Reviews - Oberwerk 12x60mm Binoculars Reviews - OW-BI-12x60

Author: Kopernic {!} , military retiree, amateur astronomer, from Beach Lake, PA on Jan 16, 2009
Pros:  large aperture, great optics
Cons:  can't think of one
Would recommend:  yes

Kopernic wrote:

This is a superb astro binocular for the money. Optics compare to the much more expensive Fujinons. I also own the Oberwerk 15x70 and the 12x60 has comparable light grasp with less weight; easier to hand hold. Most Messier objects have been well observed with this. Not recommended for the hiker or casual birder. The hard sided case is a worthwhile option.

Author: rpetersen {!} from San Jose CA on Jul 27, 2007
Pros:  Wide field of view, good light gathering
Cons:  Too powerful for hand-held use
Would recommend:  yes

rpetersen wrote:

I got the Oberwerk binoculars for casual astronomical viewing at low power, and they completely meet my needs. They are not field glasses - I can't use them without a mount. I use the Orion Paragon Plus parallelogram-style mount on a tripod, which may be more than you need, but you will need something, if only a $15 adapter on your video tripod. The real benefit of using binoculars like these is that you can simply point them at your target and start observing. Their chief merit is not magnification, but light gathering, so you will simply see things that "weren't there" to your naked eye. For example, Jupiter's 4 Galilean moons are clearly visible, though the planet's detail is not. In my first few hours of use, I was pleasantly surprised to see a couple of satellites steadily crossing my field of view - something far less likely with the more narrow view of a higher-powered telescope.

Author: JoeCantu20 {!} from San Antonio, Tx on Jul 25, 2007
Pros:  I use for many things including hunting and sporting events. Everyone always ask to borrow mine.
Cons:  Read the comments for specifics, but fell off a chair and I now see double.
Would recommend:  yes

JoeCantu20 wrote:

I had my binoculars in their case and in my backpack this holiday season. The backpack rolled off a chair and hit the ground. I guess it hit the sweet spot because now I am seeing double. I am getting ready to send them to be looked at.