Astronomy binoculars - Hilkinson? (1 Viewer)

[Bencw]

I have had in mind for some time to get a binocular that I can tripod mount for looking at the moon and night sky. I sometimes use an old 10x35 or my Zeiss 8x32 for this and its not something I do regular so I'm not really looking for anything needing major expense, a used binocular probably, just something of higher magnification that gives a good sharp image of the moons craters etc.
I have seen a vintage Hilkinson Solus 20 x 70 Binocular for sale and wondered if anyone has used these and can give an opinion? or other recommendations, another moderately priced I have looked at is the Kronus 20x60.

Ben

 

[Binastro]

. Hi Ben,
generally Hilkinson binoculars are good if they're made in Japan.
I do have such a 20 x 70 bought from the importers.
It is high quality and an excellent binocular although it has a tiny dead insect in it.
Also the field is a lot narrower than marked on the prism cover top plate.
However, I think this is just a mistake and from memory it was marked maybe 3.5° but is only 2.6° .

I would avoid the Russian 20 x 60 but I would definitely go for the Soviet made 20 x 60 marked made in USSR.
After the breakup of the Soviet Union the quality of these binoculars declined dramatically. Some of the Russian ones are passable but most are not worth having.
However, the Soviet ones vary from good to excellent and in some cases superb but you are unlikely to find the very best ones.
so I think the dates to go for are pre-1989 it may be that the serial number contains the date although on the Russian ones a cheap cover to the spindle is marked with the date.

Addition.
The 20 x70 binocular that I have is not marked Solus, so Hilkinson may have different versions may be from different Japanese factories.
However, I think if it is a Japanese 20 x 70 it should be okay although it might need collimation if it has been knocked out.

 

[typo]

Hilkinson was bought by Viking last year and what's left of their stock seems to be listed on sale at their Optical Centre website. There is a 9x60, 11x70 and 25x100 listed but I didn't spot a 20x70. http://www.vikingopticalcentres.co.uk/sale?p=1

David

 

[Bencw]

. Hi Ben,
generally Hilkinson binoculars are good if they're made in Japan.

Hi Binastro,

Yes, they are made in Japan, have the quality control sticker, and they are Solus. I think I might go for these, if the price is ok would be happy to get collimated if needed, if its just a tweak of the lens ring needed could manage that myself anyway. Thanks for the tip on Russian bins too, I have some USSR 8x30 and they are good, and missed an older soviet 20x60 last week, thinking that maybe the later Kronus was more or less the same.

Ben

 

[Binastro]

. Thanks David,
the Japanese 20 x 70 that I'm talking about is probably 1970s.
1980s should also be good.
if the 20 x 70 Solus is made in China and a cheaper one I wouldn't buy it although a good quality made in China should be okay.

There are also 20 x 65 and 20 x 70 made in Japan perhaps called Viper which are also usually good.

 

[Bencw]

Hilkinson was bought by Viking last year and what's left of their stock seems to be listed on sale at their Optical Centre website. There is a 9x60, 11x70 and 25x100 listed but I didn't spot a 20x70. http://www.vikingopticalcentres.co.uk/sale?p=1

David

Thanks David,
Very interesting looking at these sale items, the 25x100 is now out of stock, the Leica bins are a hell of lot of money even in the sale. I saw a mint (hardly used) zeiss conquest going for £250 the other day, it sold for that price and judging by these sale prices, if it is mint the buyer got a bargain I reckon.

 

[typo]

the 25x100 is still listed as in stock on the old Claritas website. I was told Robert (?) was kept on by Viking. It might be worth trying the telephone number listed if you are interested.
http://www.claritas-online.co.uk/bi...ation-binoculars/hilkinson-25x100-neptune-bif

David

 

[Bencw]

Thanks David,

I will keep this in mind, I may go for this if I don't get the solus.

 

[Bencw]

Bought the Hilkinson 20x70

Well, I bought the Hilkinson solus, it's ok, the glass is all good, and despite a bit of dust inside it gives a decent view,however I initially found it a bit difficult to focus, closer inspection showed that the left ocular arm was cracked and moving about. Not the end of the world as I have another Japanese made binocular I bought for £5 at a boot sale for spare bits, and the ocular arm was identical.