Bausch & Lomb Legacy 10x50 WA Binoculars

Last Friday, me and my fellow graduate school student in astronomy were in Aringay, La Union to do some astronomical sketching. One of them brought along a Bausch&Lomb Legacy 10x50 wide-angle binoculars  with a 7.5degree field of view.

We also brought our Celestron UpClose 10x50 binoculars (see past post for review) and got to compare the quality of the two binocs. In comparison to the UpClose, the Legacy gave superb bright and sharp images that overpowered the UpClose. The rich open clusters like the Beehive cluster in Cancer, Melotte 111 in Coma Berenices, the Ptolemy's Cluster and Butterfly Cluster in Scorpius appear beautifully and brightly over the Legacy. We also could easily spot faint stars such as the Sidus Ludovicianum. Switching between the Legacy and the UpClose showed that the images on the UpClose were not as bright and as rich as those with the Legacy.

For those unfamiliar with binocular specs - the number 10x50 represents a magnification of 10x and an aperture of 50mm. The optics are multi-coated with anti-reflective layers that prevent light from reflecting back out allowing the image to be brighter. It makes use of a BaK-4 Porro prism design (yielding a brighter and sharper image compared to the commonly used Bk-7). The Legacy offers good eye relief and weighs 794g. It is also tripod adaptable for ease in viewing. The legacy is water proof and fog proof making it suitable for outdoors against temperature and humidity.

The Bausch & Lomb name here is not the same Bausch & Lomb that creates contact lenses, but is the Bausch & Lomb Sport Optics that is manufactured by Bushnell. Hahn stores all over Manila sell Bushnell binoculars, spotting scopes and even telescopes.

Celestron UpClose

Celestron UpClose 10x50 Binoculars


As part of our Observation 1 in RTU's Diploma in Astronomy, we were required to purchase binoculars suited for celestial viewing. Our group decided to go for the Celestron UpClose 10x50 Binoculars which were available in Cutting Edge stores. If you plan to purchase one, I suggest you test them first - due to the lack of stock, my first purchase had the optics misaligned, however, the personel of Cutting edge were very helpful in replacing my unit.

I tested my binoculars this evening (Aug 8, 2011) due to the visibility of the 9 day old moon. The view of the moon was remarkable compared to my old binoculars that, unfortunately, has been damaged for unknown reasons. The UpClose provides a fine details on the lunar surface and remarkable detail on the terminator.

Unfortunately, I am unsuccessful in locating the Messier and NGC objects due to poor urban sky conditions and fast moving clouds. I am observing in Cubao, Quezon City with buildings and street light obstructing my view. If classified according to Dr. Torres' Urban Astronomy Scale it would be a type V. The limiting magnitude gave me a hard time finding my way in the night sky compared to the clear dark skies of Negros Oriental where I used to observe during my undergrad.

I was first able to make out Lyra and Cygnus, then using star hopping which I've learned before I was able to locate the other constellations like Aquila, Scorpius, and Sagittarius. I particularly tried to focus on seeing M7 (Ptolemy's cluster) but had a hard time making it out.

Nevertheless, it was a good first try with my new binoculars. I expect it too keep me busy for the mean time while waiting for my telescope to be brought back to Manila from Dumaguete.

Ad Astra per Aspera!