BT-82XL-ED
$2,150.00
BT-82XL-ED
$2,150.00
In stock.
The BT-82XL-ED is the mid-size of the XL Series, capable of up to 64x magnification with excellent image quality, yet weighing a mere 10.5 lbs! With 82mm FK-61 ED objectives, 24mm of clear prism aperture, and a lightweight magnesium alloy body (waterproof and nitrogen-filled), this binocular telescope sets a new standard for image quality AND portability. A binocular of this quality deserves great eyepieces, so we include our finest 70° AFOV 14mm (32x) eyepieces. The ED objectives will deliver chromatic aberration-free views up to 64x magnification (7mm eyepieces). With the widest IPD range of any binocular on the market (50-80mm), even small children can view through both eyepieces.
Other features include a Picatinny rail handle (for mounting a wide variety of finders or laser pointers) and extendable glare shields. Not only are the XL Series the highest-quality binocular telescopes at anywhere near their relatively-low prices, with their lustrous “Luna Pearl” White finish and red-anodized trim, they’re also quite attractive! Our exclusive heavy-duty aluminum-frame case is included.
Every BT-82XL-ED is tested and tuned to perfection prior to shipping, with collimation certified to 112x. 3-year Limited Warranty.
Check out the BT-82XL-ED review on SPACE.COM and also the BT-82XL-ED review and video at Binomania.
Recommended mounts-
Oberwerk 5000 tripod/head
Oberwerk TR3 hardwood tripod with carbon-fiber elevator and Smallrig DH10 head.
Additional information
| Weight | 26 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 26 × 15 × 12 in |
| Focal Length | 450mm |
| FOV | 2.2° (32x) |
| Exit Pupil | 2.57mm (32x) |
| Eye Relief | 15.0mm usable (32x) |
| Minimum Focus | 25 meters |
| IPD Range | 50-80mm |
| Product Weight | 10.3 lbs. |
George S., Bay Park, USA –
I recently sold a bunch of my telescopes, binoculars, books and other equipment (continuing process BTW)- as I have been collecting too many not being used through the years-and decided that it was time to purchase one of the latest generation of Binocular Telescope from Oberwerk.
This company has specialized in selling binocular telescopes for many years and it’s reputation is excellent. Recently they developed a competitive line of new generation “45 degree angled eyepiece” BT’s which are sized at 82mm and 100mm. They incorporate Extra Dispersion “apo grade” doublet objectives for improved viewing. I purchased the 82mm model in “Big Eyes” Gray, with metal frame case, 14mm eyepieces and a solidly built “local milled, finished and assembled” tripod system (with smooth imported mount head) which arrived on Friday.
Waiting for a telescope-and especially a binocular- delivery is always a time of trepidation but thankfully both boxes, from Ohio, arrived in good shape at home base on Long Island, NY.
I finally had the opportunity to try this system out yesterday (after the obligatory Jet’s loss). Installed the included 14mm Oberwerk 70-degree 1.25 inch eyepieces. Unscrewed the metal objective covers, extended the dew shields, focused the individual collars and looked at tree leaves and telephone poles (and a few birds that happened to get in the way). The view was similar to observing with my trusty Explore Sci ED80 telescope x 2. Sharp, high contrast zero color fringing with two eye viewing! Wows and amazement from my wife and a couple of friends at the house. Views are that good.
Later that night I picked up my new “Grab and Go” observing platform and brought it out under the stars for first (star)Light. Perfect alignment and Stars pinpoint in both eyes. Total viewing satisfaction which amazed me as I owned a few big binoculars through the years and when astro observing, the out of collimation, violet and blue fringing and seagulls woes plagued many of them. This is dead-on aligned and air-spaced doublets solid. I installed my tiny red dot finder purchased from Burgess Optical many years ago….It fit perfectly on the Picatinny rail system.
