Orion Paragon Plus Binocular Mount - Model 5376 Unboxing and Review

[@gueeko2961]

Little message to thank you for all of your videos, I bought my first scope thanks to your videos and I'm now in love with astrophotography and with astronomy even more than before ! Your videos are great I hope your channel grows bigger. Have a great day

[@sunstrobe2000]

Thank you for the nice informative review. I have ordered this and the adaptor for my celestron 20x80s. Can't wait until I recieve it mid May '21

[@grahammedwell1816]

Hi Tez - did you receive the mount and adaptor and how do you find using them with the celestron 20x80s? I have the same binoculars and I'm considering buying the mount. Any advice, costs or words of wisdom would be appreciated.

[@MPAstro]

Good review Graham as always!! Binos are superb for Astronomy.

[@JenhamsAstro]

Thanks Martin.

[@MPAstro]

@@JenhamsAstro all good mate, carry on Astro that's what we say!!!

[@willrothfuss8470]

Very nice review. I am looking at P-mounts, but prefer one where you sit or stand next to the mount rather than facing it. This only has 3 axes of motion, and you cannot pan the sky while seated without moving your chair.

[@JenhamsAstro]

Hi Will, yes it's not the perfect arrangement in those respects, but I think it has a place at it's price point and is solidly built.

[@peter7624]

One thing which wasn't clear: Was there any azimuthal movement of the binoculars possible without swinging the mount on its tripod pivot, eg) at the binoculars themselves, for scanning the sky or are they locked in azimuth ?

[@JenhamsAstro]

Hi Peter. No, the mount only allows elevation adjustment, not azimuth. More sophisticated designs would not have this limitation I suspect.

[@GarnettLeary]

That’s awesome. I might end up buying one of those. Happy new year.

[@JenhamsAstro]

Happy New Year to you too.

[@Marmots4reFun]

Very helpful; thank you!

[@richies6420]

Almost like the “Big Eyes” we used on my Naval ship

[@CelticBearWoman31]

Hello @Jenhams Astro, did you find the same design flaw that two users did? They separately found this mount and tripod did not work from a reclining position, which is the whole reason I wanted it. Users said anything over 45 degrees required standing and additionally, was difficult to sight heavenly object. DId you try from a ground chair position and also find that? (Sincerely, TIA)

[@Element_lifestyle]

Nice video, can o use this mount with a 25 x 100 binoculars?

[@ayaxchile]

I have the same question, with skymaster 25x100 ?

[@Element_lifestyle]

@@ayaxchile i just purchase one tripod from eBay for 140 it holds the weight great. I’ll be posting a review in my channel 👍

[@ayaxchile]

@@Element_lifestyle thanks!

[@jeffdunne8524]

Hi J Astro. What is the round black adaptor you have installed on your tripod? Where did u get it and what would it be called? I purchased the whole. Kit from Orion but the PP tripod it came with was missing that attachment that the pivot disk attaches to and I am having a hard time trying to get the proper part from them so I am looking for another option like u did. Thanks and I always enjoy your Astro vids. Jeff

[@JenhamsAstro]

Hi Jeff, YT managed to hide your comment for a while but located now. The adapter I have is made by Berlebach and is called an "3/8 to M10 adapter". It is one of those over-priced bits of metal that you resent paying for but which turns out to do the job! I had it already to adapt an existing astro tripod with an M10 bolt, to an iOptron tracking platform base. Hope this helps, Graham.

[@barticoch]

Hi there! I’d like to get this Orion parallelogram contraption for mounting binos! (bear in mind I’m very green/inexperienced in terminology and knowledge) Now. It looks like I have the very same Aluminium or similar tripod that you have your telescope mounted on in the background (had mine over 20 years!). I have a telescope on mine that I barley use. I took the telescope mountings off and I’m down to the tripod baseplate. The baseplate is flat, but has a raised centre, diameter of 32mm and the raised lip is approx. 5.8millemeters high. (so it’s not a flush surface.) The inside diameter is 26mm. So I guess I’d need a blinkin’ big washer to make the surface flush! The screw that connects and fastens from underneath to hold the current telescope mount would also be too short I guess. If you were in my shoes and wanted to fit the Orion mount to your other tripod, is there any adaptor on the market that would do it? Any advice apreciated. Thanks! :)

[@JenhamsAstro]

The adapter I have is made by Baader. If you look online you’ll see They make a bewildering range of adapters so you might find something to suit your purposes with a bit of research but I would say they’re not cheap products so I guess it will come down to whether you want to spend the money on an adapter, if you find one, versus putting the money into a new tripod.

