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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.
Tripod
mounting
post
Brace rod
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.
20x80
20x70
Tripod Socket
Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975
OrionTelescopes.com
Customer Support (800) 676-1343
Email: support@telescope.com
Corporate Offices (831) 763-7000
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
IN 414 Rev A 03/11
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Roll-Down Eyecups
Orion Astro-Binoculars feature fold-down eyeguards. The eyeguards are usually left in the up position for use without eyeglasses, as this helps prevent glare (unwanted stray light) from entering between your eye and the eyepieces. To use the binoculars
with eyeglasses, you will need to fold the eyeguards down in order
to get your eyes close enough to the eyepieces to see the entire
field of view.
Cleaning and Care of Binoculars
The lens surfaces of Orion binoculars are coated with anti-reflection coatings that can be damaged with careless handling. Avoid
touching lens surfaces with fingers or any coarse material. All
optics, even if stored, should be cleaned at least once a year or
whenever they are dirty. The dust that builds up on coatings promotes mold growth, which etches glass and destroys coatings.
Avoid over-cleaning; it can damage the coatings. Always use lens
cleaning tissue and fluid that are specifically designed for multicoated lenses. Do not use fluids or tissues that are for eyeglasses
or household use.
To clean the binocular lenses, first blow off the lens with a blower
bulb or gently wipe the lens with a lens cleaning brush to remove
the larger particles. Put a few drops of lens cleaning fluid on a
fresh piece of lens cleaning tissue (never on the lens) and gently wipe the lens. Quickly wipe the excess fluid with a new, dry
piece of lens cleaning tissue. For larger lenses, clean only a small
area at a time, using a new tissue each time. On excessively dirty
lenses, wipe across the lens using one stroke for each tissue,
alternating wet and dry. Always avoid excessive pressure or rubbing when wiping, as wiping too hard can scratch the lens.
Storage and Cold Weather
Orion Astro-Binoculars come with a soft case for storage and
transport. We recommend always keeping the binoculars in their
case with the cover caps on when not in use.
All optics, when exposed to excessive temperature changes or
high humidity, have the potential to fog up. Always allow the optics
to slowly adjust to cold weather by storing the instrument (in its
case) in a cold area such as an unheated garage or the trunk of a
car for a few hours before use. When bringing the instrument back
inside a warm house, store it in a cool area for one to two hours.
It is very important to open up the case, remove the binoculars
from the case, remove the cover caps, and let everything dry out
overnight. The binoculars should be stored in a cool, dry place to
prevent mold growth, which can damage the optics. This is not
covered by the warranty.
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
OrionTelescopes.com
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
Customer Support Help Line (800) 676-1343
© 2011 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
Specifications
#51463 15x70 Astro-Binoculars
Magnification 15x
Objective lens aperture 70mm
Focusing Center Focus
Eye relief 18mm
Field of View 4.4°
Close Focus 30 ft
Prisms BAK-4, Porro
Anti-reflection coatings Fully Multi-coated
Eyeguards Fold-down, rubber
Weight 4 lbs.
Tripod compatibility Fits standard photo tripods via
included L-Bracket
#52179 20x70 Astro-Binoculars
Magnification 20x
Objective lens aperture 70mm
Focusing Center Focus
Eye relief 17mm
Field of View 3.2°
Close Focus 45 ft
Prisms BAK-4, Porro
Anti-reflection coatings Fully Multi-coated
Eyeguards Fold-down, rubber
Weight 4 lbs.
Tripod compatibility Fits standard photo tripods via
included L-Bracket
#51464 20x80 Astro-Binoculars
Magnification 20x
Objective lens aperture 80mm
Focusing Center Focus
Eye relief 17mm
Field of View 3.2°
Close Focus 60 ft
Prisms BAK-4, Porro
Anti-reflection coatings Fully Multi-coated
Eyeguards Fold-down, rubber
Weight 4.7 lbs.
Tripod compatibility Fits standard photo tripods via
integrated tripod post
One-Year Limited Warranty
Orion Astro-Binoculars are warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. This
warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. During this warranty period Orion Telescopes & Binoculars will repair or replace,
at Orion’s option, any warranted instrument that proves to be defective, provided it is returned postage paid to: Orion Warranty Repair, 89
Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076. If the product is not registered, proof of purchase (such as a copy of the original invoice) is required.
This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the instrument has been abused, mishandled, or modified, nor does it apply to normal
wear and tear. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. For further
warranty service information, contact: Customer Service Department, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076;
(800)-676-1343.
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