Binoculars Blog

Using a tripod for astronomy binoculars

2008-07-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

One of the headaches we astronomy binocular users suffer is using a binocular on a standard photo tripod. Usually means you have to scrunch down under the binocular when looking at objects high overhead - definitely not comfortable or convenient.

Here's one of Joanie's tips. Set the binocular on your tripod, sit in a chair, then place the tripod so that one leg is pointing straight out in front of you and the other two are straddling your legs as you sit in the chair. Raise the center column on the tripod as needed, then grab the tripod center column and tilt the tripod back on the two legs that straddle your chair. You can get your giant binocular nearly straight overhead with little discomfort using this technique. Won't be quite as stable as using all three tripod legs, but for most objects, more than stable enough.

Light polluted astronomy

2008-07-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

I did it again - I fell asleep in bed reading a book and then awoke around midnight to discover the sky was clear and full of stars. What a great night with the astronomy binocular! To all my friends out west who pity me for lack of a good sky, just want you to know that I am still able to some binocular astronomy, here in the light polluted city. Just a matter of selecting objects that are available, even under conditions of heavy light pollution. Open star clusters and double stars have been my mainstay deep-sky objects for binoculars, here in the Chicago suburbs. Had fun last night with both. Hope you all got out and did some astronomy, too.

Binocular edge sharpness

2008-07-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

Always amazes me just how picky we optics addicts can be when it comes to certain features on a binocular. Take edge sharpness, for instance. Does anyone really need a binocular that is sharp nearly to the edge of the field of view, compared to the usual 70 or 80% of the FOV? No, probably not, but "need" is a funny word. I just plain enjoy a binocular that has great edge sharpness more than a binocular with just average edge sharpness. I won't identify more birds because of it or really miss anything important, but, then again, I am more likely to use a binocular for birding that I enjoy more and that can translate to more birds seen. Of course, that kind of a binocular can make a very real dent in my checkbook, too.

Nikon EDG binocular coming ...

2008-06-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

June is almost over and no sign of the new Nikon EDG binocular. We had been told that it would be sometime in June for this new super binocular to become available, give or take. I can tell you that the 7x42 Nikon EDG prototype I tried and the 10x42 EDG prototype that our own Steve Ledin tried were as good as any premium binocular I have ever had in my hands. My next binocular could very well be the Nikon 8x32 EDG. Will definitely blog when I can get my hot little hands on one. This is one binocular well worth the wait.

Grab and go binocular

2008-06-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

Approaching the dark of the moon and, for an astronomer, that's good news. Weather has kept my astronomy binocular indoors these last few weeks, so I anxiously watch the weather report and check my skies every time I get up at night. The Nikon 10x70 sits on the tripod, just waiting for some action. For me, it's less than a two minute drill to be out on the patio observing with my binocular. It's one of the things I most appreciate about binocular astronomy. No equipment hassles or set up time. Just grab the binocular and go.

Nocturnal binoculars

2008-06-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

Nocturnal birding? If you've never done this before, you are missing some great opportunities to add birds to your yearly or monthly bird list, if you keep such things. Even if you don't, it's a thrill to hear birds that you seldom, if ever, see by day. That's right; nocturnal birding is mostly by ear - no binocular needed. I always carry one, though. Now and then, especially on a moonlit night, you might get to see one of these night singers or callers in the binocular. As for locations, just check for the preferred habitat for the nocturnal bird you want to hear and head out after dark. In my area, we have dense woodlands, so will be seeking Whip-poor-wills and several species of owls.

Binocular scouting

2008-06-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

Been tough getting an Indigo Bunting in my binocular, this year, even in places I used to see them. Not sure the reason, but I have been carrying my binocular more than usual this time of year, in the hopes that I can still add one to my birding year list. Seems to be one or two bird species every year that escape my list and this year it is the Indigo. Best chance to see this bird will now be later, during migration. Of course, I could ride my bicycle out into new areas and do some heavy scouting with the binocular, but that seems a long shot. Still, I believe in the old birding adage, "Same area, same birds."

Summertime binocular

2008-06-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

Summertime, summertime! For birders, summer is something of a mixed blessing. Migration is over, for the most part, so in terms of variety, we're down to resident nesting birds. Some birders see that as a negative, but I see it as a positive. I have a couple of bluebird boxes and one spectacular martin house along my bike route, all well in range of my 8x compact binocular. Also have an Oriole nest in progress just down the street. Nothing beats a pleasant summer afternoon with a good binocular and watching these birds raise their young.

Binocular parallelogram mount

2008-06-18T05:23:00.000-07:00

Had a customer ask if we had any Apogee right angle binoculars left to sell. Had to tell her, no, unfortunately, since Apogee is no longer in business and our remaining stock on Apogee binoculars is sold out. I can understand why she wants a right angle binocular, given the many years I've spent behind an astronomy binocular, but, in my opinion, a better solution is a parallelogram mount. Unfortunately, a good one is hard to find (we don't offer one). The ones I've used were custom made and a marvel to use. Kind of hard to go back to a conventional tripod after you've used one of these.

