RDF on 20x80 bins?

[Woking]

Just wondering if  there's a real benefit in using a RDF with 20x80s. I currently use 15x70s without a RDF on a pistol grip and whilst not as easy as handheld 10x50s it's not that difficult to hone in on a target with some star (and tree/bldg.) hopping.

Would the extra mag jump from 15x70s to 20x80s make a mounted RDF a beneficial or even necessary aid?

 

On a side note, does anybody know if a RDF can be fitted to the Helios LightQuest 20x80s? It doesn't have the central bar /rail that the Helios Stellar and even Celestron Pro versions have.

 

[BinocularSky]

I do put them on 20x80s, but only because I use them for outreach - it makes it easier for beginners to find stuff by themselves.  One has a central bar, one doesn't.

Here's the pic of the RDF on the old-style Opticron Oregon. The RDF shoe is attached with some 3M mounting tape ( you could probably work out a temp arrangement wit hzip-ties if you wanted.

[Woking]

Thanks Steve, that's really helpful to know.

[bryand]

I find an RDF invaluable on both my 15x70s and 20x100s.  Saves a lot of frustration.

With the 20x100s (shown below) the RDF clips onto the central bar with two of B&Q's finest terry clips.

[Woking]

Like the setup bryand.

I already use the Celestron star pointer pro on my frac so being able to easily swap between that and bins would be ideal.

The celestron skymaster pro bins specifically remark about it's central rail allowing RDF fitting. Just want sonething similar on a higher quality pair of 20x80s though.

[BinocularSky]

On 01/08/2020 at 13:44, Woking said:

The celestron skymaster pro bins specifically remark about it's central rail allowing RDF fitting. Just want sonething similar on a higher quality pair of 20x80s though.

They provide the appropriate fitment as part of the kit. You might be able to get one separately.

[RT65CB-SWL]

I made one of these up for my Revelation Astro 20x80 binoculars centre bar/rail from a spare TeleVue Qwik Point
RDF mounting block, 2x 15mm pipe clips, 2x M4 x 12mm or 15mm machine screws and 2x M4 nyloc nuts. 

Edited August 5, 2020 by Philip R

[Sky-searcher]

The easiest way I found was to use a gun barrel sight clamp. I bought 2 & both work. They are less than £5 to purchase from the well known bidding sight. Did have to add some wraps of insulation tape to build up the diameter on the bar for the one mounted on the binoculars in the pic. Thanks Andy.

[RT65CB-SWL]

Is that the 'Picatinny' or 'Weaver' gun/rifle sight rail/mount?

[Sky-searcher]

3 hours ago, Philip R said:

Is that the 'Picatinny' or 'Weaver' gun/rifle sight rail/mount?

Yeah, that’s the type 👍 it’s weaver.

Edited August 6, 2020 by Sky-searcher
Addition

[Woking]

That gun barrel rdf certainly does the job and worth a try.

I own a rdf gun sight but it's the rail fitting.