binoviewer question

[traveller (Bo)]

Hi all,
Thinking of getting a binoviewer for myself to save all that squinting. I have narrowed it down to either WO or Stellavue (budget around $300, including basic pair of EPs).
Has anyone got either of those? Your opinions?
Thanks, Bo

[sopticals (Stephen)]

Hi Bo,

I have the WO binoviewer package: Binoviewer body, 1.6x barlow/corrector, and a pair of 20mm (66deg) WO eyepieces. I actually purchased two complete packages from the Williams Optics shop located on Ebay US$199 each plus US$14.99 postage. The items arrived at my address in NZ in four days (super quick). Of course I tested both both systems in my 14"f5.09 dob. One unit was sharper overall than the other, but really both performed ok. I had no trouble merging images with either set,(apparently some folk do have some difficulty in this respect). I kept the better performing unit and moved the other on, so the exercise did not cost me). I did have to move the secondary mirror 1.5-1.75 inches closer to the primary to get enough "infocus".

The binoviewers have revolutionised my viewing of moon, planets, globulars, nebulae etc. The claim is that two eyed viewing ups contrast and resolution by up to 40%. Plus the 3-D effect is jaw-dropping.

I dont think the Stellavue units come with correctors or eyepieces.

[traveller (Bo)]

Thanks Stephen, I saw the WO package on EBay as you described, but they cost $20 to post to Oz .
From what I can gather SV do not come with correctors, so I am leaning towards WO at the moment.
Thanks, Bo

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

I have a pair of WO binoviewers, and I'm very happy with them. If I won tatts I'd spring for a pair of Denkmeier's with their bigger mirrors, but until then I'll stick with the cheaper two eyed view. I don't notice any vignetting most of the time. Much more relaxing for prolonged viewing (& sketching).

I thought that the SV, WO, Seiberts and Burgess Optical versions were all basically rebadged versions of the same thing, with perhaps some QC differences in the selection process after manufacture.

[dannat (Daniel)]

Yep they are the same units