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Binocular Stargazing
 
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My Inventory
 
  Fujinon 16x70 APM 20x80  
  Model Magnification Aperture Exit Pupil Field of View Weight  
  Fujinon 16x70 16x 70mm 4.4mm 4.0  degr 4.1 lbs  
  APM 20x80 20x 80mm 4.0mm 3.3 degr 5.5 lbs  
               
In a night that humidity caused our small group of stargazers to pack away our large telescopes, I decided to get out the 20x80s and scan the skies.  I logged approximately 30 objects in 20 minutes, hand holding the 5.5 pound monsters   M81 & M82 were un-mistakeable.  The stars were pin-point, crisp and bright.  I am reminded that spontaneouty adds to the fun of observing.

The newly acquired (used) Fujinon 16x70s are 1.4 pounds lighter, have a wider field and larger Exit Pupil than the 20x80s.  They may be a more spontanous binocular.  While they give up a little magnification and the detail their lighter weight allows them to be more hand held.
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  Nikon 16x50 Auclon   
  The Whale Watcher  
   
  Whale watching does not require a lot of light gathering power for day time viewing.  It also, only, requires a lightweigh tripod.   Exit Pupil = 3.5mm    Field of View = 4.2 degrees  
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 Canon 10x42  Image Stabilizing (IS) Binoculars
    Acquired March 2014.  Normally, I wouldn't list Binoculars as a Telescope, but these are often used for their "grab and go" qualities.  No tripod or setup is required to observe.  The image stabilizing features eliminates the jiggling motion and gives a "floating effect."

These Binoculars have been fitted with filter adapters, that allow me to attach a UHC filter for observing objects like the North American Nebula and Veil Nebula.  I only put the filter on one lens and let the high contrast, view balance with the natural view.
  These Binoculars provide a 6.5 degree field of view making objects easier to located.  It has a decent 4.2mm Exit Pupil and its compact size and relatively light weight, makes it easier to hold.  The 15x50 Canon IS were an attractive consideration for their power, but the 10x42s size weight, exit pupil and field of view won out.  

 
 
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The joy of Rich Field Telescopes (RFT) & Binoculars
         
  The Veil Nebula is 3 degrees in diameter.  I consider it a standard for tarketing field of view with a Rich Field Dedicated set up.   Image Courtsey of Peter Pekurar, maker of the Hobbit.  3 degrees = 6 Moon diameters.  My Binoculars have fields up to 6.5 degrees.    
         
 
Spring Bound to lay flat, 78 page Book on Binocular Stargazing  ABOUT THE BOOK
 
  Book Web Price: $24.90 including shipping in the continental U.S.  
  Featured Dealers  
  Cloud Break Optics-Seattle, Washington  
  Oregon Observatory-Sunriver, Oregon  
  Postal Place PDX  
  Rose City Astronomers Society-Portland, Oregon  
     
My Binoculars
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Contact Me     Greg Babcock  at:  gbabcock145@gmail.com