Binocular Upgrades

I love using my APM 100mm binoculars with their bright and wide fields of view for general observing and following variable stars
This video describes the upgrades I made to the binoculars:
- Dew shield
- Dust covers
- Red dot finder
- Bino Bandit
- Tripod tray
- Decent mount and head
- Nagler eyepieces
I also swung the Celestron C11 across to Mars and watched the Perseverance landing in real time while watching the Martian surface in real time.

[@c.f.532]

Very good video. An example of a systematic approach to improve visual observations. Thanks for the ideas!!

[@RefreshingViews]

Thanks, CF.

[@peter7624]

A great setup!

[@Astronurd]

Nice video and I have most of your upgrades, at least the ones I can do. I have 20x60 Pentax and 15x70. I love my bino bandit, especially on my Baader binoviewer.

[@RefreshingViews]

They’re great aren’t they? One of the best low cost astronomy purchases.

[@noimportanoimporta3526]

Gracias por el video! Quiero empezar con este pasatiempo, toda la información que me puedas enviar sobre los productos.

[@RefreshingViews]

Lamento por el retraso - es solo un pasatiempo para mi también. Espero que disfrutes tu nuevo afición.

[@gopinathnair9716]

Great innovation. Enjoyed the video. Do you use to watch galaxies and can you do Astrophotography. Can you provide the parts details and accessories used including the Binoculars and where to order them . Good Work , Keep it up Than You and clear skies .

[@RefreshingViews]

Hi Gopinath - apologies for the slow reply. Yes I can see galaxies through the binos although they are mostly small & faint. The binos are APM 100mm, available from variety of places in UK - although now replaced by more modem designs. And no, they are for looking through rather than astrophotography.

[@smjnrao8071]

Hi, Excellent innovations. can you please provide links to the tripod and mount you used?

[@RefreshingViews]

I have a Manfrotto 161Mk2B (second hand) - a beast but it has a rising central column which is essential for these big binos. A quick search will reveal loads for sale new / used. The head is an APM centre fork mount: www.apm-telescopes.de/en/binoculars/binocular-accessories/bino-mounts/apm-center-mount-100-mm-apm-sa-apo-binoculars

[@ps-mq7tm]

🔭 🙋‍♂️

[@BlackravenarmouryUk]

Hey there, great video, do you have any links for the eye shield and also the red dot finder at all ??

[@RefreshingViews]

They’re available online from usual places. Search up Bino Bandit and red dot finder.

[@peterwoolliams1283]

Is that the semi-APO? How visible is that in the views of clusters and moon, edge sharpness etc?

[@RefreshingViews]

Hi Peter - these are the old model but they are reasonable, if you don’t mind a bit of false colour around the moon, Jupiter etc. Obviously this isn’t a problem for fainter deep sky stuff.

[@jlions72]

what are those covers you put over the ends of the binoculars. And where do you get them please.?..you said they were just plastic...? I did not quite get what you mean ?..what was the plastic before it was your guard against dew ...?...So i can make mine ..Please, do these help doing that ...that you notice..?.... do they help with your viewing ..? please and thanks ...

[@RefreshingViews]

They’re home made on my 3D printer. You could try neoprene dust covers, they look quite good.

[@jlions72]

@@RefreshingViews I am not talking the flip down ones ( those are cool too) I am refiring to the big plastic you wrapped around the tubes ...hope you get what i mean ....lol.... I am not very good at describing stuff ..!

[@RefreshingViews]

@@jlions72 ah, understood. I cut up a plastic paper file from stationery shop. Not this precise one but a picture as an example. Held together with gaffa tape and bobs your uncle. www.amazon.co.uk/Exacompta-Flexible-Polypropylene-Binder-2-Ring/dp/B00KNPVYUM/ref=asc_df_B00KNPVYUM/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309957083918&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16702909192123836821&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007326&hvtargid=pla-748978992684&psc=1

[@jlions72]

@@RefreshingViews And how do they work.....?.. does it keep the dew off the lens very good ? I thought it might be something to keep the surrounding lights out of the lens so you could see clearer .. you know light polution ...?

[@noncompliance4100]

I bought these APM 100mm ED Semi Apo used with stock eyepieces and haven't yet bought any others for them as read somewhere that some may not come to focus. Have you noticed any problems from any eyepieces you have used?

[@RefreshingViews]

None yet! Mine work with my William Optics 20mm, TV 19mm panoptic and 13mm Nags just fine.