New to astronomy and just purchased large bino's

[papatooth]

Hi, I just bought a brand new pair of Orion Resolux 15x70's. Of course the first thing I looked at was the moon and it looked awesome lots of detail, really amazing I did notice that its edges were yellow but the center looked perfect. I also noticed while viewing Saturn and bright stars I see an effect like you see watching a boxing match on TV with the dramatic lighting they show of the ring before the fight starts, but only on the right side. Its not gigantic but its 2 or 3 millimeters and annoying. I don't see this flaring with dimmer stars or satellites. Any Ideas on how I could fix this or if its just how all United Optics binoculars are and I should just return them and keep digging.

Thanks
Kyle

[John999R]

I would return them ASAP because it is clear if you don't like them from the get go things will only get worst. But, the solution will probably be a set of higher quality binoculars and that will mean more money for them. I'm currently floating around some ideas about what to buy and trying to do that within a fair price point. Hayneedle has a sale of 10% off Zhumells until the 30th, so if I want to buy Zhumells now is the time. However, the two they have listed limits my choices with the 25x100 having all the magnification I would need for binoculars, but at the astonishing weight of 10.1 lbs. I like the fact its argon purged, individual eyepiece focusers, nice case, etc, but the weight is a deal breaker since I like to hand hold binoculars for at least a short while for brief "looks". The second set are substancially cheaper and hence the overall build and features reflects that. They are 20x80s, having enough magnification but with center focus, no argon purging, no case and whatever else it lacks tells me for only $99 or around $90 free shipping with the discount I'm asking for subsequent issues with performance. I heard somewhere, "you get what you pay for" and this product may be the poster child of that old saying. The massive 25x100s have that caveman appeal to them, but beauty is skin deep.

[papatooth]

i was going to take them out again tonight just to make sure it isnt me but i fear you are right they might be bombs. those Zhumells are monsters but i bet on a dark night you could see a ton of stuff.

[sneeds]

Hi papatooth,

The Orion Resolux series are the top-of-the-line of Chinese-made binoculars which can compete with more expensive European and Japanese glass. They are waterproof, nitrogen purged, have individual eyepiece focusers, and have been given excellent reviews. They are several steps above cheaper 20x80s and I am assuming you paid a substantial amount for them. To get a higher quality instrument, you would need to spend probably 3-4 times as much (think in the range of 1000-2000 USD or more, and think of brands like Fujinon, Nikon and Zeiss). I haven't heard of anyone having problems with them, so maybe JG or markan (or other BA-8) owners can comment on the flaring issues you are having.

That being said, if you don't like them for that, then return them right away - especially if the effect is annoying for you. After all, binocular astronomy is all about the immersive feel of exploring the night sky with both eyes, and if something is distracting, then you are getting away from the beauty of the experience. By the way, have you tried any other binoculars to compare?

Jeff

[papatooth]

I have tried 3 other pairs but not after purchasing the Resolux. I spoke to Orion today and they said the yellow is CA and it is what it is in that price range.... The starburst effect they think could be either astigmatism in my eyes or their (united optics) glass. The test will be rotate the glass around my eye and see if the starburst follows the glass (them) or if it stays put (I need glasses). I will most likely return them either way. I do like using them, Ive seen so many features I never even realized were there.

[John999R]

There is always a possibility if you were to get a replacement pair they could be better or even worst. Buying glass in this price point is kind of a crap shoot with QC protocol inconsistent. I harped on a manufacturer recently to take a few minutes and inspect their telescopes before sending them out and if need be make sure they are collimated. Or at the very least make sure the parts are there, nothing is broken or snapped off or loose screws about. Its up to them to take the time to double check their products and why not when it can save you grief down the road.

[papatooth]

I've decided that I will return the binoculars. I would expect even at $370 US to receive something that can make a planet look round. Stars I know twinkle but they shouldn't look like I'm viewing the ring pre-fight on a HBO boxing match. I might just step it up, anyone know about the

[hide][top]Fujinon 16 x 70 FMT-SX Polaris ?

[donnellan.brendan]

Hi Kyle im new around here too but ive been using 25x100s for a while now and i can vouch for them and every penny i spent they certainly are better built than smaller ones and ive made my own parallelogram mount which can easily handle the weight also with a mount like that you dont need an expensive tripod i drove a timber stake into the ground at around about the right height and the mount lets me see right down the hill for terrestrial veiwing and right up to the zenith for astronomy in all directions now i realise im fortunate that my neighbour owns land at the top of the highest hill around and hes a cool guy but it cost me buttons to get the best i can out of my purchase so dont rule out the big ones there pretty good.

Clear skies & happy hunting.

Brendan

[Wasatch]

Yeah, if they are not doing it for ya send them back. I also was looking at some binoculars, alot cheaper than a telescope and can fill in the time till I get one.

[papatooth]

Orion so far has been cool with me returning them, I'm bummed that the bino's fell short but there is always next time.