Next we checked out Saturn and Mars (over the top of my house) with a pair of higher power 82 degree ep’s and no image breakdown and sharp views. First time BT viewing for my wife – amazement looking through both ep’s was almost embarrassing to listen to. (And she is one tough critic).
Next was the Double Cluster in Perseus. Like bright jewels on almost-black velvet. Both eyes picking up those million year old photons was an experience hard to describe. I bino view at times and enjoy it, but this seemed more natural to my brain. Next some double stars – very nice views. Then it was time to pack up as the mosquitoes were getting hungry and buzzing about.
This Binocular Telescope passed muster with high grades and is now officially my favorite grab and go platform in my astro gear collection.
Still have a bunch of more telescopes to sell.
A few more eyepiece pairs are on my “Holiday time” list now.
Gotta luv this great astro gear available today! Thank you, Kevin, for going that extra mile for developing this well built binocular telescope.
wfburns_mo2 (verified owner) –
I purchased a BT-82XL-ED a couple of months ago and wanted to share my experience. I already own a pair of 20x110U binoculars along with a Series 5000 tripod and head (and some of the smaller Oberwerk binoculars) and am very pleased with them . I was looking for something I could easily travel with that would not be (airline) travel hostile. Based on my experience with Oberwerk on my other purchases, I decided to go with the BT-82XL-ED and couple it with the Series 5000.
Let me say that in terms of being non airline travel hostile, this combo fits the bill. I found a hard travel case for the Series 5000 that is checkable baggage without being oversized. It is treated pretty much like golf clubs. The hard case that the 82XL-ED is delivered with can be used as a carry-on baggage. I haven’t had any problems with either.
The 14mm Oberwerk eyepieces that comes with the binoculars are an asset. They sit in the sweet spot of magnification (32x) and apparent FOV (70 degrees). They are a pleasure to use. During the day, they are the eyepieces that sit in the binoculars. At night, I make use of my Televue Nagler, Panoptic, and Delite 1.25″ eyepieces. Note that for my less than perfect eyes, I need to use parfocal rings to bring them into focus. I don’t consider this to be an issue with either the binoculars or the eyepieces. For the 82XL-ED I favor the smaller, lighter eyepieces and haven’t tried any of the > 8oz eyepieces. All work fine and give sharp views from edge to edge. They also let me use my filters. One note on the Naglers. At 82 degree AFOV (in general) you need to move your head around to get the full true FOV. When you do so on the 82XL-ED, you get some blackout. If you stay centered in the exit pupil, they are excellent, but you don’t get the full 82 degrees. From what I can tell, the 82XL-ED works best with an AFOV around 70 degrees.
In terms of performance, I’m impressed. On days when the air is stable, I can point the XL82-ED at a ridge in the mountains behind my house and focus on individual cactii, trees, or rocks 3 to 4 miles away. The detail is quite respectable. The wide angle (24mm and 18mm) views are breathtaking. The mid views (13mm) are excellent. The “higher power” views (9mm and 7mm) are nice and tight. Note that I also find the 5mm views, which are beyond the specification for the binoculars, to be useful. Of course, your mileage may vary. My only comment on focal length is that once you get to the 7mm (and 5mm) they become a little less user friendly. All this means is that you need to work a little harder to get the still excellent view.
At night, I point the XL82-ED up at the night sky. I’ve been spending the last two months chasing the moon, planets, and brighter Messier and Caldwell objects. I haven’t had issues with any objects that were within the magnification range on the XL82-ED’s. Overall, I find that I prefer to use the XL82-ED over my excellent quality 102mm refracting telescope. I find that I get much more out of observing sessions when I am viewing with two eyes instead of one.
As for Kevin and Oberwerk, they are first rate. Kevin’s reputation for excellent customer service, whether it is answering questions or dealing with a problem with a product, is very well earned.
If you are looking for a high quality, portable, well built pair of binoculars with interchangeable eyepieces, the BT-82XL-ED is an wonderful choice.
