| Brand and Model: | Helios 20x60 Stellar |
| Price ($USD): | £124.95 |
| Attributes: |  Waterproof  Armored |
| Objective Lens Size: | 60 mm |
| Magnification: | 20 x |
| Prism Type: | Bak4 Porro |
| Coatings: | Fully Multi-Coated |
| Field of View: | 3.3 degrees |
| Eye Relief: | 0 mm |
| Near Focus: | 27 ft |
| Weight (lbs): | 50 oz. |
| Dimensions (w/h/d): | 260x215x75mm |
| Description: | Helios 20x60 Stellar
A larger aperture and higher magnification. Better for viewing the Moon and satellites of the planets. The larger magnification does mean that these should really be tripod mounted in use. These are also popular with race goers and plane spotters who want high power in a relatively small package.
These Russian binoculars seem to be advertised everywhere nowadays. They have some peculiar attributes. They are extremely sharp in the middle of the field. However,I can't say the same about the edges, because I can't see them. The quality does drop off somewhat as one goes from the centre to where the edges should be. There is not much eye relief, but it doesn't matter much, since the 3mm exit pupil reduces the effect of astigmatism on eyeglass wearers. I do sometimes get the feeling though, that my eyes are close to being glued to the binocular's eyepieces. I found these binoculars to be very good in my moderately light polluted backyard. But didn't like them much at my dark sky site, there being a mushiness to the dark background that I found annoying (but this could be the fault of my eyesight, rather than of the binoculars). Beginners have been more impressed looking through these binoculars than through my telescopes. The moon looks like a sphere rather than a disc, and Jupiter gives the impression of looking at a marble in the sky. However, the most spectacular views come from observing the larger open clusters. The Andromeda galaxy also looks very good in these binoculars, but when it comes to nebula, I prefer using my 10X70s. My pair does not have a threaded socket for attaching a binocular adapter into the central axis of the main shaft, so I had to use an adapter that went around the central shaft instead. A tripod is essential for anything other than a couple of minutes viewing. I also replaced the eyeguards with the winged ones that Orion sell, which gave me slightly more usable eyerelief. I have never tried the yellow filters that came with these binoculars, which are supposedly for use in fog. Given how cheap they are, I have little hesitation in recommending them. Many people spend more on the cost of a wide angle/low power eyepiece for their telescope, which does not give as enthralling a view of open clusters as does this pair of binoculars. Renato.Alessio@defence.gov.au
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