Lunar oberving phase

2008-06-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

As we approach full moon, this week, I am reminded that many beginners with telescopes and binoculars tend to think full moon is the time to do some lunar astronomy. Full moon is actually the worst phase for astronomy, as most of the detail is lost in the glare. Moon filters do help, but serious lunar astronomers wait for a partially lit moon and observe at the edge of the shadow where the lighted and dark meet. This is the area of best contrast and most detail. Next week, not this week, will be a better week. I will have my astronomy binocular, mounted on a tripod, ready to go.

The binocular vote

2008-06-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

I will never vote for any presidential candidate: ... who uses zoom binoculars … who shops for a roof prism at a home improvement store … who gets the words astrology and astronomy mixed up … who picks up a binocular and uses it backwards … who thinks you are supposed to see two circles when looking through a binocular, just like in the movies … who thinks eye relief is a medicine ... who has ever been intentionally mean or hurtful to a binocular, even a zoom.

Am I being too picky, here?

Birding compact binoculars

2008-06-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

Didn't have the opportunity to use my larger birding binoculars during this spring migration,given all my bicycling, but can't say I missed full size binoculars this spring. My compact binoculars did just fine and were a much better choice for birding from my bicycle. In fact, I can't think of a single instance where I felt one of my premium compact binocular let me down, even deep in the woods for warblers. I would still recommend a full-size binocular for beginning birders, but a good compact binocular, in the hands of an experienced birder, can be a serious birding tool.

Astronomy binocular summer

2008-06-10T04:58:00.000-07:00

Summer astronomy for me centers on the summer traingle, that trio of bright stars - Vega, Altair and Deneb. Fortunately, these stellar beauties are siutuated, perfectly, from my apartment patio on summer nights and I spend many evenings with the binocular enjoying all the open clusters and double stars in the area. If you are new to binocular astronomy, this is a great time to get out that binocular and put it to use. Sure, it helps to have an astronomy binocular, but any binocular, even a compact binocular, will show you a wealth of stars. Get out and take a look.

Steady compact binocular

2008-06-09T05:36:00.000-07:00

Can a compact binocular be too lightweight? Yes, I think so, at least as far as steadiness is concerned. Compact binoculars, due to their lighter weight, are generally harder to steady than mid-size and full size binoculars, as it is. A little heft in a compact binocular tends to steady it in the hand. One of the best in this regard is the Swarovski Pocket binocular. Though not at all heavy at 7.6 ounces for the 8x20, it does have the feel of something a bit heavier and more substantial. Probably one of the easiest to steady compact binoculars I have used, yet.

Birding east and west

2008-06-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

For me, one of the big plusses of birding is its practicality. No matter what your situation or your location, there is always some birding available and, as much as I tend to move about, this is comforting. Out in the wide open spaces of the west, we used to do most of our birding with vehicles, traveling from marsh to marsh and covering a lot of distance in a day. We typically used spotting scopes, as much, if not more than binoculars. Here in the east, I do all my birding from a bicycle and most of it is in forest cover, so a binocular is my primary birding tool. The two different approaches to birding could not be more different, but I am glad I am not paying for gasoline, these days. Bicycle birding is definitely healthier, too.

How to use a birding binocular

2008-06-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

For a beginning birder, it can be frustrating trying to get a bird in the field of view of a birding binocular when it is hopping from branch to branch or working its way along the ground, in and out of bushes. Seems like you finally get the binocular lined up on the right branch and the bird is long gone. What to do? Practice, of course, is essential, but so is good technique. If you are reasonably sure you are on the right branch and the bird is no longer there, do not linger with the binocular; drop it slightly, just below the eyes and see if you can spot the bird, again. When you see the bird, raise the binocular and give it another try. Problem with searching with the binocular is that the bird can move only a short distance and disappear from the binocular field of view, entirely or, worse yet, the bird moves to another tree and you'll never know it. Keeping the bird in sight is priority one. Sooner or later you will get it in the binocular.

Elegant compact binocular

2008-06-03T04:58:00.000-07:00

What binocular does a girl use who goes birding on a bicycle but still wants something tasteful enoguh to wear to church? What compact binocular is the most elegant choice for opera or concert? Why, a Swarovski Crystal binocular, of course. I couldn't help myself when I picked up the Swarovski Nabucco Crystal binocular. I always loved the standard Swarovski Pocket binocular, but when Swarovski added the glitter of fine Swarovski Crystal to the body and strap and added a beautiful silver leather hard case, it was too much. I took one home. By the way, it performs as well as it looks and the polymer covering that holds the crystals is anything but fragile. Will pose no issues for those worried about it's durability.

