What is the real definition of telescope binoculars?
Yosef asked:
I have heard about different binoculars with different lens sizes. What is the real deal?
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I have heard about different binoculars with different lens sizes. What is the real deal?
September 29th, 2009 at 8:01 am
I am not familiar with the term “telescope binoculars.” However, you can certainly find binocular sets that range from opera glasses to giant instruments that should be mounted on a pier.
You may be referring to binocular eyepiece adapters. These are prism sets that can be installed like a normal eyepiece in any telescope of a sufficient size to support them. They provide binocular eyepiece locations, instead of the normal single eyepiece. This allows the observer to see the target with both eyes instead of one. It does provide a certain illusion of depth perception, and it is perhaps a little easier on the eyes in terms of fatigue.
Of course, it gets expensive buying two eyepieces of each focal length instead of one. And the accessory is sort of heavy and bulky, so it’s not built for small scopes. I have experienced them in an 18 inch Dob, and it was a nice view. Not sure it’s worth the expense / trouble, but nice. Larry454
October 1st, 2009 at 1:52 am
I suspect here you mean astronomy binoculars rather than telescope binoculars. The different sized lenses are one of the key factors in that they govern how much light is collected and therefore how faint an object you can see. Andrew S
October 1st, 2009 at 10:21 am
Do you mean something like this? Nyx
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:59 pm
I don’t understand “telescope” binoculars? 10×50 binoculars are a good size for hand-held astronomy.
20×80 or larger require a tripod so the image is steady and does not shake. I would recommend that you start with 10×50 binoculars and a good star chart. M31
October 5th, 2009 at 1:54 am
The term “Telescope Binoculars” is used to refer to binoculars whose primary use is for stargazing, also known as “Astronomy binoculars”. There is really no set definition - it’s a matter of preference. Binoculars are chosen over telescopes if someone prefers to use both eyes and isn’t looking to really penetrate deep space- where telescopes excel.
There is a tradeoff of convenience and utility. Bigger objective lenses will generally gather more light and, given the right magnification (usually 7X - 10X) will give great results.
A good quality binocular of 42MM objective lens can be used, but usually a lens of 50 to 60 is preferred. The really big ones get up to 100MM, but they will need a tripod for sure. pmp613