Oberwerk Standard vs Ultra (15x70)
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koduru anusha
Sep 24, 2018, 7:17:15 AM9/24/18
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Hi All,
I am traveling to US, this November and am planning to buy a binoculars. I have gone through the "Suggestions for Binoculars" thread in this group and got to know about Oberwerk 15x70. With a quick research i have found that Standard version costs 145$ and Ultra costs 399$. Could someone provide their opinion on the following questions.
1. Is Oberwerk Standard a good binoculars for beginners in star gazing?
2. If someone has used both the models, is it worth investing the extra 250 bucks in Ultra for beginners?
3. Are there any other better binoculars which i can get from US (apart from Nikon and Olympus which are available in India as well) ?
4. Since many reviews suggested using a mount, can someone please suggest links to any affordable and suitable mounts for a 15x70?
Thanks,
Anusha
Karthik Subramanian
Sep 24, 2018, 8:32:31 AM9/24/18
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On Monday, 24 September 2018 16:47:15 UTC+5:30, koduru anusha wrote:
Hi Anusha,
I'll try to answer some of your questions :)
1. Is Oberwerk Standard a good binoculars for beginners in star gazing?
By "standard", I assume that you're referring to this model - the Oberwerk15x70 LW:
If that is the model you're looking at, absolutely, yes, it is a good beginner's model.
It's also a good pair for terrestrial observation (birding and wildlife).
2. If someone has used both the models, is it worth investing the extra 250 bucks in Ultra for beginners?
I haven't used the Ultra, but I've used other binoculars in the same class. The difference is in the
quality of the optics (the glass, and the coatings). The extra money that you pay buys you better
contrast, brighter images and better colour-correction. This *does* make a difference under
dark skies.
Binocular astronomy isn't for everybody - the majority of observers simply use their binocs for
a quick wide-field scan of the area they're interested in, before pointing their telescope there.
For this purpose, the Ultra would be overkill.
My suggestion would be to invest in the "regular" pair for now, and upgrade later if you find
that you *really* want to.
3. Are there any other better binoculars which i can get from US (apart from Nikon and Olympus which are available in India as well) ?
Lunt Engineering (http://luntengineering.com/product/lunt-engineering-16-x-70-magnesium-series-binoculars/)
comes to mind; but their binoculars are priced higher than the Ultras. (The optical quality is exquisite, I might add :)).
If you have a big budget, look for a Fujinon or the Canon IS. Or even a binocular telescope (Oberwerk sells those as well.).
4. Since many reviews suggested using a mount, can someone please suggest links to any affordable and suitable mounts for a 15x70?
If you'd like a lightweight grab-and-go setup, I'd recommend a monopod and a joystick (trigger-grip) head.
You can find more details under the "Monopods" section at Binocularsky: http://binocularsky.com/binoc_mount.php
(Page includes links to relevant examples of products.).
Note, other mounting setups are more stable - but not as portable as this one. I'd recommend this as a good
tradeoff between stability and portability.
Best,
Karthik.
koduru anusha
Sep 25, 2018, 1:19:41 AM9/25/18
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Thanks a lot, the answers were really helpful
Karthik Subramanian
Sep 25, 2018, 1:36:54 AM9/25/18
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On Tuesday, 25 September 2018 10:49:41 UTC+5:30, koduru anusha wrote:
Thanks a lot, the answers were really helpful
You're welcome!
Disclaimer: I have not used this *particular product* myself.
K.
koduru anusha
Sep 25, 2018, 7:28:14 AM9/25/18
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Since the cost of Oberwerk monopod is close to $90, i was looking for other options like monopod and tripod from Amazon basics
Both of them have a 1/4 -20 thread count screw, and can bear upto 3 kg's of weight.
I am still researching on reviews where someone has actually used them for a 15x70 bino.
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Karthik Subramanian
Sep 25, 2018, 7:39:18 AM9/25/18
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It's not just the monopod - it's a monopod *with* the joystick head. You need both, as well as an L-adaptor for the binoculars.
K.
