

[erick (Eric)]

I've bought 12x60, 20x80 and 30x100 from AOE and have been happy with them all. A problem with the 30x100s was quickly fixed by AOE at no cost to me.

[DobDobDob (Ron)]

Hey Tony, I'd listen to Eric if I were you, he has enough binoculars to start his own shop

I have a pair of Andrews 20x80 Triplets but they cost around $250.00 but has been the best money I ever spent

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi Tony. Welcome to IIS!

AOE have a good rep with binoculars and they appear to be great value.

What do you want to use them for?

10x50's might be a better size to start with, if you plan on using it for stargazing.

[DJVege]

Hi Tony!

I've only recently got into star gazing, and my first purchase was a 15x 70mm pair of binos from AoE. I'm very happy with the quality. The only thing I'd remind you to consider is the weight of the binos, and the field of view. For example, these 15x 70s don't seem heavy at all, but when looking up at an angle greater 40 - 45deg. , it's impossible to keep them steady!! (I don't care if a person can bench press 200Kgs, it's still difficult to keep these babies steady). Also, the magnification is greater, but the FOV is smaller. An example would be that I can't fit the southern cross in my binos... I can only go from star to star. I honestly found it tricky to find the southern cross when viewing through the binoculars, even though you can see it easily with the naked eye, but purely because you can see so many more stars with the binos (and I can't fit the crux in one view). I'd probably have trouble fitting the 2 pointers in the one image, too. However, they have fairly good magnification which is great for that closer view. I can make out 3 of jupiters moons (little dots), and you get awesome views of the moon. Other stuff I can make out are the Omega Centauri globular cluster, Eta Carina (very small magnitude), and many, many stars. Very good for learning what's where.

I have looked through smaller 11x 50s (or maybe 70s), and they were lighter, easier to hold for longer periods at greater angles, a great FOV (could see the southern cross in one view), but less magnification, and slightly less bright stars.

In closing, , if you want these binos for long viewing periods where you'll be constantly looking at the skies, I'd definitely recommend binos with a smaller focal length than the set of binos I bought (link here -> http://www.aoe.com.au/aoe70hp.html).

Just my experiences so far. Good luck buying.


...DJVege...

[iceman (Mike)]

Don't forget to read this article - will tell you all you need to know about binos!

Binoculars - A Basic Guide for Astronomy

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by DJVege

.....

In closing, , if you want these binos for long viewing periods where you'll be constantly looking at the skies, I'd definitely recommend binos with a smaller focal length than the set of binos I bought (link here -> http://www.aoe.com.au/aoe70hp.html).

...

Tony, the 12x60s I bought first from AOE have been great for an introduction to stargazing. This one:-

http://www.aoe.com.au/aoe60hp.html

Remember, you'll need a good solid tripod to hold them steady enough to really enjoy - expect to spend $100+ for a suitable Velbon, say.

[thomas2003]

Thanks for all the advice ,i think i will give them a go as the view seems to be that they are good value .I have a pair of nikon 10x50 that i find good for general stargazing and just wanted a smaller pair for my backpack for bushwalking.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

AOE branded porro prism binos are all very good value for money IME. You will be happy with these, as long as you are being realistic and don't expect them to be up there with top brands costing many times more. I never tried any of those little roof prism binos though.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

I would go along with Steves comments re AOE binos. At the budget end of the market there are plenty that will take your money and give you rubbish in return, wheres the AOE examples I have seen have been good performers for the price.

[acropolite (Phil)]

I have a pair of Celestron Binos (10x50 I think), that cost around $70. Optically (probably due to the coatings) they leave a little to be desired on the moon, but for everything else they're great. Mechanically they are excellent, the best I have tried, both Eyepieces consistently hold focus once adjusted correctly.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Originally Posted by acropolite

both Eyepieces consistently hold focus once adjusted correctly.

that's one thing lacking on some of the cheaper AOE binos. The mounting bracket for the EP with the diopter adjustment has too much flex and movement, so it goes out of focus easily.

[swampy]

Hello, Also my first post and also looking to buy my first pair of Binoculars.
My question is has anybody experience with the Odyssey range? They cost a lot more, the 10x50 are $199 as opposed to other AOE's at $69 and $129, is the Odyssey worth the extra money? Anybody know from experience and not just you get what you pay for. Thanks.

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by swampy

Hello, Also my first post and also looking to buy my first pair of Binoculars.
My question is has anybody experience with the Odyssey range? They cost a lot more, the 10x50 are $199 as opposed to other AOE's at $69 and $129, is the Odyssey worth the extra money? Anybody know from experience and not just you get what you pay for. Thanks.

No direct experience but the write up by AOE show extra quality features. Don't hesitate to as AOE directly - any opinions I have had from them have been well considered and not with an eye to a higher priced sale.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Originally Posted by erick

Don't hesitate to as AOE directly - any opinions I have had from them have been well considered and not with an eye to a higher priced sale.

That has been my experience with them too. I've dealt with them a number of times and all advice from Dan & Raff at AOE has been spot on - including advice telling me not to buy what I don't need. Only other dealer I've experienced that unusual level of honesty from has been Roger Davis formerly at BATSC, now at Bintel Melbourne.

[swampy]

Thanks for the advice guys, just bought the 10x50 Odyssey. Will let you know how I go, though I have nothing to compare them to.