Kevin Busarow –
Thanks for your review! I find that the Baader Morpheus line of 76-degree eyepieces are excellent in the XL Series. They’re relatively lightweight and are close to parfocal (except for the 17mm) with the supplied 14mm, they don’t have those annoying barrel undercuts, and are significantly less than Televue. Customer favorites are the 9mm and 6.5mm. The Explore Scientific 82-degree 6.7mm is also very nice, for even less cost.
John Davignon –
We purchased a BT-82XL-ED with a 5000 series Tripod and could not be happier. We looked at other large binoculars and could not find the quality and clarity that the Oberwerk’s model provides. This is a truly magnificent piece of optical equipment. Although we are really novices, we always wanted a good telescope but had trouble adjusting to a single eyepiece. This binocular system gives us the best of terrestrial and astronomical viewing through two eyepieces (no need for squinting through one eye and closing the other). To date we have done more terrestrial viewing than astronomical, and it is quite amazing to see the ski slopes several miles across the valley from us and the detail of the decks surrounding the restaurant at the top. Kevin and crew were able to deliver our binocular a day early, so we could view the last big moon and it was quite spectacular through the BT-82XL-ED. We have been viewing Jupiter and 4 of its moons and Saturn with its rings, all of which are extremely clear and sharp. The 5000 series tripod is everything that we need, we love the stability and especially the ability to lower and raise it quickly so both my wife, who is short, and I can view objects. It is also very light weight for its size and easy to move it in and out of our house. This is just another reason to enjoy winter when the sky gets dark early and the planets pop out.
From a purely business and support point of view, Kevin and the team are wonderful to work with. I definitely had a lot of questions and concerns which Kevin answered quickly and to the point. In the end I feel we got the right equipment for the right price from the right company.
Howard Doll (verified owner) –
I purchased the BT 82 XL, and have been amazed ever since. Everything arrived well packaged (including the Oberwerk PM 1, and TR 3 tripod). The case is very nice and solid. Upon opening, I was impressed the binos had a nice bag to place them in. Additionally, the 14mm 70 degree had a nice space to place them in.
I waited until our star party, so can really put them to work. The binos were easy to set up, and test focus. Once focused, the view jumped in my face. I really enjoyed the flat field (no image distortion), pinpoint stars and a velvety background. I brought other eyepieces I knew I could use. I did not touch them. I spent the entire night with these binos and the provided eyepieces. Not only are the Oberwerk eyepieces the “sweet spot”, the whole bino is as well! It was a great session.
Very easy to set IPD and focus, one is ready for a great astro night, or day for other observing. The bino is fun to use, as well as my whole setup. Thanks to Kevin for helping me with this purchase.
Vince Giovinazzo –
I recently purchased the 82mm XL-ED Binocular Telescope, with additional eyepieces, (maple) tripod, and multi-reticle finder.
This entire set-up is exceptional, as is the service and help from Kevin and the Oberwerk team. I live at the ocean and have the opportunity to view boats, whales, and dolphins by day, and stars by night, all of which can be easily and clearly viewed with this
equipment.
Aesthetically, the beautiful pearl telescope sits on an attractive maple tripod. The multi-reticle finder makes it easy to identify the desired object, and the dual eyepiece lenses, with adjustable viewing mounts, makes it as easy and comfortable to focus as regular binoculars.
Whatever frustration and lack of performance that I had experienced with previous “one-eye” telescopes was completely erased the minute I started using this high quality Binocular Telescope.
Ray Bureau (verified owner) –
This is the finest optical instrument that I have ever put to my eyes. The fit and finish are just superb beyond all expectations.
Everyone that has anything to do with marketing this should be very proud. Just remember cheap things are of little value and valuable things are not cheap. Worth every penny. When the fun money account recovers I will the get the other two pair of eyepieces. Only gave them 5 stars because 10 was not an option.
