Are all binoculars the same . Myth busted

Posted on August 22, 2017 by Reviewer

Sounds like a meaningless question as all binoculars come in different shapes and sizes. But however many look pretty much the same design (some 15×70 for example) . Reading on some forums there are a few people will say they are all the same with regards prisms, lens coatings etc. This is incorrect advice.

But recently I noticed one forum user say that just because some binoculars look the same, they may have different coatings. Finally ! someone who agrees with me.

I hope the video below showing two binoculars that look the same on the outside, are in fact quite different in terms of optical lens coatings. I hope my practical demonstration helps clear up any myth

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Nitrogen waterproof binoculars explained

Posted on August 22, 2017 by Reviewer

The video below will give you a clear tutorial on the benefits of nitrogen gas filled binoculars against non fog proof versions. Nitrogen waterproof binoculars are a must have if you go out in all conditions and temperatures

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Helios Mistral WP6 10×32 binoculars review

Posted on August 22, 2017 by Reviewer

With a very solid build and excellent optics, the Helios Mistral WP6 10×32 binoculars off a great choice at around £100. Handling is easy and user friendly

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Are binoculars with red lenses any good

Posted on August 22, 2017 by Reviewer

Binoculars with Red or Ruby lenses look space age and give the impression of reflection free images. In my opinion this is not true. Not everyone will agree with me, but the video below gives my practical look on things

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Celestron Ultima LX 17mm 1.25″ / 2″ eyepiece

Posted on August 16, 2017 by Reviewer

The Celestron Ultima LX 17mm is a sensible focal length for general use. Although it does have 1.25″ fitting, we recommend using on a 2″ focuser for a more secure fit.

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Lyra constellation wide field using Ostara Moon & Skyglow filter

Posted on August 16, 2017 by Reviewer

I took this image of Lyra wide field using a Canon EOS 1100D + a vintage Vivitar 50mm f1.8 lens. By chance the Ostara 2″ Moon / Skyglow filter rests on the 49mm thread lens, but does not screw in. Providing the camera is pointing up it should not fall off. But you could tape into place if you wish.

So as always I use magnified live view for accurate focus. Thinking f1.8 would have poor edge of field coma, I stopped down to f2.8. Coma was still bad, so I set it at f4 which cured the problem.

After some trials at different exposures on an tripod with no tracking, I found that 13 seconds was the most I could go without too much trailing. ISO was 6400. Despite the skyglow filter removing most of the orange skyglow, there was still much processing to be done.

Software used was Canon digital photo professional 4. With this the image was sharpened and chromatic aberration and luminance noise reduced. Used the curves to darken the background sky and enhance the stars. As a final touch I reduced magenta to remove the last of the skyglow

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Visionary Nature Scout 8×42 binoculars VI330458

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Reviewer

The Visionary Nature-scout 8×42 binoculars offer excellent optics when to take in to account the sub £50 price tag. Despite having fully coated optics with BK7 prisms, colours, contrast and brightness are very good. There is some false colours (chromatic aberration) , even in the centre, but well within tolerances

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Illusion 7×35 monocular review

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Reviewer

The Illusion 7×35 monocular is a popular seller at our weekend outlet. Main factors are a no nonsense easy to use design with great handling, bright optics and a wide field of view. Comes complete with a case and tripod thread

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Fully multi-coated optics Vs fully coated optics

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Reviewer

Hope this video gives a simple to understand practical demonstration on the benefits of Fully multi-coated optics when paired against fully coated optics.

This is not saying fully coated optics are bad. There are many models and brands that give excellent views for a low cost.

 

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How to collimate Celestron Skymaster 15×70 binoculars

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Reviewer

The video below applies to the Celestron Skymaster 15×70, 25×70, 20×80 binoculars plus the Cometron 12×70. Collimation is a very simple process with no dismantling needed. The adjustment screw is located under the rubber covering on the hand grips. I like to work on one side only. Only adjust the opposite side for minor adjustments if needed.

Place the binoculars on a solid base or tripod to do this. Invite a friend to help if you struggle to make the adjustment while looking through them at the same time. See the video below for more details.

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