28x110

Garrett Optical 28x110 on the Series 5000 tripod and video head also from Garrett. Thank Garrett for making this affordable tripod, otherwise I would have to spend as much as, if not more than, the value of the binos for the mounting. The whole setup weighs 13-14kg.

Will this be the biggest binos that I ever own? Yes, until they can make big binos from light weight materials, or until I move to the countryside to live. Big binos are lovely, and my heart and soul want to go for the biggest. But my reasoning mind says different. Logistics for big binos is daunting. They are heavy, bulky and fragile-needing too much care. You'll have to baby them too much. And, unlike a big reflector, if they get out of collimation, you'll be in trouble. Bringing a 7kg pair of binos and a 7kg tripod to dark sites is not fun, and I just can't carry more than that.

So, obtaining the 28x110 is an event to me, as this might be the biggest binos that I will ever use, although I really hope not.

Binoculars Dream Team

10x50 Fujinon Polaris FMT-SX, 20x80 Oberwerk Standard, 28x110 Garrett Optical.

With the arrival of the 28x110, the dream team has been completed. From left to right, front line, are the 10x50, 20x80, and 28x110. Note how big the 28x110 is, given that the 20x80 is already a big pair of binos, and the 10x50 is also big compared to other 10x50s. The other bino behind the three is the 15x70, which is out of action because of miscollimation and broken prism glue. It currently is used for practicing binoculars repair. However, it is a memory of the Scotland days, and my first serious investment in astro equipment. It helped me see M81/M82 - my first thrill in galaxy hunting.

Here is a summary of each pair and what they are intended for:

10x50: the Fujinon Polaris. very good optically and mechanically. This is used for quick scanning of the sky, learning the constellation, accompanying me on really rough travel, quick detection of DSOs, and (hopefully soon) viewing very big comets.

20x80: the Oberwerk Standard. It will accompany me in normal travel and be used in observing individual galaxies, large galaxy groups, and big comets.

28x110: the Garrett Optical Signature Series. the unquestioned King of the team. This is reserved for well-planned astro travel. It will be used for galaxies, galaxy groups, comets, moon and planets. Especially, I hope this binos will show me the spiral arms of M33.

Now, all I need is dark skies.

(uh, note that all the binos can be used for spotting the neighbours as well.)