[@barticoch]

@@JenhamsAstro Thanks for that! I'm currently searching things like "tripod baseplate adapter flange..!" Nothing likely so far..! :| Anyway I need something that negates this dam protruding ring in the middle! So, the hunt goes on. On a positive note, I just received a pair of Bresser 15x70's, mounting them on a monopod for now, hoping for a clear sky tonight. Thanks again! :)

[@Goku61001]

Would you recommend the following binoculars for a beginner? SkyMaster 20 x 80 Pro and the following mount?

[@JenhamsAstro]

They are good, entry level “big” binoculars. As to a mount, the Paragon is a decent choice, although as with most of Astro there are a few choices on the market now so I suggest you read the reviews for the pros and cons. You will need a tripod/mount of some sort though.

[@waxonwaxoff727]

Would that vixen tripod be the equivalent to the Skywatcher EQ3-2 tripod?

[@JenhamsAstro]

I think so. The Vixen tripod has an M10 threaded bolt.

[@POLLOTROM]

could you attach a laser pointer to it?

[@gitirahio669]

You are realy good❤

[@jasonmicalizzi3240]

I have a camera tripod that has a listed weight capacity of 6.6 pounds. I’ve been considering buying the Orion Resolux 15 x 70 binocular which weigh a little over 5 pounds. But that mount itself has weight to it. The binocs themselves cost $400. I’m struggling to then buy the mount but the cost of the mount and tripod exceeds what I might be willing to spend. Do you think it’s POSSIBLE that mount might work with tripod as described ? Thanks in advance. Phil from Connecticut.

[@JenhamsAstro]

Hi Phil, a payload of 6.6 pounds doesn't sound like a good fit for the mount and those binos. I've used mine on a couple of tripods and they have stated max payloads of 10kg+. These tripods have come from scope + mount setups rather than being photo tripods, I had them already amongst my astro kit and didn't buy them specifically for the binos. Orion do offer the same mount as a package with their tripod - is that in your budget? If I were back at the decision phase I'd make 100% sure that the bino route is the right one. I like my binos and they fit the bill for "simple astro", but then the tripod and mount isn't a light setup and in some ways it takes the overall rig away from the "grab and go" ethos I personally like. A small apo with a nice low power EP might make a lightweight alternative? Maybe add binoviewers later? Just an idea as all kit has some compromises. Graham from a cloudy Somerset.

[@stephanwittmer6304]

Can you please give the reference of the book that you show at the end? Thanks a lot.

[@JenhamsAstro]

Hi Stephan. Turn Left at Orion. It says ISBN 978-1-108-45756-9

[@gabolayaz]

Celestron skymaster 15x70 or celestron skymaster 25x70 ? Which one is better for long distance?

[@JenhamsAstro]

Both weigh about 1.4kg. The 25x will have a smaller field of view than the x15 and the image will look less bright as a result. The 25x will need a good tripod to make it useable. If you can mount it then the 25x will, by definition, show a larger image of a distant target. For astro I would choose the x15. Just my personal choice though.

[@paulroberts3686]

I have some 10×50 but I'm looking for some others orion 20×80 ed but before I go ahead are there any suggestions thanks in advance

[@JenhamsAstro]

If possible try before you buy. A lot of cheaper binos have variable quality and the two barrels may not be well aligned. In daylight your eyes will automatically correct for a certain amount of offset, but at night you end up with 2 stars instead of 1. Definitely something to check, whatever you choose. Return the item if you have purchased online and they arrive like this, as collimation is generally not possible.

[@bowrudder899]

Where did you get the adapter to mate the parallelogram with your tripod?

[@JenhamsAstro]

Hi, it's made by Berlebach. Mine is a M10 adapter but there are lots of options. Not cheap (£50). It's available in the UK at 365 Astronomy.

[@bowrudder899]

Thanks!

