Re: Binocular help...
From: Jon Isaacs (jonisaacs_at_aol.com)
Date: 07/30/04
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Date: 30 Jul 2004 12:28:43 GMT
> I am quite intrigued
>by the Bushnell falcon 10x50 wide angle binocs. Amazon is selling
>those for 28.49 bucks. Is it worth the money ? I also noticed
>that orion sells their scenix binos 7x50 and 10x50 both for the same
>price ie 99USD. What might be the significant difference between
>a bushnell 10x50 (29$) and an orion scenix (99$)
One can spend about any amount for binoculars. As is usual, there are some
bargins, but in general you get what you pay for...
Here are the specs on the Bushnell "Wide Angle Falcons" that Amazon is selling:
"Objective lens diameter: 50mm
Magnification: 10x
Prism: Porro
Special lens coating: Coated optics
Field of view: 288 feet at 1,000 yards
Focus system: Insta-Focus
Tripod socket: Adaptable"
Included in box: Binoculars, carrying case, and strap
Weight: 27 ounces
------
Some observations:
1. These binoculars are called "wide angle" and yet have only a 5.5 degree
field of view (288ft at 1000 yds.) Marketing hype.. To be wide angle at 10X
they ought to be somewhere around 7 degree FOV...
2. Instafocus: Not a good thing, in fact this is a bad thing. Instafocus
does makes the fine focusing necessary to get sharp stars difficult. A fine
adjustment is desired for astronomy and if the focuser is robust, then they
should stay in focus the rest of the evening..
3. Coated optics generally means that some of the optics are coated, not all
though. Coatings reduce internal reflections and glare and increase the light
transmission.
4. I believe these have BAK-7 prisms rather than the more desireable BAK-4.
There are quite a few binoculars available for $30, the ones I have seen are
marginal, they do show the sky, you can see something with them, but they are
dim, the focusing in erratic, and in general they are not a good long term
investment.
Rating: Marginal...
Orion Scenix 10 x50's.
I have a pair of these. I use them on a regular basis. They are decent
quality, well made, comfortable binoculars that I expect will last for many
years.
Specs:
Prism type Porro, BAK-4
Anti-reflective coatings Fully coated+multi-coatings
Magnification 10x
Eye relief 12.0mm
Objective Lens Diameter 50mm
Field of view 7.0°
Near focus 16 ft.
Exit Pupil 5.0mm
Important things here are the fully coated optics, the BAK-4 prisms, the 7
degree FOV. Decent binoculars that will provide brighter, sharper views and be
easier to use. These have a standard center focus which works just fine for
astronomy. The focusing mechanism is robust so that the eyepieces do not rock
back and forth (common with Barska made binos) and the focus stays free and
easy in cool weather.
A decent quality tool that can provide many hours of viewing pleasure from a
company that prides itself in providing great customer support.
Rating: Solid
-------
? Also why is the
>pricing same at Orion for 7x50 and 10x50 ?
>
The only difference here is in the eyepieces, the objective diameter is the
same, the price ought to be about the same...
------
If you are looking for a good pair of $50 binoculars, consider the Orion World
View 10x50's. I had a pair of WV 8x40s that did a nice job.
-----
Check out Eagle Optics, www.eagleoptics.com
These guys carry a large selection of binoculars and offer great service, good
prices, give em a call and see what they think.
jon isaacs
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