Anyone here owns Oberwerk XL Binocular Telescopes?

[CyGuy]

Hey guys, I have loved traveling across the globe to see some of the darkest skies on Earth. However, I am in need of a portable stargazing tool that is good for both deep sky and planetary observations. I have been eyeing the Oberwerk XL Bino-telescopes for a while, but the price tag on them is crazy. I just wanted to know if they’d be good for my traveling purposes or if they’re even good at all. Thanks!

[Peter Drew]

I don't have an Oberwerk XL binocular telescope but I have several self built models and I can tell you that a binocular telescope suitable for wide field and planetary is not going to be easily portable and will also be expensive.  A single telescope is likely going to fit the bill and can have a binoviewer attached if using both eyes is your preference.

[The60mmKid]

They are good. I owned a BT-100XLED for a while. I wouldn't call the pricetag crazy... comparable to the competition. 

I agree that I wouldn't buy one for travel. Even a 70mm binocular telescope, which I currently own, requires a suitable tripod and mount. With those factored in, that's a lot to lug around the world... and you'd have to keep your fingers crossed that the binoculars don't take any hits along the way and lose collimation.

A portable stargazing tool that is good for deep sky and planetary observing... The best that I can think of is a Takahashi FC-100DC. But again, those require a suitable tripod and mount... and you may find the pricetag crazy 😁

Maybe you could build one of these: https://garyseronik.com/my-8-inch-travelscope/

Or maybe just get yourself a good pair of 70mm binoculars (not a binocular telescope) and leave the planetary observing for when you're at home. That's the best solution I've been able to come up with for myself.

Edited September 17, 2023 by The60mmKid