Orion® Astro-Binoculars
#51463 15x70 model, #52179 20x70 model, #51464 20x80 model
Congratulations on your purchase of a pair of quality Orion AstroBinoculars. The 70mm and 80mm Astro-Binoculars provide the large light grasp you need for astronomical observation, and unlike a telescope, allow you to use both eyes simultaneously for nighttime or daytime viewing. This results in better image resolution, contrast, and brightness than a similar sized telescope can provide. Coupled with their wide fields of view, the AstroBinoculars will make you feel like you’re floating in space!
Please take the time to read this instruction sheet before using your new binoculars.
Using Binoculars with a Photo Tripod
When observing with large-aperture binoculars like these, a photo tripod or some other type of binocular mount is recommended. This is because the weight and high magnification of the binoculars make it difficult to hold them steady by hand.
The Orion 15x70 and 20x70 binoculars can be attached to a standard photo tripod by means of the included L-Bracket. Simply unscrew the cap covering the socket behind the focusing knob (Figure 1) and thread the L-Bracket into the ¼"-20 hole.
The 20x80 model features a mounting post (Figure 1) which attaches directly to the photo-tripod without needing an L-Bracket. Simply thread the ¼"-20 stud of your tripod into the threaded socket on the underside of the mounting post. The tripod mounting post can be positioned anywhere along the brace rod to optimize balance. To do this, first loosen the large knurled knob on top of the post (Figure 1). Then, grip the binoculars and move them forward or backwards relative to the post until the balance seems about right. Re-tighten the knurled knob on the post when done.
The brace rod allows positioning of the binoculars relative to the tripod mounting post, but also provides additional stability for the binocular barrels. This helps maintain structural rigidity and optical alignment for the larger 80mm lens.
Adjusting the Distance Between Your Eyes (Interpupillary Distance)
Hold each barrel firmly and move them together or apart so the distance between the eyepieces matches the distance between your eyes. When properly adjusted, you should see a single, round field of view when looking through the binoculars. Make this adjustment before you focus the binoculars.
WARNING Never look directly at the Sun through your binoculars without professionally made solar filters, even for an instant, or permanent eye damage could result. Young children should use these binoculars on sunny days only with adult supervision.
Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975
20x80
Tripod mounting
post
Brace rod
20x70
Tripod Socket
15x70
Figure 1. The 15x70, 20x70, and 20x80 Astro-Binoculars.
Focusing
The Orion Astro-Binoculars feature a convenient center focusing knob. However, because your eyes may differ slightly in their focus, the binoculars also includes a right eye diopter adjustment. Once the right eyepiece has been adjusted, you can focus the binocular entirely with the center focusing knob.
With both eyes open, sight on a distant object (a tree, building, or star). Now cover the right objective (front) lens with your hand or the cap. Turn the center focusing knob until the image in the left eyepiece is sharp. Now cover the left objective lens and focus the right side by rotating the right eyepiece (do not adjust the center focusing knob) until the image is sharp. The binocular is now focused for your eyes. Make a note of the diopter setting so you can return to it quickly in the future. With the right eyepiece now set, all focusing is achieved by rotating the center knob.
For astronomical observation, all objects will always appear focused at the infinity focus point. This means you only need to focus the binoculars once per observing session.
Since everyone’s eyes focus images slightly differently, different observers will need to refocus the binoculars for their own vision.
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