20×80 Explore
$269.95
20×80 Explore
$269.95
In stock.
Explore with Oberwerk
The Explore Series are Oberwerk’s new entry-level product line, but they have all the important features of the more expensive models. The 20×80 Explore gathers a serious amount of light, making it ideal for astronomy. It has rugged aluminum construction, precise center focuser, it’s fully broadband multi-coated, waterproof, and nitrogen-charged. With twist-up eyecups and 15mm’s of eye relief, those wearing glasses will have no problem seeing the entire 3.25° FOV. Built-in mount allows fore and aft movement for perfect balance on the tripod head. Includes a lightweight hard case, ocular cover, captive objective covers, and a neck strap.
Recommended Mounts for 20×80 Explore
For quick stability on the go we recommend the Oberwerk 2000 Monopod. For extended viewing the Oberwerk 3000 Tall Tripod is a perfect choice.
Oberwerk 2000 Monopod
Oberwerk 3000 Tall Tripod
Robert Lipari (verified owner) –
Wow, just wow. Oberwerk quality throughout, and a really good value to boot. Took these out for the first time and the view of Orion’s marvels was, well, absolutely marvelous! (BTW, Orion’s belt fit perfectly into the FOV.) Great clarity and crispness. Beautiful sharp details on the Moon’s terminator features. For a great value in a large objective binocular, you cannot go wrong with these.
Jack Shelton (verified owner) –
Very nice binoculars at a remarkable price. My use so far has been largely lunar observing and the moon’s features are very sharp and contrasty. The binoculars are light and well balanced, although still a little large for handheld viewing.
Jeff Stark (verified owner) –
The 20×80 Explore is an excellent binocular with great magnification and optical quality if you’re interested in getting into astronomy. They’re also great for daytime terrestrial viewing as well.
Many people who are considering astronomy often are overwhelmed by the magnification factor only to become disappointed in that they were expecting more from the higher magnification, that the stars and planets still appear very small. This is why it’s a great idea to consider a binocular over a telescope initially-the cost factor. With the 20×80 Explore, you can scan across the Milky Way and observe Messier objects, nebulae, star clusters and distant galaxies. Besides, the brain likes two sources of input, your eyes, since the binocular has two eyepieces.
The Moon when observed with the 20×80 Explore is very detailed. There is some fringing on the limb, or curved outer edge of the Moon, but I was able to eliminate the fringing by simply shifting my eyes around while viewing through the binocular eyepieces. Crater and mountain detail as well as contrast is excellent. Fringing can occur even with very high-priced optics. It’s not uncommon.
Hand-holding a 20×80 binocular is difficult enough if not impossible. To maximize the benefits of this binocular I’d recommend the Oberwerk model 4000/5000 tripod and head combination.
This binocular/tripod combination is great for astronomy outreach programs. By having one focusing knob, it makes it easier for people new to astronomy to focus the binocular rather than having to focus each eyepiece independently that’s found on more optically advanced binoculars. (Oberwerk carries these, too). The 20x magnification is wonderful for scanning the Milky Way looking for deep sky objects.
So, if you’re interested in getting started in astronomy for deep space or you’d like a binocular with more than average magnification for terrestrial observation, Oberwerk is the best place to start. Just remember a sturdy tripod and head will be required.
This binocular can’t be beat for the price point!
I own 6 Oberwerk binoculars and they’ve outperformed several European and Japanese high dollar models with respect to optics.
If you have any issues, their customer service is second to none, they’re the best!