In recent times, Binomania has focused mainly on binoculars for nature use. However, taking to heart the requests of readers who are passionate about astronomical observations, I have decided to review, thanks to the collaboration of three companies in the sector, three binoculars of different sizes that in past years have kept many amateur astronomers and myself awake at night.
The first is the SkyMaster 14x100, a Japanese giant from another era, with the classic, unmistakable oriental feel. After fruitless searches in second-hand stores, I discovered that they are still for sale, in various formats. For this reason, I asked the owners ADF Genoa A loaner. Many readers over 40 will also remember them branded "Vixen." That was a time when you had to save up three or four salaries to aspire to a pair of 100mm binoculars, defined by everyone as "giant," but it was also a time of darker skies and brighter comets. Who among our readers had the privilege of admiring, for example, the Hale Bopp through similar binoculars?
Most likely, some of you will be wondering why I decided to test such a bright format as the 14X and not accustomed to medium-polluted skies. The answer is simple. In June I will have the opportunity to observe under a crystal-clear mountain sky, where I will be able to grasp its true potential. Obviously, a naturalistic twilight test will not be missing. Well, to be honest, I have already done part of it... I couldn't resist. Remember the "famous polka-dotted tablecloth" that we used during the crepuscular testWell, with the 14×100, perhaps I could have counted the crumbs too:…
The second binocular was sent to me directly from Fujinon Germany, This is the legendary Fujinon 16x70 FMTX, which until a few years ago, when purchasing angled binoculars was considered foolish, represented the ultimate goal for enthusiasts of straight binoculars without interchangeable eyepieces. The Fujinon is known for its excellent edge-to-edge performance, thanks to its almost completely flat field and 4° field of view, which allow for very interesting observations without necessarily having to invest in a heavy and expensive tripod and head.
The last one has been for years, the handheld astronomical binocular par excellence, I'm talking about the Vixen Ultima 9×63 which was kindly sent to me by Alpine hunting. Its main features were its low weight and the discrete diameter of its lenses, which under high mountain skies never made it regrettable for small telescopes, even though its apparent field of view is very, very small.
Three Porro prism binoculars, all three designed and built on Japanese soil, three different ways to observe the sky, turning an eye to the past with the nostalgia that comes with it.
The premises are good, the return "to Porro" seems appreciable to me, not only for the readers but also for the undersigned.
Stay tuned for further developments
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Piergiovanni Salimbeni - Journalist and independent tester, founder of Binomania.co.uk, with over 25 years of experience in evaluating optical and digital instruments. It offers practical reviews and personalised advice for informed purchasing choices.