Are celestron skymaster 15×70 binoculars as good as 15×70 oberwerk binoculars?
Marion Asked:
Are celestron skymaster 15x70 binoculars as good as 15x70 oberwerk binoculars?
Reply:
I'm no expert, but I'd go for the Oberwerk binos. If you plan on using them for astronomy, I'd also highly recommend a decent tripod so your neck and shoulders aren't in pain after a night of viewing. It will also give you steady images.
There are many favorable reviews for Oberwerk 15x70s on www.cloudynights.com.
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Definately NOT the Bushnell. They put out a fine product in the 70's but not true today. I fell for the Meade ads and was VERY disappointed too. For Binos, you MUST try before you buy. If they are not properly aligned, then there is no hope of using them. You must get a mount too.
There are several different kinds of telescopes and all of them have some excellent features. Refractors and Reflectors, plus Schmidt-Cassegrain, APO refractors and more. There are also several mounts to chose from and the mounts are just as important as the scope is. All of the different scopes and mounts have some features that some people like and do not like.
There is no one scope that is "better" than another except for the junk scopes out there which are all just a waste of money. Never, ever buy from Walmart, Costco, Target, or any other discount store like that. Junk scopes are flooded into the market from those stores. You will be buying nothing but bad optics and plastic.
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Orion is the very best for value and for customer service too. I have 2 of their scopes and I will only buy from them from now on.
The Orion site has some excellent diagrams and explanations of all types of scopes and mounts.
Things to consider are size–can the user lift and transport the scope to the viewing site easily? If not, then it will gather dust in a closet. Can the viewer reach all the knobs and buttons? I have a long tube large manual refractor and it is very dificult for me to reach the knobs when I am pointed to Zenith. I am not a tall person.
Take your time in making your decision.
I would like to suggest that you join a local astronomy club or astronomical society BEFORE you spend your money on a scope. There are many different kinds of scopes and what is perfect for one person is not perfect for another. Everyone has their own set of eyeballs and no two are the same. If you join a club, you can attend a few of their star parties and try out members scopes to see what works best for YOU, before you buy a scope. The members can also help you when you get your scope and show you how to get the most out of your new scope as well as to help teach you where the treasures in the sky are located. Hint: they will be especially helpful if you take cookies to star parties. Most clubs have loaner scopes and extensive libraries that you can gather more information from too.
Some people will suggest that you purchase binnoculars. Not a bad idea but dont buy anything less than 10×50 and you must have a tripod too or you will not be happy with your astronomical views because they will be too shakey from your movements. Personally, I prefer a scope to binos because if binoculars are not aligned properly at the factory, then you get double images and distortions that cant be fixed.
But when you buy go Orion and you wont be disappointed. Don't try to learn everything all at once or you will be overwhelmed and discouraged. Patience is the key to Astronomy.
You will also need a good star chart program.
This is great freeware that you can download. Just tell it where you are and it will tell you what you see.
I wish you all the best. Enjoy
I'm no expert, but I'd go for the Oberwerk binos. If you plan on using them for astronomy, I'd also highly recommend a decent tripod so your neck and shoulders aren't in pain after a night of viewing. It will also give you steady images.
There are many favorable reviews for Oberwerk 15×70s on http://www.cloudynights.com.
Thanks for the demo. i would like to see more test reports on various brands for terrestrial and astronomical use. Also can you label the vids part 1,2,3 etc. Thanks from one big binocular user to another.
Thanks for the demo. i would like to see more test reports on various brands for terrestrial and astronomical use. Also can you label the vids part 1,2,3 etc. Thanks from one big binocular user to another.
Can you do videos about other binoculars, I mean they can be oberwerk, but something like 15×70… or are they just small binos in your scale? =)
Celestron is one of the best. Actually, I'm a little surprised since I think that both binoculars will have coated lenses – but the coatings have nothing to do with solar protection – that has more to do with not looking at the sun – but rather with ghosting images and transmittal of ambient light. I don't think he will notice the difference.
Added: For what it's worth, I have found that buying from a local source is a wise thing to do. I bought my Celestron telescope from a local source who is well known as a reputable dealer, and I have been very pleased with it for 7 years. I have not tried the binocular you are describing, but it is nicer than the one I own, so I think it'll work just fine. So will the Oberwerks.