Posts Made By: Pablo Estrada

I currently own a Nexstar 8 gps with great optics. I will be upgrading to something larger in the near furture.

Would like to hear opinions (only planetary performance) from those who have used Celestron's recent 9.25 and 11 SCTs. Have you noticed the 11" perform any better?
Thanks,
Pablo

Image is just a single jpeg using Olympus c5050 and Ultima 12mm. SolarMax 40 with ST80 on a bogen head/tripod.

Took this shot less then an hour ago from cold New Hampshire.
Celestron shortube, Canon 10D.

-Pablo

Rob Mackie describes very well how the Canon IS binos can be used. I have the 15x50 and 10x30. They are both excellent binoculars. I think the image stabilization is incredible. When handheld, you can see so much more in daytime or nighttime.

Both binos are very sharp to the edge and have excellent contrast. Color on the edge of the moon is quite noticable however. I think performance can vary a bit between these binoculars though. I had to exchange my 15x50 twice before I got one that I was happy with. No flare on these. The difference in quality might just had been a coincidence at the time I made the purchase.

I have compared the Canon 15x50 to my ProOptic 11x70 handheld and can tell you that I much rather use the Canon. They show more contrast and I can see a lot more using the IS. Even with the 11x70 mounted, I like the views of the handheld Canon more. The only thing about the 15x50 IS is that they will become heavy when handheld unless you can lay on a chair/floor like Rob mentioned. The 10x30s don't have this issue.

The 10x30 IS are in my opinion the best binos for their size. They are very light/portable and are excellent in daylight and perform very well (for their size) at night. Images are razor sharp. When looking through the 10x30s at night with IS turned on, you would think you're looking through bigger binos.

The great thing about these binos is portability w/o having to use a mount. You can be out watching in a few seconds. They do consume power quickly so you would want a few rechargable batteries. Eye relief is also a bit tight on the 15x50 IS. I don't like the way they designed the eyecups either. Once you press the IS button you won't want to go back...

-Pablo

Very nice!! Excellent detail!

-Pablo