Rick D. (verified owner) –
The BT82 is a beautiful instrument. Excellent construction with quality objective lenses, focusers and eyepieces. I’ve had mine for a couple of weeks now and have been searching out the brighter Messier objects in the spring sky, and have been rewarded with amazing views of globular clusters and galaxies from my back yard. I’m in an area with moderate to severe light pollution but this binocular telescope performs, and is just the ticket for easy setup and relaxed observing.
The included 14mm eyepieces are very good, and give pinpoint images out to about 80% of the field. Eye relief is also as advertised. The 14mm focal length is a perfect blend of magnification and field of view. I’m using these eyepieces while wearing glasses, which I had never liked to do when using a telescope. Nice.
I also got the Series 5000 tripod head and it works very well for its price. It just takes a bit of practice to get the altitude drag and lock set to your liking for holding the instrument when pointing high in the sky.
I should also mention that Kevin shipped these out very fast and the packaging was robust, to say the least.
If you are contemplating purchasing these, don’t hesitate…and don’t forget to get the ret dot finder for easy pointing.
Bill White (verified owner) –
I have had my eye on a binocular telescope for years. I’ve done more research than I care to admit. After reviewing all of my options, I felt the only option was to go with Oberwerk.
After years of dropping hints to my family, I got the 82 XL-ED for Father’s Day. I just unpacked everything yesterday and cannot say enough good things about this company or my product.
I had a slight issue when I got everything assembled. I sent Kevin an email on a Sunday afternoon not expecting a response until the next day. However, to my surprise, he responded within minutes with the perfect solution.
I have a fabulous view of the downtown skyline from several miles away. I can now accurately see and describe what I’ve been viewing all of these years. I haven’t had a chance to view the night sky yet. However, I’m confident those views will be equally amazing. Especially since I also got the 7mm eyepieces.
I opted for the Series 5000 tripod/head in order to have more mobility. It is equally impressive.. Sturdy yet easily mobile.
Great products combined with exceptional (responsive) service equals very satisfied customers. I would highly recommend Oberwerk to anyone looking for binoculars or binocular telescopes. I will certainly return for any other products I may need in the future.
Jim Cherrington (verified owner) –
Very pleased with the BT 82 XL. binoculars . They are quite amazing . Clarity , focusing , and no corner hues. Did purchase all the matched eye pieces and they did not disappoint. The tri pod 5000 series and head is really a must have. Aluminum spotting scopes works perfect. Small investment for a huge return in performance. Linda was extremely helpful with the delivery process and accommodations I requested. Again I really am enjoying the day sky and the night sky with the binoculars. Everyone that has looked through them have been impressed. Thanks for a great experience and a great product.
Cody (verified owner) –
Like many others, I found I prefer night sky viewing with two eyes as opposed to one (through a telescope). The quality, fit and finish of this BT-82 are superb, and it performs really well for astronomy under darks skies. I live in an urban /suburban area with far too much light pollution to view ANY stars well, no matter the instrument. I did travel last night just 5 minutes from the edge of suburbia and viewed away from the city; the night sky was 100x darker /better for astronomy, and the views through this instrument were stunning and comfortably had. The provided case is solid and functional. Overall, an awesome binocular for astronomy, though you will need /want to drive 5-10 minutes outside the city for best results.
Gary (verified owner) –
Wow! The BT-82XL-ED is better than any glass I’ve ever owned. The 5000 series Tripod is very sturdy, plenty tall and came with a sturdy bag. Our primary purpose has ship/boat watching on the Chesapeake Bay but we have star gazing planned for the near future. Besides the excellent optics; the hard case could withstand a world tour, the pearl finish is perfect, and delivery was expedited.
Thank you Kevin for the education and your recommendation for my particular situation. I could not be more pleased.
Scott Clausen (verified owner) –
We purchased this unit as a house warming gift for some friends. First, it arrived at our home where we were so pleased to see the effort that went into packaging and shipping this binocular and the tripod. The packaging alone is worth five stars.
