Denkmeier Binoviewer Special Offer (closed)

rlow · Post by **rlow** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 2:33 pm

Denkmeier has a special Astro-Club (10%) Rebate Program valid for Aug 06.

I have corresponded with Russ (the president of Denkmeier) and he has kindly consented to extend it as a 10% direct discount for Singastro members, for the Standard or Denk II Power x Switch packages or other accessories. So if there are any Singastro member who wants to order together, kindly sms or pm me.

wucheeyiun · Post by **wucheeyiun** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 2:39 pm

Whats is the price of the binoviewer?

rlow · Post by **rlow** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 3:11 pm

There are various packages available, depending whether you want the Standard or Denk II, and whether you want an optimised package for refractor, newtonian or SCT, or 'universal' package for using the binoviewer on any scope. Pls see the website denkmeier.com for prices and details.

mrngbss · Post by **mrngbss** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 11:57 pm

Thank Richard for enquiring on behalf of the SingAstro members!

For discussion purpose. Why would you/any one of you want a binoviewer? How about eyepieces? What is optimum/suitable?

Thanks!

rlow · Post by **rlow** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 7:55 pm

Why binoviewer? It is best that you look through a binoviewer and decide whether it is worthwhile to you to put in money to buy and use one. This may not be suit everyone, because of eye condition, or viewing habits, or because you don't want to sink in money for it. You can also read online reviews about other poeple's experience in using them.

Someone asked me about the difference between the Denkmeier Standard and Denkmeier II binoviewers. I suggest you check their website and look under the "Binoviewer ala carte" for a clear explanation and comparison table. Comparison reviews can be found on Cloudynight and Astromart reviews.

About eyepieces: you have to get them in identical pairs, obviously. With the Denkmeier Power x Switch system, one pair of eyepieces can give you at least three different magnification just by pushing/pulling a lever. I think that is important, as you don't have to invest in too many pairs of eyepieces and bring around too many pairs too. Also, to switch just one lever is definitely much more convenient than switching 4 eyepieces. This Powerswitch is also available on the Denkmeier diagonals, or your WO diagonals can be retrofitted, though Russ says it is currently not practical for him to do retrofit jobs for international customers.

Optimum/suitable eyepieces: For the Denkmeier binoviewers, you can read their website under "FAQ" for a detailed recommendation for each type of telescope.

rlow · Post by **rlow** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 8:40 pm

Just to clarify: upon request, Russ has kindly consented to extended his offer for 10% discount on any binoviewer package, or even any single item, D21 or D14 eyepieces, Powerswitch diagonal, OCS, etc as long as we have a consolidated order by the end of this month.

From my discussion with Russ, I found our that for those who are considering to get Denk II ala carte, please note this is without the OCS or dual-arm Power x switch. Fast Newtonians need the OCS & Powerswitch to reach focus. Hence those with f/5 Newtonian should therefore consider the Denk II PxS Newtonian package (optimised for Newt) or Denk II PxS Universal Package (for those using on Newt as well as other types of scope).

Tachyon · Post by **Tachyon** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 9:23 am

Note also that DK binoviewers are heavier and add weight to the Dobs. The D14 have very good reviews but it is currently out of my budget (I have a freeze on eyepiece budgets until 2008).

rlow · Post by **rlow** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 2:42 pm

Here are some weight comparison for various binoviewers:

Baader Mark V = 1020g
Denk Std or Denk II = 818g
Celestron = 768g
Televue = 568g
Burgess = 521g

If you want to use any binoviewer, you already have to make sure your mount can take the additional weight of binoviewer & 2 eyepieces, and you have to rebalance your setup. Yes, Andrew is right that there is a minor increase in weight for Denk compared to some others. But I would give the 'optical quality' and 'scope versatility' and 'usage convenience' more important consideration than an extra 200g increase in weight. Hence, I would not just buy the lightest binoviewer available.

Yes, the D21s and D14s have very good reviews. And they have been tested as a matched pair for binoviewing.

wucheeyiun · Post by **wucheeyiun** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 3:10 pm

Wow, this is tempting...
what is holding me back is the Siebert Black Knight Elite 40 2" Binoviewer. ( This is my impossible dream Binoviewer - dielectric mirror base)

Post by **acc** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 4:30 pm

I couldn't really find any optical difference between Denk's Big Easy and the humble $200 Burgess binoviewer when doing side-by-side comparisons on the same scope. (despite all those cloudynights posts about the denk blowing the burgess out of the water... IMO its all hype and percieved "quality" due to the large price difference between the two). May be worth checking this out http://www.burgessoptical.com/Accessori ... wer24.html instead.