Binomania Reviews the BT-120XL-SD
These binoculars have demonstrated very high recognition capabilities, superior to my best spotting scopes…
$4,695.00
NOTE – The supplied 14mm eyepieces are now all-black, instead of black with red trim. We’ll update pictures soon, but in the meantime, you can look at images from our Tactical Edition binocular telescopes to see the updated eyepieces.
The Oberwerk 120XL-SD bridges the gap between the 100XL-SD and 127XL-SD, offering near-flagship optical performance in a lighter, more accessible design. Featuring 120mm FCD100 apochromatic objectives and a 670mm focal length, it captures stunning clarity, contrast, and color accuracy across a wide field — perfect for both deep-sky exploration and lunar or planetary observing.
Each 120XL-SD features super-low dispersion (SD) doublet glass objectives paired with 27mm clear-aperture prisms (same prisms found in the 127XL-SD). This advanced optical system delivers pinpoint stars, deep contrast, and remarkable control of chromatic aberration. Faint nebulae reveal rich texture, while open clusters like the Pleiades burst with crisp, color-true starlight. Every instrument is individually collimated and certified to 168× magnification (step <6 arcseconds) before leaving our facility.
The magnesium alloy chassis keeps total weight at just 19.5 lbs, five pounds lighter than the 127XL-SD, while maintaining rugged stability and precise optical alignment. A newly redesigned mount includes a foot that is a Vixen-style dovetail, which makes it directly compatible with iOptron HAZ go-to mounts. The foot also includes 3/8″ and ¼” threaded holes for attaching a Manfrotto quick-release plate, or mounting to the XL-280 fork mount. The new mount design is repositioned to better match the 120XL’s center of gravity, and has a lower “stack height” to improve balance and handling on every setup.
A Picatinny top rail handle allows convenient mounting of red-dot finders, laser pointers, or other accessories to aid in aiming and alignment. Extendable glare shields reduce stray light and protect the objectives from dew and dust. The ultra-wide 50–80mm IPD range ensures a perfect fit for any observer.
Every XL-SD is finished in Oberwerk’s signature iridescent “Luna Pearl” White with gold anodized trim, combining durability with classic observatory style. Dual helical focusers provide smooth, precise adjustment for each eye, while the central mounting system supports vibration-free viewing on heavy-duty video fluid heads or fork mounts.
The 120XL-SD includes 8-element 14mm (48×) 70° AFOV eyepieces, offering immersive wide-field views. Optional 22mm (30×) and 7mm (96×) eyepiece pairs expand your magnification range for everything from sweeping the Milky Way to studying lunar rilles in detail. A wheeled hard case is included for convenient protection and transport.
Every 120XL-SD is tested and tuned to perfection prior to shipping, with collimation certified to 168x (step <6 arcseconds). Backed by a 5-year Limited Warranty, the 120XL-SD is built for years of exploration and enjoyment.
| FOV | 2.35° (30x) |
|---|---|
| Exit Pupil | 4.0mm (30x) |
| Eye Relief | 18mm (48x) |
| Minimum Focus | 25 meters |
| IPD Range | 57-80mm |
| Product Weight | 19.5 lbs. |
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Pat (verified owner) –
I had the good fortune to stop by Oberwerk’s new store location in Dayton on my way back home out west. Kevin talked with me for about 15 minutes as I got a good hands-on look at the 127 and 120 mm models. I left with a lot of good information and a decision to make between these two excellent instruments. After another week of weighing my options and talking with a known viewing expert, I decided to purchase the 120 SD model. I got the Manfrotto tripod, fork mount, and eye reticle viewfinder to complete my order. I had to change the delivery date with UPS but that was easy to do with the tracking numbers provided by Oberwerk. The three packages arrived in the delivery window and flawlessly intact. Kevin clearly knows how to pack these instruments to arrive unscathed, and it was clear UPS did a good job. I set up that afternoon on my rooftop that has a three-quarter unobstructed view of the sky and horizon. I only have the 14mm eyepieces right now, but what a terrestrial view! From seven miles away I saw individual people gathered on a golf green, birds perched on power lines four miles away, and so many features of mountain ranges forty miles away. Then, as twilight faded I put the scope to the test. At 48x the Ring Nebula in Lyra is a distinct ring, not a fuzzy ball of light. However, I will need to order the 7mm eyepieces to get the sharpest, head-on view of it. For the first time I could see several individual stars in M22. M7 and M6 in Scorpio were really fun to wander through. Even though I do live in suburban, moderately light-polluted skies, I actually could barely make out M97 the Owl Nebula in Ursa Major, with averted vision (no moon). At 19.5 lbs for the scope, 8.5 lbs for the fork mount, and 17 lbs I think for the tripod, this is as much weight as I want to throw around for setup and takedown. I am glad I did not get the 127mm model, if only for my back’s sake. The tripod is easy to set up and level. The fork mount I have not quite figured out how to set the locking rings quickly, but if I look at Kevin’s video again I am sure it will make sense. The eye reticle came pre-aligned since I ordered it with the scope; the enclosed instructions were not much help but it is really a gunsight. But, it is very helpful at night to find what I am looking for (at 48x the object is always somewhere in the field of view right away). Overall impressions; this is an outstanding binocular telescope with the best quality I have ever seen for an astronomical instrument. If there is any possibility of chromatic aberration when looking at the moon, I have not experienced it yet. It is smooth on the mount, stays where you put it, and I have no issues viewing the zenith with the 45-degree angle of the eyepieces. The dew/sun shades, screw-top metal objective covers, and eyepiece dust caps are all sturdy and reliable. Individual eyepiece focus is sharp and easy. I have spent about two years researching and preparing for this purchase decision, and I say truly it was the right decision for me. Kevin and his team stand behind their products! Now, I just need to order those 7mm eyepieces…
Chris Seaton (verified owner) –
I finally had a clear forecast I was determined to get out with my new BT-120XL-SD. A friend had suggested that i come over to his place – he has much more open sky that I do) and observe
First of all, I can say that I was very happy overall with the BT-120XL.