Double star fun with binoculars

2008-06-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

Clear sky last Wednesday night plus binocular equals Joanie under the stars. Had a great night on double stars, especially those in Lyra, where I managed to split everything available in a 10x binocular. The easy stuff - the binocular half of the famous double double, delta 1 and 2 - posed no challenge, but were lovely, just the same. The real fun started when I turned my tripod mounted Nikon 10x70 Astroluxe on the more challenging binocular doubles. I cleanly split Zeta, then moved on to Sheliak (Beta), which was a bit tougher due to the fainter companion. I then moved to the much fainter OS525, but still managed to split, despite the nasty light pollution. I finished up in Lyra with OSS181, which, being in the same field as Albireo, made for an interesting comparison with that celebrity status double. I then said good-bye for the evening with one of my favorites, Kuma in Draco. So much to see, so little sleep!

Star colors and binoculars

2008-05-29T05:07:00.000-07:00

One of the things I have noticed between two of my astronomy binoculars, both of equal quality, but different size, is the intensity of color on stars. In this regard, my Nikon 10X70 definitely outdoes the very similar, but smaller Nikon 7x50 Prostar. Star colors in the 10x70, by virtue of its larger objective, are definitely more intense. In fact, despite the smaller and more manageable size of the 7x50, I find myself grabbing the 10x70 more often. Guess I am as addicted to color in stars as I am in color on birds.

Tripod head for 25x100 binocular

2008-05-28T05:21:00.000-07:00

Looking for a tripod head that will support even a jumbo 25x100 binocular? If I had one of those beasts, I would go straight for the Bogen 229 Super Pro head, then add a basic leg set, such as the Bogen 055XDB. A tripod head this large will prevent that dreaded mount sag - when you center an object in the field of view, then lock the head, it will stay put, instead of dropping out of view as the tripod head flexes. Makes life much easier when using giant binoculars. A light tripod and a 25x100 binocular is a match guaranteed to frustrate. Lots of reasonably priced 25x100 binoculars, these days, but they are only a good buy if you spend the money on a proper tripod.

Binocular globulars from my patio

2008-05-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night, I woke up about 1:00 in the morning, so peeked outside and saw the sky was clear. Couldn't help myself. I put on my robe and grabbed my astronomy binocular. Ophiuchus was perfectly placed for observing, so I thought I would try my hand at some globular clusters from my patio, light pollution and all. (Hey, I'm not about to walk over to the park in my bathrobe!) By very careful navigating and using all my best deep-sky techniques, I picked up M10 and even M12 in my Nikon 10x70, though both were a challenge, even for that fine binocular. M9, however, eluded me. Guess I will have to get dressed and head over to the park for that binocular object.

Compact binocular or monocular?

2008-05-26T04:49:00.000-07:00

One of our employees tried an 8x compact binocular for a concert and found that 8x was just too much magnification from his seat. All he wanted to do was to take a peek, now and then, but still see as much of the show as possible in one glance. Problem in low magnification compact binoculars is selection - really very little in the way of a low magnification compact binocular, these days and he wanted something of good quality. I suggested a 5x monocular as a quick peek, wide-angle alternative and, for quality, nothing beats a Nikon 5x15HG monocular. Looks like another happy customer.

Veery good binocular

2008-05-22T04:48:00.000-07:00

The warbler action has been very slow, the last couple of evenings, but I did pick up a couple of thrushes with the Zeiss 8x20. Got both a Veery and a Swainon's and, even in the low light of the forest under story on a cloudy day, the Veery's reddish brown was distinctive in the little compact binocular. That leaves several thrush species to go for my spring list, but that's part of the fun. With birding, there is always something else to see. My binocular and I will be ready.

Binocular on a tripod

2008-05-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

Lots of reasons to put a binocular on a tripod and lots of reasons not to put a binocular on a tripod. One of the reasons to put a binocular on a tripod is one that I used to advantage, years ago, when I worked as an astronomy tour guide at a small, rural, amateur observatory built by our astronomy club. Putting the bino on a tripod meant you could share the view with visitors and thereby introduce them to the wonders of binocular astronomy. The tripod used was a custom built parallelogram and was a superb piece of machining. Wish I had access to that tripod. It would still come in handy for my personal observing.

Binocular skill

2008-05-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of questions on which binocular for which application, but relatively few on how to actually use a binocular to get an object in the field of view on the first try. Guess folks take this for granted, but there is a proper technique for finding an object with a binocular. This skill is especially critical in birding if you want to spot a bird before it flies away or hops to the next branch.

Joanie's rule number one to get on target, quickly, is to NOT move you head when you spot a bird and I mean not a twitch. Bring the binocular to your head, never nod your head to meet the binocular. Rule number two is to square your head in relation to the bird, so that the bird will be relatively close to the center of the field of view when you look through the bino. Most of us have one eye stronger than the other, so tend to angle our heads a bit, instead of looking at an object straight on. I cure this by pointing my nose at the bird, then bringing the binocular up over my nose. Rule number three is to practice. You will get better.