The binoculars are a beauty and so powerful! We tried them out before giving them to our friends and we are now saving for our own pair.
We presented the binoculars to our friends and they were like kids at Christmas. I was assured that the binoculars will get plenty of use viewing the Straits of Juan de Fuca and the night sky.
We couldn’t be happier with the products of Oberwerk and will always recommend them to anyone who wants the power and quality of their products. My only regret is that I did not visit them during a trip to Dayton
MARC J ROSEN (verified owner) –
Quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service and communication. Highest praise. Recommend purchase of the wood tripod itself a thing of beauty matched only by the stunning view through these impeccable binoculars!
George Plumfield (verified owner) –
These have proved to be a great purchase and provided many nights now of new-for-me binocular observing. The finish is beautiful and fit for the eye positioning and focusing is great. The handle makes nightly setup easy and being able to store the BTs in their great case with the N608 QR plate is a plus. While the provided the EPs are quite good I have settle on using TV 19mm (and just purchased 24mm) PanOptic EPs.
Major pluses are that the view is true N-S; E-F. It really does make navigating around easier. Also using both eyes is a definite plus. No need for an eye patch!
Purchased with the TR tripod and Nitrotech 608 head.
All heartily recommended!
Glenn P Basore (verified owner) –
I purchased the BT-82XL-ED about a week or so ago (09-26-22) looking for something to take with me on camping trips that was light weight and didn’t take up much space.
A little bit of my background, I’m an amateur astronomer for the past 15 years building my own 12.5″ f/5 Dob’s which I really enjoy but at age 74 its getting a bit heavy at 125 lb’s for me to pack and carry with me on trips in my Chevy Tahoe.
So….I wanted something light weight and big enough to see some deep sky objects when I came across the BT-82XL-ED.
I was skeptical at first to think a pair of binoculars could even come close to what my viewing had been with my Dob’s however, after a week of observing in the White Mountains near Bishop , California and at an altitude of 7,300 feet, I was able to see every deep sky object that I had seen using my Dob’s. This was amazing, the smallest and hardest object was the Ring Nebula which I could barely make out but it was there. The Ring Nebula was difficult to find even with my Dob’s as well.
I spent most of the night looking at faint and distant celestial objects and was pleasantly surprised how sharp and clear the celestial objects were using the BT-82XL-ED. The flame Nebula, Lagoon Nebula, Whirlpool Galaxy, Globular Clusters were all clear and sharply images.
I’m very pleased with the BT-82XL-ED , they meet all my celestial observing needs in a fraction of the size and weight of my Dob’s.
Andrew (verified owner) –
1. I bought the Oberwerk BT-82XL-ED. Before you go for one of the larger binoculars, try holding a dumbbell of the same weight with your arm outstretched and at shoulder height.
2. Eyepieces. I bought all three pairs of eyepieces. It’s a toss-up which is the better for clusters; the 14mm or the 22mm. I do a lot of star-hopping and so favor the 22mm. The 14mm and the 22mm are both superb, and that is by the standards of TeleVue and Takahashi. The seeing conditions here and my astigmatism and my cataracts are so bad that I haven’t passed judgement on the 7mm.
3. Wood tripod. It’s a pretty tripod and it works. It’s also light, and surely could not take as much very rough handling as could a heavy metal unit. It fits nicely inside the 46” TENBA triangular tripod bag. The latter is perfect for tossing into the back of the car, but I’d be reluctant to fly it.
4. Fork. I’m a fan of high-end industrial design, which usually turns out to be Italian. Well, the fork hits for the triple: finish, form and function. Of special importance are the very comfortable knurled knobs on the altitude axis and the very smooth clutches.
5. Binoculars. It’s hard to know where to begin, so I won’t start. The executive summary is that these are perhaps the most satisfying purchase I have ever made.
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