INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Orion® BT100
Binocular Telescope
#9566
Handle
Lens shades
Eyepiece
locking ring
Dovetail holder
for handle
Eyepiece
holders
(retracted)
IP knob
(not visible)
Mounting
plate
Figure 1. The Orion BT100 Binocular Telescope.
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OrionTelescopes.com
Customer Support (800) 676-1343
E-mail: support@telescope.com
Corporate Offices (831) 763-7000
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
IN 376 Rev. A 09/09
Congratulations on your purchase of a pair of quality Orion binoculars. The BT100 Binocular
Telescope provides the large light grasp you need for astronomical observation, but unlike a
telescope, allows you to use both eyes simultaneously for viewing. This results in better image
resolution, contrast, and brightness than a similar sized telescope can provide.
The BT100 is a true binocular telescope, with optical quality
and features you’d expect of a fine astronomical instrument.
The included eyepieces provide 24x magnification, but optional 1.25" interchangeable eyepieces (available from Orion) let
you vary the magnification for deep-sky, wide-field solar system, and terrestrial viewing – with 3D-like depth of field! The
90° eyepiece viewing angle makes nighttime observing more
comfortable, as the binoculars don’t need to be positioned
above your head when looking upwards. The rugged body
construction and waterproof design ensure the BT100’s will
provide viewing enjoyment for years to come.
Please take the time to read this instruction sheet before
using your new binoculars.
Using a Tripod
When observing with large-aperture binoculars like the Orion
BT100s, a sturdy photo tripod or altazimuth mount is required.
This is because the weight and magnification of the binoculars make it impossible to hold them steady with your hands.
To attach the BT100 to a photo tripod, simply thread the
tripod’s ¼"-20 mounting stud into the threaded hole on the
underside of the BT100’s mounting plate. The tripod must be
able to support approximately 15 lbs., otherwise it may not be
stable enough for the BT100.
To attach the BT100 to an altazimuth mount that utilitzes a
dovetail holder, like the Orion VersaGo mount, an optional
dovetail L-bracket is needed. The L-bracket connects to the
BT100’s mounting plate, and has a dovetail bar that goes
directly into the mount’s dovetail holder. Contact Orion to
order this optional L-bracket.
Inserting the Eyepieces
Perhaps the most unique feature of the BT100 is its ability
to utilize standard 1.25" eyepieces. The two supplied Sirius
25mm eyepieces provide a magnification of 24x, but other
magnifications can be obtained by purchasing optional eyepieces from Orion. Most standard 1.25" eyepieces will work
with the BT-100, as long as the eyepieces are capable of
seating fully into the eyepiece holders.
To install the eyepieces, first remove the cover caps from the
binoculars and eyepieces. Then, simply insert the eyepieces
into the binoculars’ eyepiece holders (Figure 1). Push the
eyepieces into the holders until they are fully seated. Twist
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.
the knurled locking ring to lock the eyepieces into place. To
remove the eyepieces, simply loosen the locking ring and pull
the eyepieces out of their holders.
Extending the Lens Shades
Another nice feature of the BT100 is its extendable lens
shades (Figure 1). These increase image contrast by preventing glare (unwanted stray light) from entering the objective
lenses of the binoculars. They also slow the formation of dew
on the objective lens exteriors.
To use the lens shades, grasp them with your fingers, and pull
them outwards. You will need to retract the lens shades to fit
the binoculars into its case.
Adjusting the Distance Between Your Eyes
(Interpupillary Distance)
Adjusting the interpupillary (IP) distance of the BT100 is
incredibly easy. Simply turn the chrome IP knob located
between the eyepieces. Rotate the knob until 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 attempt to focus the binoculars.
Focusing
The BT100 binoculars utilize individual focus eyepieces. This
makes the binoculars mechanically more rugged than similar
center-focus models, and generally maintains optical alignment better. For astronomical observation, individual focus
eyepieces are usually preferred.
