Opticron 11 X 80

[alan potts]

I am thinking of getting a pair when I come to England as no one stocks or deals with them here.

Any thoughts on the quality and general useability for astronomy.

Alan

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

In principle, 11x80 is fine for astronomy, provided you can handle the large exit pupil (7.27mm). I would much prefer 16x80, which gives a 5mm exit pupil. Having said that, I feel 80mm bins are rather too heavy for hand-held use, while 70mm bins are just manageable (though i see your choice is as heavy as my better 15x70s). This is why I got my 15x70s in the first place. I do not doubt the Opticrons will be good, but consider the Helios Apollo 15x70 HD instead (same price bracket). These are superb binoculars, way ahead of the Omegon/Revelation/Celestron 15x70 type. I really love these, and can hand hold them for quite a while, though a parallelogram mount or monopod is better. I find simply resting it on the roof of the car is already a great improvement.

[alan potts]

Thanks michael,

I will look into it, if you forgive the little joke.

Alan.