- Garrett Optical Binocular Articles & Reviews -
Classic 8x42 DCF-TWP
I recieved my Garrett 8x42 DCF-TWP roof prism binos and I have to say I have been impressed. I use these for general purpose daytime and as my scanner/finders at night. While they may not see as deep as [my 70mm binoculars], I have to say they are sharper and have more contrast, very light, very small and the diopter adjustment is clickstop and stays put where you set it. [...] All in all I've very happy with them.
- Bernie Kean
Classic 10x50 PCF-WP
I'm seeing some amazing objects in the night sky! These glasses present a poster quality image of Andromeda and other galaxies and clusters in all their brilliance. Razor sharp craters on the moon. Superb quality for such an affordable price. [It] does the heart good to see that you can still get good value for your money. Excellent customer service as well.
- Sue Mallen
Signature 10x50 HD-WP
Ordering on-line was an easy process. [...] The order was followed with an order and a shipped confirmation emails. [...] The shipping box was delivered in very good conditionand clearly marked fragile. [...] The binocular was wrapped in bubble wrap in the nylon carry case. Inside the carry case was the binocular wrapped in a plastic bag and an accessory pocket with a lens pen, lens cloth, binocular strap, and carry case strap. [...] All of the equipment was in perfect condition and accompanied with easy to read documentation. The binocular purchase is my first astronomy tool. I want to find Messier objects and to have on-hand at sky watches. The stars are pin point at the edge and just as clear as the center of the viewing area. I am totally satisfied with the richness of the objects, weight/balance, comfort holding at any angle, integrated caps, and Garrett purchase experience. Thank you for your customer service and I have recommended your products to others in the NH Astronomical Society.
- Bill Steele
Gemini 15x70 LW
The binoculars arrived and I just wanted to tell you how pleased I am with them. I did a side by side comparison last night with my 12 x 60’s and the difference was surprisingly quite noticeable in brightness. The amazing thing was that your 15 x 70’s were even a little lighter than the 12 x 60’s. Although I do have a mount, most of my binocular viewing is hand held, so the weight is an important factor. The binocs arrived in perfect collimation and I am more than pleased. For the price, I doubt that there is much better out there and I think that the 15 x 70 set up is perfect for most astronomical viewing [...].
- Mark Pacini
[As] part of an astronomy club with over 150 members [...] I have had the opportunity to observe with several types and brands of binoculars. I carefully chose the 15X70 Lightweight Giant Binoculars. They are perfect for lawn chair viewing. Amazing views of many objects the first night out at the observatory: crescent moon, double cluster, Dumbell Nebula, and of course the Orion Nebula. I enjoy looking at open clusters such as the Pleiades and these binocs are a treat for such observing. They are large enough to enjoy observing and light enough to handle. Garrett optics has the highest quaility binoculars I have observed with so far. Many of the club members think so too as they borrowed my binooculars to take a look.
- Teresa Kincannon
I wanted to write a little review [...] what I can say is that I've been trying them out on daytime viewing and they are amazing. I was treated to a surprise this morning when I looked out my window and there were lots (maybe 15 or 20) hot air balloons floating over the city (I live in Colorado Springs). I got out my new 15x70 LW and I was able to see very clearly the people standing in the basket. I watched as they fired up the flames to ascend and I could even see the expressions on their faces way up in the sky. I scoped the nearby mountains here and noticed incredible details that are impossible to see otherwise, such as a radio/television antenna high up on a mountain I never knew was there. The sense of "being there" and in 3D that these binoculars afford is amazing. I drove near a field where one of the balloons had landed and even though I was maybe 200 yards from the people, when I looked at the scene through the 15x70's, I felt like I was right there and could even read the lips of the people talking to each other.
- Nader Matin-Nia
The LW's arrived today, and I'm pleased ... I like the feel of these and the views they provide: I gave them a test drive on some evening stars. Wow! All in all, thanks for a fine product [...].