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koduru anusha
Sep 26, 2018, 2:18:48 AM9/26/18
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Hi Karthik,
I am assuming that the joystick in this case is the "Ball Head" - Please correct me if i am wrong.
I am thinking of this combination : Amazon Basics Tripod + Oberwerk L Adaptor
I have gone through the following videos to check if this combination works:
From the Amazon Basics Tripod description I am assuming that it falls under "Tilt" category : "Two built-in bubble view levels and 3-way head to allow for tilt and swivel motion; portrait or landscape options"
Since the above videos are mostly appropriate for Cameras than Binoculars and as i have made many assumptions. I need your advise on whether my analysis makes any sense. if not, please let me know what i am missing :)
Thanks,
Anusha
On Tue, Sep 25, 2018 at 5:09 PM, Karthik Subramanian <karthi...@gmail.com> wrote:
It's not just the monopod - it's a monopod *with* the joystick head. You need both, as well as an L-adaptor for the binoculars.K.
On Tue 25 Sep, 2018, 16:58 koduru anusha, <kanus...@gmail.com> wrote:
Since the cost of Oberwerk monopod is close to $90, i was looking for other options like monopod and tripod from Amazon basicsBoth of them have a 1/4 -20 thread count screw, and can bear upto 3 kg's of weight.I am still researching on reviews where someone has actually used them for a 15x70 bino.
On Tue, Sep 25, 2018 at 11:06 AM, Karthik Subramanian <karthi...@gmail.com> wrote:
So, it looks like Oberwerk themselves sell a readymade monopod setup:
On Tuesday, 25 September 2018 10:49:41 UTC+5:30, koduru anusha wrote:Thanks a lot, the answers were really helpfulYou're welcome!Disclaimer: I have not used this *particular product* myself.K.
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Udayan Pandharipande
Sep 26, 2018, 2:50:34 AM9/26/18
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Hey there,
The Oberwerk binoculars are just great, even from their lowest model offerings. I have used the $145 pair of 15x70s and I was stunned by certain views I could get of the night sky. Simply splendid.
Now, when it comes to picking a tripod for 15x70s, please note that you need to pick one which is sturdy and robust. Unlike using a tripod with 10x50s, where you can make do with a regular one (less expensive or cheap) available on the market, for 15x70s it needs to have a good payload capacity. So before quickly buying one, keep the following in mind :
1. 15x70s are heavier compared to 10x50 and also bigger - they occupy more surface area and you must keep in mind about their weight distribution.
2. When you're out there on the field using binoculars to look at the night sky 40° and higher, a lot of factors come into the picture. Your viewing angle becomes steep and for this, you must have a tall tripod that can support all your viewing angles by taking into account your height.
Also remember that winds play a major role. Pointing your binoculars high up in the sky when winds are blowing can become a dangerous situation - in many cases it has lead to the binoculars falling off or the entire set up becoming very unstable. Now, this should be avoided at all costs and only a sturdy tripod will ensure that.
3. Well this point is more opinionated or person specific, but I always would suggest to get a tripod that can bear more weight than the instrument you're mounting on it. This is to ensure maximum stability even in breezy and windy conditions. Sturdy tripod legs are necessary and not only that, a tripod head goes a long way in this process. It can be a ball head or a pan head - anything for that matter, but just a sturdy tripod with a cheap head will make the mounting weak and you DO NOT want your 15x70s to accidentally FALL OFF the tripod. That can easily damage them beyond repair.
4. Remember that you can add a small counterweight to your tripod incase you feel that it is unstable or flimsy. Adding this weight to its base will increase stability due to a better COG.
Now, if your budget is tight, get the best one available in that price range. Normally, your choice should be the one with good payload capacity and decent build quality.
However, if you can spend a little more, you could look at brands such as vanguard or benro. However, these aren't very tall but have a good build.
My recommendation would always be a Manfrotto tripod or a Feisol. These are premium brands and they make really sturdy and strong tripods that are built for extreme usage. However, they are very expensive and you could skip on this for now - it can be considered an option later on (when you feel the need).
