>Has anyone owned any of the larger binoculars from Meade, Celestron,
>Orion or even Pro Optics? Are there differences in quality between these.
>I've noticed that Pro Optics are considerably less expensive than the
>other three.
> I'm refering to the 14x70's, 20x80's and most importantly, the
>25x100's from Orion and Pro Optics? I'd suspect the Pro Optics are less
>coated than the fully multicoated optics from Orion. They also appear
>to be considerability lighter in weight. Is the $300 dollar difference
>between these two super giant binoculars worth the cost if the binoculars
>will be used more for terrestrial than Astronomical use?
>
> Ralph
Ralph:

I can only tell you of my experiences which are not totally in line with
your question. I started with (and still have) an 8.5X42 Swift (7.5 degree
FOV). These outperformed a set of 10X50 Orions I used at a starparty. I
have also viewed through a pair of 20X80 Celestron and was not impressed at
all.

So when it came time two months ago to buy a GOOD (to me) pair of
binouclars I went for the 16X70 Fujinon. They are WORTH the price! Last
night it was 12 degrees with a wind blowing. I did not want to set up my
scope. So out came the Fuji's. I spent a GLORIOUS hour plus viewing Orion,
Taurus, Auriga, etc.

People have said that when you pan across the sky with this binocular it is
like looking out the window of a space craft. I can think of no other way
to describe the experience.

I have come to enjoy binocular astronomy. It shows you relationships
between objects in a way that cannot be done with a scope. You have to
develop a different set of expectations. M35 for example cannot be resolved
completely (barely).

But-boy-is it FUN!

John

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