I can't help you with user-specifics, Dale. It looks to me like the Oberwerk, Zhumell and Orion 100mm binos are a re-work of the 80mm model housings, with larger objectives installed, but I can't be sure. I own the Apogee 25x100mm binos, which are similar to the Celestron. Like Wayne, I have no complaints with them. Color on bright objects is to be expected from all of these units, but they do excell on deep-sky objects. Another thing I like about them is that they are primarily metal- much more rugged than the thermoplastic 100mm binos. Of course, they weigh more, too. I've never seen a budget binocular advetised as "waterproof" that really was. I own a 20x70mm Brunton "waterproof" binocular, and clearly, it isn't. "Resistant", maybe, by virtue of a few strategically placed O-rings, but that's as good as it gets. Remember that individual-focuse binoculars are not a good choice for star-parties. Each eyepiece must be focused seperately by every user. No center-wheel. On Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at 1:40 PM, Dale Hooper <Dale.Hooper@sdl.usu.edu>wrote:
Thanks for the info Chuck, I think that probably eliminates the Barska's for me - the reason being that I've seen several bad reviews for the Celestron 25x100. Do you know if all of these binos are "waterproof"? I've seen a few places were resellers are giving out different information about the same binos. I.e. one vendor says brand X isn't waterproof and then another vendor says the same brand X is waterproof.
I'm looking for waterproof and fully multi-coated. From what you've said it sounds like the Obie's, Zhumells and Orion might not be identical in these areas even though they are from the same manufacturer.
Clear skies, Dale.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 12:00 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Big Binos
The Oberwerk, Zhumell, and Orion are the same Asian-made binocular, with only coating and exterior differences. They are made by the same manufacturer. The Barska are the same basic model as the Celestron 25x100mm, again both Asian.
Hard to go wrong with any of them Dale; you just have to decide which set of minor "options" you like best.
On Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at 9:08 AM, Dale Hooper <Dale.Hooper@sdl.usu.edu
wrote:
My annual observatory Improvement & Modernization (I&M) money is about to become available. This year I'm planning on using some of it to buy some "Big Binos". I've been discussing it with Ron V. but I also wondered if anyone else on this list might have some input. Here is the current list that I am considering (in rank order):
Oberwerk 25x100 ($400) Zhumell Tachyon 25x100 ($345) Barska 25x100 ($330) Orion GiantView 25x100 ($350)
If you have some experience with any of these - or others, I'd appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks and clear skies, Dale.
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