Pick an object in the distance to view. At night, best focus will
be achieved by focusing on a bright star. Cover your right eye
(or cover the right objective lens of the binocular) and focus
the left eyepiece by rotating the rubber grip ring on the eyepiece holder it until the image appears clearest. Then cover
your left eye (or cover the left objective lens of the binocular)
and focus the right eyepiece by rotating the eyepiece holder until the image appears clearest. The binoculars are now
focused. If you want to view an object at a different distance,
re-focusing of both eyepieces is required. Also, changing eyepieces may require some slight refocusing.
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. This also
means you can take note of the diopter scale (Figure 1) setting for each eyepiece when focused on an astronomical
object, and return to those settings when observing another
night. You will find this to be a great convenience!
Since everyone’s eyes focus images slightly differently, different observers will need to refocus the binoculars for their own
vision.
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Waterproof Binoculars
The BT100 is nitrogen-purged and sealed to be waterproof
and internally fogproof. While it is impervious to rain, wind,
splashing, and humidity, do not immerse the binocular in
water under any circumstances. If the binocular becomes
wet with fresh water, merely blot it dry with a clean cloth and
clean the lens surfaces as outlined below. Saltwater should
be rinsed off completely and the binocular then blotted dry
and its lenses cleaned as outlined below. If the binocular body
becomes dirty, it can be cleaned with warm water and a clean
cloth. If extremely dirty, or oily, clean the body with a dilute
solution of warm water and mild soap on a cloth, then rinse
with clean water and blot dry. Do not clean lens surfaces with
soap and water!
Cleaning and Care of Binocular Lenses
The lens surfaces of Orion binoculars are coated with antireflection multi-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 also
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. Never attempt to disassemble the binocular or eyepieces
in order to clean them; this can also void the warranty.
To clean the binocular (and eyepiece) 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 Transport
The BT100 binoculars come with a heavy-duty case for safe
storage and transport. We recommend always keeping the binoculars in their case with the cover caps on when not in use.
The case has a lock on each latch for extra security. Use one
of the supplied keys to lock and unlock the latches. A removable shoulder strap is also provided for ease of transport.
Avoid unnecessary shocks to the binocular, whether it is in its
case or not. Although the BT100 is designed to be mechanically rugged, excessive impacts may cause the optics to
become misaligned. This is not covered by the warranty.
A metal carry handle is supplied with the BT100. This connects to the dovetail holder on the binoculars, which is located
just in front of the eyepieces (Figure 1). Slide the handle’s
base into the dovetail holder, and secure it in place with the
thumbscrew. The handle comes in quite handy when attempting to mount the BT100 onto a tripod. Before the BT100 can
be placed into its case, the handle must be removed.
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, open up
the case, remove the binoculars, remove the cover caps, and
let everything dry out. The binoculars should be stored in a
cool, dry place to prevent mold growth, which can damage the
optics. This is also not covered by the warranty.
Specifications
Objective lenses: 100mm clear aperture, air-spaced
achromatic doublets
Focal length: 609mm
Magnification: 24x Sirius eyepieces included,
uses standard 1.25" eyepieces
Focusing: Individual focus eyepieces
Field of view: 2.2° for the included eyepieces
Eye relief: 16.9mm for the included eyepieces
Close focus: 50 feet
Prisms: BAK-4, porro, provide 90° viewing
angle
Anti-reflection coatings: Fully multi-coated
Eyeguards: Fold-down, rubber
Body design: All metal construction, single-piece
body design, waterproof
Interior: Glare threaded, baffled, and
blackened
Lens shades: Retractable
Weight: 14 lbs. 75 oz.
Mounting provision: ¼"-20 mounting plate
Carry handle: Included, metal, removable
Dust covers: Rubber covers for objective lenses,
rubber caps for eyepieces and
eyepiece holders
Case: Custom foam-lined hard carry
case included, removable shoulder
strap, 2x lock latches with keys
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One-Year Limited Warranty
This Orion BT100 Binocular Telescope is 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.
This warranty specifically does not cover abuse, modification, mishandling, self-repair, or normal wear
and tear (including mold growth). Binocular collimation (alignment of the optics) is specifically not
covered beyond the 30-day return period. Binoculars go out of collimation only if they are dropped or
bumped. Binocular collimation (and cleaning) are considered routine maintenance and should be done
every five years, or when necessary.
If the product is not registered, proof of purchase (such as a copy of the original invoice) is required.
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.
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