Lastly, a 15x70, even though more bulky compared to a 10x50 isn't all that heavy in comparison to bigger binoculars. So you don't have much to worry about, just make sure that your tripod (whichever brand you pick) can easily accomodate it's weight. Also, I think due to Oberwerk's robust build, this pair of 15x70 could be the heavier one among its other counterparts (I'm not sure about this and the difference could be a couple of 100 grams).
Clear Skies,
Udayan Pandharipande
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Shashikiran Kolar
Sep 26, 2018, 3:30:34 AM9/26/18
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"Star Ware" by Philip Harrington discusses numerous models of binoculars (and other astronomical equipment), including the Oberwerk 15x70. He includes them among his recommendations for budgets under $200 (2007 edition).
I agree with Udayan about his recommendations for mounts. I use a Manfrotto with a ball-head and a binocular adaptor which works great for my 10x50. As he says, the closer the object is to the zenith, the harder it would be use with such a setup. Terence Dickinson, in his "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide", suggests using a children's inflatable boat under such conditions and even has a picture to go with it.
Do note that if you would like to observe DSOs (in the manner listed in "Visual Astronomy of the Deep Sky" by Roger N. Clark which involves detailed record keeping and drawings) rather than just spot them, you would need a magnification of at least 180 at an aperture of 8 inches. That would mean that binoculars will soon be outgrown in favor of telescopes.
Thanks,
-Shashi
Karthik Subramanian
Sep 26, 2018, 3:46:13 AM9/26/18
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Hi Anusha,
Best,
Yes, I was indeed referring to the ball head.
So ... I personally prefer the joystick/trigger grip ball head to the other combinations, but that's just me.
Udayan and Shashi have brought up some good points, you'll want to think about those too.
For the sake of completeness, the only point I have to add to what Udayan and Shashi said is this:
For serious binocular observing, you'll need good binocs and a good p-mount. Don't go this way until
you're convinced that you're a serious binocular observer. For a grab-and-go setup, you have plenty
of options as described in the various replies in this thread. Pick whatever works for you :)
One last thing ... much of the online content you come across (astronomy in particular) is downright
misleading. As far as possible, try before you buy. What works for one observer doesn't necessarily
work well for another. You'll have to figure out what works for you. This isn't easy, but there it is.
Best,
K.
Abhilash Pavuluri
Sep 26, 2018, 3:54:59 AM9/26/18
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Hello, Anusha!
My 2 paisa on binoculars, since they're all I use for astronomy at the moment: If this is your first time buying any sort of astronomy equipment, don't go for 15x70s. They're bulkier, need a tripod/monopod setup like K and the others have suggested, and hunting with them is a bit more difficult thanks to the narrower field-of-view.
I'd recommend a 10x50 as a first time pair of binoculars. To me it's always been the perfect balance between power, price and portability. A 20x80 or even 25x100 would then be a better upgrade (or you can even consider getting a telescope after this) once you've gotten the hang of navigating the night sky.
That's not to say you won't need a tripod with 10x50s, though: You don't *really* need them but the difference you see while using any sort of mount is night and day (pun intended).
Now this is the right time to shill my favorite binoculars, the Olympus 10x50 DPS I. I've had some of the best views of the brighter DSOs with these.
Good luck on the purchasing!
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Regards,
Abhilash P
Karthik Subramanian
Sep 26, 2018, 4:11:53 AM9/26/18
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Hi Abhilash!
K.
Abhilash Pavuluri
Sep 26, 2018, 4:13:16 AM9/26/18
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I see! I was considering an upgrade myself, but figured I might as well get a 25x100 once and for all in the future :D
koduru anusha
Sep 26, 2018, 5:01:25 AM9/26/18
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Thanks everyone for their useful insights :)
Will definitely consider Sturdiness of a monopod/tripod w.r.t the weight of the binoculars before buying one.
Also, thanks for the suggestions on few good brands : Manfrotto, Vanguard, Benro, Feisol will definitely check them out.
Finally, as suggested, i will check for options where i can try them out before purchasing, esp. the monopod/tripod.
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----Regards,Abhilash P
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----Regards,Abhilash P
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