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| For the faint fuzzies outside the solar system, large aperture binoculars offer something a telescope can almost never give you -- a wide field of view. They let you see the big objects all at once, such as the three degree width of the Andromeda galaxy that has to be seen in segments in the one degree field of the average telescope. Generally speaking, binoculars with apertures of 50mm and larger, and magnifications of 10x and higher, are best suited for astronomical observing outside the solar system. 50mm binoculars have the same light gathering capacity as a 70mm refractor at the same power. 80mm binoculars have the same light gathering as a 4.5" reflector. You should aim for a binocular exit pupil of 4mm to 5mm if you're in your 40's or older (10 x 50mm, 16 x 70mm, or 20 x 80mm binoculars, for example). Exit pupil is found by dividing the binocular aperture by the magnification. Binoculars with 6mm to 7mm exit pupils (a 7 x 50mm or 8 x 50mm binocular, for example) are best suited for teenagers and those in their early 20's, who have eyes with pupils that can still expand wide enough in dark skies to take in all the light of the large binocular exit pupils. |
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Terms of Sale | PRIVACY POLICY 7/1/2004 | Fine Print
Toll-Free Telephone Astronomics: 800-422-7876; Christophers, Ltd.: 800-356-6603
Alternate Telephone: 405-364-0858 24 Hour Fax Line: 405-447-3337
Telephone Hours: Monday 8 AM - 6 PM CST
Tuesday-Friday 8 AM - 8 PM CST
Saturday Noon - 5 PM CST
Store Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM CST
Saturday Noon - 5 PM CST
Astronomics / Christophers, Ltd.
680 S.W. 24th Ave.
Norman, OK, 73069
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