- John Stocker
I just thought I would let you know that I have used the 15x70 binoculars I ordered from you several times in the past few weeks. They are just about perfect for what I need a hand held binocular for. They are a fairly large jump up in performance from the 11x56 model I used for over a year before I sold them to a co-worker recently. I got to use the 15x70 side by side with the 11x56 pair on evening before I sold them. The targets I observed were several of the Messier objects in the constellation Sagittarius, the moon and M13-the globular cluster in Hercules. The larger aperture made the star clusters and nebula noticeably brighter and brought out more detail with the slightly higher magnification. The 15x70 pair were heavier, but not to the point my arms got tired after a few minutes. There is a little more image-shake than the 11x56 pair, but not too much. The thing I liked about the 11x56 pair was the wider field of view-6 degrees compared to 4.3 degrees. [...]. I primarily use the 15x70 pair to find my target, then slew my 6" SCT to the same region in the sky [...]. All in all, I am very satisfied with the 15x70 binoculars I purchased from you and will give them a workout whenever I get the chance to [...].
- Bill Barlow
As advertised, these binoculars offer a superb tradeoff between aperture, magnification, and weight (or lessening thereof). A night of viewing M42, M41, and M93 confirmed that even in light-polluted urban skies, the 4.3° FOV makes this instrument a classic Richest Field Telescope par excellence.
- Margo Schulter
Signature 15x70 HD-WP and 10.5x70 HD-WP
The ample eye relief of the Garrett Optical 10.5 X 70 Signatures affords full field DSO views for this very myopic eyeglass wearer. At the time of purchase, it was apparent to me that the robust build quality of these binoculars and G.O.'s quality control procedures were already a known in the binocular community. The purchase decision was therefore quite easy. In addition to eye relief, the large and bright exit pupils have allowed others to easily enjoy the views. When mounted upon a tripod, even the most casual bystanders instantly become observers when their eyes approach the oculars. From my 9-year old Daughter to my 76-year old Dad, and those of many ages in between, the results have always been positive, with nary a frown, squint, or grimace.
- Neal P. Robichaux (10.5x70)
Yesterday I have the 15x70 Garrett Signature and the 20x80 Gemini in my hands, here in Buenos Aires. And they are really very, very nice and precise instruments, especially the 15x70's. I'm very happy with them, and last night I enjoyed stunnign views of the southern Milky Way (Eta Carina Nebula, and a lot of big clusters near it), the Jewell Box in the Southern Cross, and classics: Pleiades, Orion Nebula, M44, M41, M35.... The 2 binos arrived in excellent condition, very well protected in the big box with a lot of "peanuts" that Marco, my little son (2), scattered all over my house... my wife almost killed us! [...] I want to thank you a lot. I´m very happy with the binos and your expert and very professional attention. And surely you will hear [from] me in the future, and I have some friends searching for binoculars.
- Mariano Ribas (15x70)
Greetings! Just so that you know, I received the 15x70 SS binoculars in perfect condition here in India. I wanted to thank you for the excellent customer service throughout this purchase. I appreciate your helping me choose the right binoculars and promptly answering my queries, and I truly felt I was dealing in-person with you, face-to-face! I would certainly recommend Garrett Optical to any of my fellow recreational star-gazers. Thanks again.
- Sudheer Sankaran (15x70)
The optics on the GO 15x70 look very nice, the coatings appear superb with very little reflection. Exit pupils are very round and the individual focus eyepieces are firm to turn but they operate very smoothly. Eye relief is good for me. Bottom Line: I like them. Alot.
- Bill Goddard (15x70)
Gemini 20x80 LW
I received my binoculars promptly and perfectly collimated. Thank you for a great product [and] for a very good price [...] and I am WELL pleased.
- Phil Brown
I have only had my Garrett binocular since the end of July but I have been putting it to the test with both astronomy & watching birds. The reason I purchased the Garrett Gemini Giant binocular is I wanted something DIFFERENT from the ordinary, everyday field binoculars. Looking at the full moon through this binocular is nothing short of incredible. The Garrett Gemini binocular is so much brighter & clearer & sharper than anything I own. You would have to experience the difference to really appreciate it. With my other binoculars it just is not as exciting. (80mm really makes a big difference). I do long-distance bird watching at one of our local State Park Lakes. I really am thankful for not only the magnification but also the light-gathering capability. This binocular is wide-field & sometimes I feel like I can reach out & touch whatever it is that I am viewing. (Of course, this much magnification requires a solid tripod.) [...]. The Garrett Optical Gemini 20X80 LightWeight Binoculars are of the highest quality & I can't say enough good things about them. I am so very impressed with this product, & this company, that I am looking forward to owning other models as well. [...].
