IN 414 Rev A 03/11
OrionTelescopes.com
Customer Support (800) 676-1343
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Corporate Offices (831) 763-7000
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Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975
Orion
®
Astro-Binoculars
#51463 15x70 model, #52179 20x70 model,
#51464 20x80 model
Congratulations on your purchase of a pair of quality Orion Astro-
Binoculars. The 70mm and 80mm Astro-Binoculars provide the
large light grasp you need for astronomical observation, and
unlike a telescope, allow you to use both eyes simultaneously for
nighttime or daytime viewing. This results in better image reso-
lution, contrast, and brightness than a similar sized telescope
can provide. Coupled with their wide fields of view, the Astro-
Binoculars will make you feel like you’re floating in space!
Please take the time to read this instruction sheet before using
your new binoculars.
Using Binoculars with a Photo Tripod
When observing with large-aperture binoculars like these, a photo
tripod or some other type of binocular mount is recommended.
This is because the weight and high magnification of the binocu-
lars make it difficult to hold them steady by hand.
The Orion 15x70 and 20x70 binoculars can be attached to a stan-
dard photo tripod by means of the included L-Bracket. Simply
unscrew the cap covering the socket behind the focusing knob
(Figure 1) and thread the L-Bracket into the ¼"-20 hole.
The 20x80 model features a mounting post (Figure 1) which
attaches directly to the photo-tripod without needing an L-Bracket.
Simply thread the ¼"-20 stud of your tripod into the threaded
socket on the underside of the mounting post. The tripod mount-
ing post can be positioned anywhere along the brace rod to opti-
mize balance. To do this, first loosen the large knurled knob on top
of the post (Figure 1). Then, grip the binoculars and move them
forward or backwards relative to the post until the balance seems
about right. Re-tighten the knurled knob on the post when done.
The brace rod allows positioning of the binoculars relative to the
tripod mounting post, but also provides additional stability for the
binocular barrels. This helps maintain structural rigidity and opti-
cal alignment for the larger 80mm lens.
Adjusting the Distance Between Your Eyes
(Interpupillary Distance)
Hold each barrel firmly and move them together or apart so the
distance between the eyepieces matches the distance between
your eyes. When properly adjusted, you should see a single,
round field of view when looking through the binoculars. Make this
adjustment before you focus the binoculars.
Focusing
The Orion Astro-Binoculars feature a convenient center focus-
ing knob. However, because your eyes may differ slightly in their
focus, the binoculars also includes a right eye diopter adjustment.
Once the right eyepiece has been adjusted, you can focus the
binocular entirely with the center focusing knob.
With both eyes open, sight on a distant object (a tree, building, or
star). Now cover the right objective (front) lens with your hand or
the cap. Turn the center focusing knob until the image in the left
eyepiece is sharp. Now cover the left objective lens and focus the
right side by rotating the right eyepiece (do not adjust the cen-
ter focusing knob) until the image is sharp. The binocular is now
focused for your eyes. Make a note of the diopter setting so you
can return to it quickly in the future. With the right eyepiece now
set, all focusing is achieved by rotating the center knob.
For astronomical observation, all objects will always appear
focused at the infinity focus point. This means you only need to
focus the binoculars once per observing session.
Since everyone’s eyes focus images slightly differently, different
observers will need to refocus the binoculars for their own vision.
WARNING Never look directly at the Sun through
your binoculars without professionally made
solar filters, even for an instant, or permanent eye
damage could result. Young children should use
these binoculars on sunny days only with adult
supervision.
Figure 1.
The 15x70, 20x70, and 20x80 Astro-Binoculars.
Tripod Socket
15x70
20x70
20x80
Tripod
mounting
post
Brace rod
