Quote:
Originally Posted by greg46
Hi
Has anyone experience of these instruments or other options?
I'm looking for a package like the Vixen with mount and tripod but image quality goes first, then ease of operation. I've owned a lot of scopes but with age, need an easy setup and wider field.
Any feedback appreciated.
Cheers
Greg46
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Hello Greg,
I've had a fair bit of experience using a variety of binoculars for astronomical observations - too many, some would say.
I own the larger (125mm) Vixens - had them for quite a few years - with the supplied tripod and fork/yoke mount. They are currently on a semi-permanent loan to a fellow enthusiast. The Vixens are achromatic doublets, and although reasonable, they have not updated their configuration for many years. They also have 45 degree eyepiece prisms, and with age comes less flexibility, and observing nearer the zenith is still not ideal.
I note that you are also considering the APM 82mm non APO binoculars. I'm assuming you are referring to BT's with interchangeable eyepieces? If so, I would urge you to go for the APO's if you budget allows, and strongly recommend 90 degree prisms. Your head and neck will thank you.
I currently own - among others - the APM 100mm SD APO 90 degree BT's. And although they are smaller in aperture than my previously mentioned Vixens - 100mm v 125mm, the image quality in the APM's leave the Vixens far behind. I virtually don't use my 'scopes any more, as the views through the BT's are simply stunning and the wide fields fully encompassing. Yes, you can't reach the really high magnifications offered by a quality telescope, but I can regularly get 80x with no convergence issues using quality eyepieces.
If you are going to proceed, I would urge you to consider the APO's and even the 100mm. I use mine on a iOptron strain wave HAZ31 mount that has a specific configuration for mounting large binoculars, but they also work well in a cradle type mount that can have encoders or the brilliant PiFinder that will point you to any object you wish. Regardless, the general ease of setup using big binoculars for astronomy should suit your circumstances as you described.
Paul