- Stan Baniszewski
Signature 22x85 HD-WP and 15x85 HD-WP
So how does this bino make me feel when I look through it? Like singing! The images are bright and easy to hold. The center is usably as sharp as any FOV should be. The sharpness across the field is quite good as well. Best of all is the insane color and contrast. When I plant my eyes into the eyepieces, I get the sensation of flying in space, and who wouldn’t love that.
The "pin-pointedness" of stars is still a captivating experience. If I look for it, I can see the beginings of astigmatism in the last 25% of the FOV, but even then it is well controlled. The inner 75% is tight. Frankly, I seldom concern myself with the edges, so I always come away with the impression of "premium" views.
- Jason Scherff (15x85)
Last night's wander through Cygnus was a great gift from above. My local western sky is unsuable, and my window for viewing Cygnus is rapidly closing now. Even though it was at the zenith and my neck is now killing me, I am glad I got to take these GO Signature bins on a quick tour of the area. [...] The Milky Way starfields were like a scattering of COLORED jewels across black velvet. I fell in love with binocular stargazing all over again.
- Mike Gilmer, Yahoo Giant Astro Binoculars Forum Moderator (22x85)
I'm very critical when it comes to binocular performance. What good is a wide FOV, if half of it is distorted? These Garretts initially appear to meet all my criteria for a very good to excellent pair of astronomical binoculars. Star fields are very sharp on axis and remain so across almost all of the FOV. I could detect only a hint of on-axis CA. Lateral merging is very good. (I dislike a figure eight FOV.) The 3 degree FOV is my minimum tolerance for "widefield" viewing and 22x is a good magnification for the moon and for all but the largest DSO's. At 10 lbs. they are easy to handle and can be accomodated by a variety of lighter mounting arrangements. I can use my deep sky filters with them. Their 12mm eye relief is adequate, albeit a bit short. They have nice armoring and come with a solid case. [...] As you can tell, I really like the Signature 22x85 HD-WP binoculars from Garrett. I know there is no such thing as Nirvana when it comes to optics [...]each binocular model will have its advantages and its drawbacks, and personal preferences will also be a factor. But IMHO, among the choices of excellent binoculars that we have today, these binos are one of the best buys available.
- Ed Kessler (22x85)
Gemini 25x100 WP
These binoculars perform at a much higher level than the price would lead you to expect. Delivered double boxed in an aluminum pre-cut foam case. Excellent coatings on all surfaces deliver crisp images. The individual focus on each ocular is wonderful for astronomical viewing. I have a set of 15 x 70 binoculars from a well known supplier, and these blow them away as far as what you can see, and have much less false color.
- Ken Russel
After spending 3 nights at the viewing end of my new 25X100 binoculars, all I can say is WOW! I spent hours and hours rediscovering all the objects in the sky that I thought I'd already seen and knew so well. What a new found and enjoyable perspective on the sky! And a welcome break from the computerized go-to SCTs. Under extremely dark, dry and moonless Arizona skies outside Snowflake, AZ my first sighting was comet Swan. I'll always remember my jaw dropping. It was big, bright and a far far cry from the view through my 7X50 [...]. Thanks for the service, products, prices and views that you bring to the amateur astronomer looking to break out of their rut and discover a new way to see the heavens. WOW!
- Bill Wood
The Garrett Optical Gemini 25x100s are the real thing. They give great views of stars, clusters, Galaxies and Nebulae. They exhibit a very high quality of build and Zach Garrett inspires confidence in his readiness to stand by his product. They’re not for Lunar or Planetary observing – they’ll do an OK job there, but the color (Chromatic Abberation) on the moon and the flaring on bright objects like planets will prove distracting. If you decide to acquire these make sure you’ve got a mount that will easily handle the ten pounds, do take the time to balance them correctly, and seriously consider adding an index finder. So configured and equipped, they will provide outstanding and memorable tours of the night sky.
