Binoviewers vs. binoscopesPosted By John Biretta |
For "grab and go" something like a TV85 + bino will be a smaller and lighter package.
If you like to view at high power for planets and moon, the TV85, which has an APO (apochromatic) lens, will be sharper. On the other hand, if you plan to do a lot of low-power viewing, the bino-scope (Vixen BT81) will give brighter images (it collects about twice as much total light vs. TV85). So it depends a bit on what you like to look at.
Another difference is that the binoviewer can be used with a star diagonal, and hence give right-angle viewing. This will make viewing at the zenith easier. Many bino-scopes (like the Vixen) give 45 degree viewing, so looking overhead is a bit awkward without some specialize mounting.
If you like to view at high power for planets and moon, the TV85, which has an APO (apochromatic) lens, will be sharper. On the other hand, if you plan to do a lot of low-power viewing, the bino-scope (Vixen BT81) will give brighter images (it collects about twice as much total light vs. TV85). So it depends a bit on what you like to look at.
Another difference is that the binoviewer can be used with a star diagonal, and hence give right-angle viewing. This will make viewing at the zenith easier. Many bino-scopes (like the Vixen) give 45 degree viewing, so looking overhead is a bit awkward without some specialize mounting.