TheSkySearchers

Yeah, sure, I've definitely come to the right place for that....
Here are the details: I'm on a bit of a binocular astronomy kick. And decided to round up my collection. I acquired an excellent Oberwerk 8x42 Sport ED, which is way better for astro applications than it has any business being, and is amazing for terrestrial use. I then decided to upgrade my main grab-and-see bino and added on the Ultra 10x50, which is on its way. I already have the 25x100 Deluxe (can you tell I like Oberwerk?), which is a serious DSO instrument. And now, I can't help but think about the 20x65 ED Deluxe, which everyone is raving about, and Kevin recommends as the one significant potential upgrade to the 25x100. It would also fill a space between the 10x50 and the big one, by being a bit lighter and easier to transport - in addition to what some call the best image in this price range.
Wouldya do it? Am I crazy? (don't answer that truthfully). Seriously, any thoughts? Personal experience?
Thank you!

Now what fun would that be if I tried to talk you out of it? I'm on the "go for it" page.... You know you want to....

Enjoy them when they arrive,

One can never be too rich or too thin, or have a giant collection of binos. I'd go for it.

I'm trying to be fiscally responsible, and some help you guys are
[mention]Thefatkitty[/mention] of course I want to, that's the problem! [mention]helicon[/mention] , see, that's the issue: being rich and having a giant collection of Binos are directly at odds with each other

Any personal experience with the 20x65 Deluxe ED from anyone?

There is not much difference between 20 and 25X, so the 20X65s are a non-starter for me. So don't think I telling you to hold off on buying yet another pair of Binos, oh no!

Instead, I would definitely get the Obie 15X70 Deluxe. There is a bigger difference between 10 to 15X than from 20 to 25X. I own the Ultra 11X70s and they are my best pair of binos hands down.

Cheers,
JT

[mention]JayTee[/mention] , thanks. I was actually aiming for the 15x70 Ultra initially. I talked to Kevin at length, and he thought that other than the lower weight, there wasn't any additional benefit over the 25x100 - except of course filling an intermediate magnification niche. He actually brought up the 20x65 ED instead, as a potential upgrade to the 25x100, as he thinks (and reviews appear to confirm) that the contrast and color accuracy jump would be noticeable (and they are lighter, although by I smaller margin than the 15x70 option).

The 20 X 65s look pretty impressive. The reviews look pretty good.
I personally am looking at the 20 X 80 Deluxe III. I'm looking for a little more aperture and I'll save over $100.
I think that it would interesting to compare the two.

Hi Rocdoc
Looking at your binos collection I believe you would benefit from 15-20x 60-70mm binos.

They will gather significantly more light compared to 8x42, but will be light enough to use free hand or on a light monopod/tripod.

Not sure if I would go for ED, I have achro (albeit good quality) 15x70 and I hardly see any CA.

Do it.

rocdoc wrote: ↑Fri Jul 31, 2020 2:47 pm @JayTee , thanks. I was actually aiming for the 15x70 Ultra initially. I talked to Kevin at length, and he thought that other than the lower weight, there wasn't any additional benefit over the 25x100 - except of course filling an intermediate magnification niche. He actually brought up the 20x65 ED instead, as a potential upgrade to the 25x100, as he thinks (and reviews appear to confirm) that the contrast and color accuracy jump would be noticeable (and they are lighter, although by I smaller margin than the 15x70 option).

Hi RD,
The one thing that was not brought up in your discussion with Kevin was that there is a significant difference in weight. You and I both know that weight is the bugaboo of binoculars. The lighter they are the easier things are in general.

Cheers,
JT

I think buying them would be a very smart financial thing to do (as long as you can at least buy some rice and beans to eat).

Think how much money you will be saving over buying a fancy APO!!

I once told a coworker I had made a big pot of red beans and rice for dinner. She said something like, “Really? Can’t you make some decent food?”

I had to explain to her that I *like* red beans and rice. And Hoppin’ John too.

Hi Rocdoc

I have three pairs of bino's.

A pair of Pentax 8x25's that are good for wildlife spotting when travelling. Small, light portable and sharp.

A pair of German 7x35mm which I found in a box left behind when I bought a property many years ago. I have never heard of the brand but they are beautifully sharp. These are a traditional design and as such are almost as big as a pair of 7x50's.

I also have a pair of Orion 9x63 binos which are a long way down the quality scale over the Oberwork 20x65. However I would note that the 9x63's are on the limit of what I can handhold, the primary reason I bought them is the grab and observe nature of them. Unless you have very steady hands the 20x65's won't be able to be handheld. If you have to set up some sort of support, why not set up your bigger 100mm binos? Note that I don't have any 50mm binos but you do. I don't think the step up from 50 to 65mm is such a big one. I was looking for 50mm binos when I bought the Orion 63's. I have since lost the desire to buy any 50mm bino's.

Hope this puts you off.

Joe