- Art Fritzson
I have used a variety of binoculars (and telescopes) for astronomy for many years, and took a long time to decide which '100s' I wanted. After reading numerous reviews, I chose these, and bought them from you because of your "we check the optics and collimation" promise. The 25X100 IF work great right out of the box. These are impressive, cost effective hardware to keep on a tripod by the back door for "grab & go" viewing. [...] just came in from spending time with the Pleiades, Saturn, Orion, Beehive, Double Cluster, etc. Best binocular views I have had from my back yard. As an unexpected bonus, they have enough focus range to allow me to view without my 7 diopter (nearsighted) glasses on! I did not expect that. [...] Thank you.
- Bill Halsey
The 25 x 100 WPs are fantastic—even better than I expected. I have been sketching a variety of Messier objects and found the following numbers: M3, 10, 12, 14, 53, 57, 63, 64, 65, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97, 101, 108 and NGC4490, a small galaxy just off Chara in Canes Venatici. If there is some off-center coma it certainly isn’t as bothersome as some have stated on the internet—although maybe I’m just not as discriminating. Yes there is color fringing around bright objects, but I have my Vixen 90mm FL for Jupiter, Saturn and Venus. I didn’t find views of the moon at all objectionable. The 25 x 100s are really helping me re-hone my starhopping skills. The T-Mount Light really works well and is rock solid atop my Bogen tripod [...]. Everything is working beautifully and I really find the 1X finderscope helpful. I highly recommend both the 25 x 100 WP binoculars and the T-Mount. I do feel the centerpost extension is a requirement, at least it is for my interpupilary distance. Set up and take down is a snap and the T-Mount really gives me a comfortable view from a lawn chair. Even though I got the CP version the binoculars hold focus beautifully—even pointed at the zenith. I expect all the Messier objects should be viewable from my backyard as well as a substantial number of the Herschel list. Anyway, thanks for providing a great product and service to back it up.
- Mark Sisson
These are sturdy well made binoculars with excellent anti reflective coatings. They came perfectly collimated with no eye strain to achieve sharp focus. Last night I put these binoculars side by side with an older pair of 100's (from another company) that cost over $1000. The Garrett Optical's gave more detail with lunar craters, and sharper separation in the double star Albeiro. The Pleiades were magnificient just filling the entire field of view. I am a long time amateur Astronomer, past president of 2 Astronomy clubs and a binocular fanatic, [having owned] at least 6 pairs. I strongly recommend these binoculars.
- Dennis Mishler
Gemini 30x100 WP-IF
I just wanted to say thank you for the whole experience of buying from you. The Binoculars (Gemini 30x100 WP-IF) arrived extremely quickly, very well packed and in perfect collimation. Communication from you was fantastic and very reassuring at all times. I had my first chance to use them last night and was blown away by the scale and clarity of the images they provided. They show wonderful extension in the brighter Messier galaxies, stars are near pin points in 85% plus of the field and the combination of excellent coatings, superb mechanical build, aperture and power make these binoculars a superb bargain at the price (even taking international freight and customs duty into account!). All in all i couldn't be happier. Thank you!
- Richard Duff (U.K.)
Recently I got the chance to travel to the Canadian north and had pretty decent skies there. Unfortunately, it was way too cold for serious observing, but I could really understand what these binoculars are capable of. The Pleiades were indescribably beautiful, M42 showed amazing detail, darker and brighter regions, and M44 looked like diamond grains on black velvet. I am very pleased with my Garretts, I think I made the right choice. The extra magnification is the real deal for me, and I find the decrease in FOV compared to the 25x model to be negligible. The quality is exceptional for this price, with better than average fit and finish. And the views- they will amaze everyone, whether one likes astronomy or one's just curious to see what those monster binoculars can do. I would definitely recommend buying these binoculars. Don't worry about the TFOV, it's not like looking through a keyhole, like I initially thought! And with this price, you can't go wrong. You will never regret to own them, it's a good investment, build to last for a lifetime.
