When a New Family comes to visit... (teaser)

[BinocularSky 2,408]

Isn't it nice to have classy, well-behaved visitors? Permit me to introduce (part of) the family Helios Lightquest, which arrived today courtesy of @FLO/The BinocularShop:

The visiting members are (back to front) 25x100, 20x80, 16x70, 10x50.

I imagine that what a lot of people will want to know is: "Are these simply re-badged and re-liveried Lunt Magnesiums?" The short answer is, "No, I don't think so but, on a cursory inspection, they do ooze a similar 'premium binocular' class." For any more than that, you'll have to wait until I've put them through their paces.

However, if there is any aspect of them that you would like covered that I don't usually put in my independent (as distinct from Sky@Night) reviews, please do ask, and I will consider it. Until then, wish me clear dark skies and watch this space...

Edited January 20, 2017 by BinocularSky
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[Alfian 2,304]

Its probably the grumpy old man syndrome but these days I tend towards the camp that its very nice to have family visit  but I  then heave a bit of a guilty sigh when I wave them goodbye. However that rather likable looking family can come and visit me anytime and stay as long as they like.Is it possible to adopt a family? I will eagerly look forward the reviews Steve and hope there is an abundance of clear skies soon.

[Mark at Beaufort 4,765]

Steve they look a very good purchase for astronomy. Do they have the 1.25" thread in the eyepiece?

[BinocularSky 2,408]

30 minutes ago, Mark at Beaufort said:

 Do they have the 1.25" thread in the eyepiece?

No. But I'll experiment with holding one in place and let you know how I get on.

Edited January 20, 2017 by BinocularSky

[HN50 67]

Do the eyepieces look as deeply recessed as in an existing BA8? I tried a Delta Optical Extreme10x50 but with glasses on I found the eye relief was not so good.

Thanks,

David

[BinocularSky 2,408]

22 hours ago, HN50 said:

Do the eyepieces look as deeply recessed as in an existing BA8?

No. On the 50mm and 70mm, they look pretty similar to the Lunt magnesiums (the 80 and 100 have different eyepieces, as indicated in the image above), which are recessed only 3mm (so 17mm of the advertised 20mm eye relief is available). I will confirm this after I actually test them.

Edited January 22, 2017 by BinocularSky

[SpaceBass 26]

 

On 20/01/2017 at 17:04, BinocularSky said:

 

I imagine that what a lot of people will want to know is: "Are these simply re-badged and re-liveried Lunt Magnesiums?" The short answer is, "No, I don't think so

Shame about the cloudy weather of late but looking forward to reading how they compare to the Lunts/ Opticron WP Observations .  

 

On 22/01/2017 at 14:24, BinocularSky said:

On the 50mm and 70mm, they look pretty similar to the Lunt magnesiums (the 80 and 100 have different eyepieces, as indicated in the image above)

I believe the 70mm Lunt's have larger than average oculars (21.5mm approx for the lens portion) and generous exit pupil, which is useful for those with narrow IPD.  Are the Lightquest 16x70 eyecup/ lenses the same in that respect?

Edited February 3, 2017 by SpaceBass

[BinocularSky 2,408]

On 03/02/2017 at 15:13, SpaceBass said:

I believe the 70mm Lunt's have larger than average oculars (21.5mm approx for the lens portion) and generous exit pupil, which is useful for those with narrow IPD.  Are the Lightquest 16x70 eyecup/ lenses the same in that respect?

As far as I can tell by looking through them, they areas near as dammit identical.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson 21,036]

Very interesting. Quite a range of new astronomical binoculars coming out these days. I will stick with the Helios Apollo 15x70 for now, but temptation looms