The telescope is mounted on an iOptron HAZ31, attached via an iOptron mini-pier to an old 2” iOptron heavy duty tripod. I have a ZWO guide camera plus an ASI678 camera and an ASIAir+ attached to the Picatinny rail of the BT, which I use to plate solve and then choose objects for go-to performance. The whole setup worked flawlessly. I would select a target, the mount would slew to it, take an image, plate solve and make any necessary corrections, and the object would be centered.
I started out using the Oberwerk 14mm 70º eyepieces that come with the telescope, and the first object was Jupiter. At 48X the view was spectacular. I could see the two cloud bands, as well as the three visible moons. It was sharp and contrasty. I was very impressed by the OB eyepieces. They were much better than I had expected/feared – definitely not a cheap & cheerful throwaway set shipped for free with the binoculars. Next I tried my Astro Tech 10mm UWA’s. At first I was not happy, as I had difficulty for the first time merging the images from each eyepiece. I tried rotating the eyepieces but this did not fix the problem. A bit frustrated, I moved on to my TV 7mm Naglers. The views through them were simply fantastic! Crisp, sharp, and high contrast. Just lovely.
I then moved on to M81 and M82, using the OB 14 mms. I was quite pleased to get them both in the field of view and again, quite clear. Of course, they weren’t detailed, but they were definitely better than just “faint smudges”. Did I mention that I really like those OB 14mm’s? I tried, and found M51 and M101, but the views were a bit compromised by the fact that I didn’t have a clear view towards the NorthEast, with some tree branches in the way. I went back to Jupiter and simply basked in its glory! And yes, I really like the OB 14mm’s.
From there it was Cluster time. M37 was beautiful, if a little dim, in the 14mm’s. I moved to the 7mm Naglers and it was a revelation, as the extra magnification really helped. What a beautiful sight that cluster is. I decided to give the Astro Tech’s another chance and this time I had absolutely none of the merging difficulties that i had earlier when viewing Jupiter. The view was clear and sharp, and my opinion of them was transformed. I moved on to the Beehive, Starfish, and Pinwheel clusters and in each case the experience with M37 was repeated. I started with the OB 14mm’s, moved to the AT 10’s and then on to the TV Nagler 7’s. All of them were just beautiful.
Finally I went to M67. It didn’t matter which of the eyepiece sets I used, i was struck by the 3D nature of the view. It was as if the cluster was just hanging there in the sky, and i felt as if i could just reach out and touch it. It was that tangible! Compared to the views through my friend’s 8” SCT, what i gave up in magnification I more than gained in “crispness/sharpness” and the 3D effect of using both eyes. I spent quite a while just feasting my eyes on that beautiful cluster.
After packing up and while driving home i had the opportunity to reflect on the evening and the equipment. The BT-120XL-SD rocks. I am really so very happy with it. Yes, it is big, but that’s a feature, not a flaw. It is not light, but I can manage it. It is beautiful. The finish is absolutely flawless. The binocular effect, binocular summation, or whatever you want to call it is, in my opinion, real, or appears to be, which to me is the same practical thing.
I am really happy that I gave the AT 10mm’s a second chance, as they worked flawlessly the second time around and on all the clusters. I have no idea why i had such difficulty on first use with Jupiter. The 7mm Nagler’s were outstanding. And, did I mention that I really liked the OB 14mm’s?
Finally, I think that the binoculars can easily handle more magnification than the 96X than I get with the 7mm Nagler. I’m going to have to consider a set of 4-5mm eyepieces. I did not look through my 24mm ES 68º tonight, so I’ll have to see if I really need that wide a field (28X)
All in all, a great evening with a great Binocular Telescope. The Oberwerk BT-120XL-SD has made me fall in love with visual astronomy again!.