[@vasomilicevi9960]

I know this is off-topic, but I just wanted to ask: -What would be the best grab and go telescope that I will end up using often for DSO. I kinda want Dobsonian, but the size of it makes it a challenge. I live in a city and need to move away by public transportation, so something that possibly can be put on a simple altazimuth mount. Thanks for your videos, they are really helpful! Best regards, Vaso

[@JenhamsAstro]

Thanks Vaso. You have hit on the classic astro dilemma of faint objects and portability. I don’t have a miracle solution. If I was, say, carrying kit on a bus in a rucksack I suppose id be looking at a smallish apo travel scope and a photo tripod, or maybe a lightweight mount like a SW AZ5. You probably know I like Maks but they aren’t suited to visual DSOs and casual scanning - the fields are too small.

[@vasomilicevi9960]

@@JenhamsAstro Thank You for the fast reply! Maybe I am asking too much, but...were You to suggest any apo scope, which one would you recommend? Mind You, I am also fine with longer tubes, as long as it would be in a dedicated bag? My budget would be around 500 Euros, maybe slightly more. Thank You once more! :)

[@JenhamsAstro]

vaso milicevi If your budget is just for the scope, and not any mount, then I’d say look at 80mm ED scopes. You’ll be looking at a doublet which is fine. Look at the Skywatcher 80ED DS Pro or the clone Orion scope (not sure where you are) or one of the Explore Scientific 80EDs. If you think they’re too big then there are also 72mm models available. In my opinion one of these options will make a feasible travel kit and give you pleasing views. But I won’t say it will beat those in an 8” Dob. But try carrying one of those! Always read the Cloudy Night and Stargazers Lounge forums as the scopes I’ve suggested are all well known.

[@vasomilicevi9960]

@@JenhamsAstro I appreciate Your reply, You helped me a lot! Thank You!

[@xtrofilm]

How much do they cost Graham please.

[@JenhamsAstro]

When I bought mine it cost about £120 for the mount only (without the tripod). I’m in the UK and I saw recently that Orion have stopped shipping here, so UK retailers list it as unavailable.

[@xtrofilm]

@@JenhamsAstro Thanks Graham, i think i will try making one, Kev.

[@plabarba]

Hi Graham, what tripod are you using here? I also have the Paragon Plus Binocular Mount and have been having a tough time mating it up to a tripod I had from a Large-Format Camera. The ball head introduces some issues and can't be removed easily.

[@JenhamsAstro]

Hi Peter, it’s from a Vixen Porta mount and is a fairly standard aluminium legged astro tripod with a captive M10 bolt in the centre. I already have a Berlebach adapter to mate with this M10 and provide a photo tripod thread on top. So my setup works but isn’t what I’d call elegant. I already had the adapter to use with a camera tracking mount.

[@plabarba]

@@JenhamsAstro Thank you for the prompt response. Usually, these things are sold with the TRIPOD in the US. I thought I'd save a few bucks by using a tripod from an 8X10 studio camera. This did not work out very well as the ball head is not removable and introduces unwanted movement. Orion won’t sell the tripod that would have come with it separately. Also, big thanks on the Orion Binocular Mount Adapter - Paragon Plus 7589. I would have never known I would have needed it, if you hadn’t suggested it. We have Celestron - SkyMaster 20X80 Astro Binoculars which has the rail you mentioned.

[@plabarba]

@@JenhamsAstro Do you have a part number for the Berlebach adapter plate used here? Is that something you can supply? I'm in California.

[@plabarba]

@@JenhamsAstro Hi Graham, what would an elegant set up look like?

[@JenhamsAstro]

Peter LaBARBA Hi Peter, it’s hard to imagine for the binocular method, but in general an arrangement where the camera is tightly coupled to the scope and does not flex or pick up reflections or simply fall off onto the ground in the darkness! For a scope I’m thinking of setups without long sagging extension tubes or fittings secured by friction of a screw.

[@gertjanvanderkooij9242]

Nice review Jenham.looks like a very useful instrument.Which bino do you use??

[@JenhamsAstro]

Thanks. Mine are Helios Stellar 15 x 70s. I’ve tried 20 x 80s in the past but prefer these. I’m no bino expert, but these work for me. Clear skies and have a good 2021.

[@gertjanvanderkooij9242]

@@JenhamsAstro ,thanks thats of course mutual

[@Paultricounty]

Interesting he doesn’t know he’s holding 80mm binoculars, not 70.