I imagine this issue has been hashed out already, but I can't find an answer searching the archive here. My question is: when you binoview a telescope, what is the equivalent in binoculars? The first thought is that a 10 inch telescope binoviewed is like a 5 inch binocular. This is wrong (I think) because instead of dividing the diameter in two, we should divide the surface area. Some quick figuring using area = pi*r^2 shows that putting a binoviewer in an 80mm scope is equivalent to 57mm binoculars, a 102mm telescope can become 72mm binoculars, and a 130mm telescope is like 92mm binoculars. This would confirm my subjective feeling that an 80mm telescope binoviewed is nothing like a 40mm binocular. Of course there are differences between how binoculars and binoviewers pass light, but am I right in thinkinng that this is the right way to give a rough estimate of what I'm seeing?
binoviewed scope = what size bino?
Started by nils_schoultz, 10/21/2004 09:05PM
Posted 10/21/2004 09:05PM
Opening Post
Posted 10/21/2004 10:00PM
#1
Nils,
I would compare the areas in order to compare light gathering.
But don't forget the resolution issue. A 10.6 inch binoscope and a 15 inch binoviewed telescope have the same mirror area, so similar light gathering. But the 15 inch has a much higher resolution than the 10.6 inch binoscope.
I'd want one of each to make sure, though.
Tom
I would compare the areas in order to compare light gathering.
But don't forget the resolution issue. A 10.6 inch binoscope and a 15 inch binoviewed telescope have the same mirror area, so similar light gathering. But the 15 inch has a much higher resolution than the 10.6 inch binoscope.
I'd want one of each to make sure, though.
Tom
Funding Member
