what binoculars do you own

[Dark Adaptation]

4 hours ago, DaveL59 said:

ahh ok, so the arm has snapped, not as easy a fix but can be done if you've a mind to do it:

 

Thanks, I'll try this! Looks like exactly the same problem I've got.

Let's hope I don't mess up. But after all--the eyepiece was off already, so what could possibly go wrong? 😁😁

[DaveL59]

1 hour ago, Dark Adaptation said:

Thanks, I'll try this! Looks like exactly the same problem I've got.

Let's hope I don't mess up. But after all--the eyepiece was off already, so what could possibly go wrong? 😁😁

It's a bit involved but I used a piece of steel bracket cut to shape after drilling out the hole to suit the central hinge. Ally would be easier but I figured steel would be stronger. Skiming the original arm to reduce it for the steel to overlap I just used a file, not ideal but worked.  Bolting the 2 parts together at the overlap I had suitable taps already, epoxy in the join to keep things secure and keep moisture out. Been a while not and still working well. Best to remove the occular element and carrier from the arm tho to protect it from the metal swarf and filings.

I guess another way would be to make the steel part and cut it and the arm to butt together in the right alignment, then fix a plate (over/under/both sides) to join them. Won't look as neat but should work.

Edited August 31, 2022 by DaveL59

[markse68]

Couldn’t resist this cute pair- they’re  Zeiss opera glasses but not like normal opera glasses- they’re proper porro prism jobbies. Need a clean but nice and sharp and proper field stops- will try them out for semi constellation bins- 3x

Mark

[Laurieast]

Had these for years, Meade 9 x 63 binoculars.  

[YogSothoth]

I’ve had a pair of Zeiss 10x50s for years. I get a great deal of pleasure just sitting in the garden doing a bit of casual observing. I also use them to locate unfamiliar, brighter DSOs, which they are great for

[Mr_Smith]

I have a pair of Leica 10x42 Geovid. Great binoculars but not the best for looking at the night sky. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 11, 2022 by Mr_Smith

[Mr_Smith]

Edited September 11, 2022 by Mr_Smith

[Strongy1]

Celestron skymaster 20x80 on a tripod and still have a pair of boots pacer 8x30 that I've had for about 40 years.

Edited January 2, 2023 by Strongy1

[F15Rules]

I've now got 3 proper pairs of bins for Astro and occasional wildlife/holiday use, all made in Japan:

9x63 Orion Mini Giant Porros Prism FOV 5 deg

7x50 Vixen Series B B4 model Porros Prism Waterproof and Independent Focusing FOV 7.3deg 

Vixen 8x32 Apex Pro Roof Prism, Waterproof FOV 7.5 deg

They are all excellent performers..the Orion 9x63s I use almost exclusively on my Ravelli Pistol Grip and Ball Head with adjustable height tripod.

The B4 Type 7x50s are like new, heavy for their size, and with Independent Focusing on each diopter. They are best used on the pistol grip and/or when handheld while lying down or reclining. Very sharp out to c 80-85% of the Field.

The Apex Pro 8x32 Roofs are my most used bins. They are light, Uber sharp and have (just) the widest FOV. Actually, they look and feel as though they have much the widest, largest apparent FOV, but slightly less sharp to the edges if I'm being picky. I love these bins. These were well over £300 when new c 7or 8 years ago, and can also be found used now and then under the Ace Avian Brand name in the UK. Both made by Vixen and of great quality.

All 3 pairs deliver very pleasing, sharp and contrasty views 

Dave

Edited January 2, 2023 by F15Rules

[Nakedgun]

21 hours ago, F15Rules said:

I've now got 3 proper pairs of bins for Astro and occasional wildlife/holiday use, all made in Japan:

9x63 Orion Mini Giant Porros Prism FOV 5 deg

7x50 Vixen Series B B4 model Porros Prism Waterproof and Independent Focusing FOV 7.3deg 

Vixen 8x32 Apex Pro Roof Prism, Waterproof FOV 7.5 deg

They are all excellent performers..the Orion 9x63s I use almost exclusively on my Ravelli Pistol Grip and Ball Head with adjustable height tripod.

The B4 Type 7x50s are like new, heavy for their size, and with Independent Focusing on each diopter. They are best used on the pistol grip and/or when handheld while lying down or reclining. Very sharp out to c 80-85% of the Field.

The Apex Pro 8x32 Roofs are my most used bins. They are light, Uber sharp and have (just) the widest FOV. Actually, they look and feel as though they have much the widest, largest apparent FOV, but slightly less sharp to the edges if I'm being picky. I love these bins. These were well over £300 when new c 7or 8 years ago, and can also be found used now and then under the Ace Avian Brand name in the UK. Both made by Vixen and of great quality.

All 3 pairs deliver very pleasing, sharp and contrasty views 

Dave

~

I waffled on buying Orion Mini Giant models when they were still made in Japan. 

Nothing quite like a missed opportunity.

 

 

.

[garryblueboy]

Just back from being professionally collimated and the views are stunning  

[Mr Magoo]

I have to keep going back to the pictures of the APM binoculars , what a great looking setup with the Panther mount.

[DaveL59]

Temporarily here as I bought them for my daughter/grandaughter

BNIB from the bay-of-e discounted as there's a slight ding in the OEM packaging (box). Perfect condition and wow the close focus is good, tho hard to keep steady at 50cm range even with only x8.5. Little terror will love these for close looks at bugs etc I'm sure 🙂 

In case anyone's after a new pair there are a couple left at time of posting this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394441915391?epid=16016189243&hash=item5bd691fbff:g:f4wAAOSwWk1d1VQH

Edited April 6, 2023 by DaveL59