- Victor Barbu (Canada)
Signature 28x110 HD-WP and 20x110 HD-WP
I chose the 20x110s because I wanted one thing – comfort. The 22mm eye-relief is great and the large exit pupils (5.5) make eye placement more forgiving. With an FOV of 2.7 degrees it frames objects like M31 quite nicely. For the first time I was able to see the North American Nebula without any guessing and I saw the neighboring Pelican Nebula as well. My views of NGC 884 & 869 were the best I’ve ever seen. Edge performance is excellent. Across the valley from where I live is a mountain range with some old burnt trees on top. Actually they look like telephone poles. I put a pair of these trees in the center FOV and panned the binoculars so the trees were on the very outside edge of the FOV and they stayed separated. Normally when I do this test with binoculars the two trees become one at the outside edge. Not very scientific but it works for me.
- Rick Miseroy (20x110)
Received the bino's Saturday on as scheduled... Set them up on a Surveyors tripod with a Bogen 400 geared head (weight capacity - 22 lbs.)... And since I never do things as others do, I successfully got rid of the bad weather we'd been having here in NE Florida for the past 2 weeks ... No new equipment stormy weather syndrome here! Was extremely pleased with their performance ... Absolutely gorgeous views of Comet Holmes, Andromeda and the Pleiades. Made my 16x70's set up next to them seem puny and pale. I previously had [another brand] 25x100IF, and never really got excited by them... These, I fell in love with. The first thing I really noticed was - good covers for the eyepieces and objectives! They actually will stay on yet are easy to get off! Funny more makers can't get this small - yet important - detail correct. The only problem that I had with that setup was when attempting to observe overhead... And I think the only answer for that is going to be a parallelogram mount, either to build one, or obtain a Universal Astronomics Millennum mount. [...]. Again, simply wanted to take the time to let you know how happy I am with them... I think too often, people are quick to write when they have a complaint, I like to forward comments when I'm happy with something as well... In this case - VERY happy! My second pair of Garrett Signatures.
- Wes James (20x110)
The Garrett Optical model 28 x110 binoculars are exceptional and unique. They can scrutinize terrestrial targets at great distance and reveal sharp details. Star clusters are striking. They are well-built and handsome in design and for the money, the optics deliver more than one would think. If you have a sturdy mount, I strongly recommend trying these out. I have owned at least one set of big binoculars for years and the extra aperture and high magnification of these delivers what you pay your money for, enjoyment. If I don't like the product a "for sale" sign goes right up and I've owned one of almost all top name brands. I've had this pair since now for a couple of months I am very pleased and it is reassuring to know that Zach Garrett stands by his products and customer satisfaction.
- Robert Barker (28x110)
I was out with my Garrett Optical 28x110 HD-WP Signature Series binoculars comparing them to [another brand] 25x100's. They have the best fit and finish of all the big porro binoculars I have seen and have the best looking coatings, IMHO. I mounted them on my 475/501 combo and 12" Helix Hercules fork mount on a Bogen 3040 tripod, with the fork mount being more stable since the 16 lb weight is above the 13.3 lb 501 head rating. So far I have seen my best binocular views ever of everything I looked at like M42, Saturn the moon etc. It's not a huge jump in performance over 25x100's but it's noticeable in all departments like image size, contrast, false color etc. They were shipped in a large box with extra foam padding on both ends and bubble wrap wrapped around the case and also inside the case. All that carefull packing was worth it since they arrived with accurate collimation. Anyone looking for the most light gathering power from a porro binocular this is the one to get and it has the best all around
quality.
- Joe Ogiba (28x110)
- Garrett Optical Accessories Articles & Reviews -
Multiple Reticle Reflex Finder
Two big thumbs up on the Garrett Optical Multiple-Reticle Reflex Finder. Compared to [a competitor's much more expensive product], the Garrett Optical Multiple-Reticle Reflex Finder is better built, is considerably more compact, and is far easier to use thanks to the multiple target patterns. All that for just a fraction of the cost of [the competitor's product].
- Larry Denmark
I own and have used about every 1X finder on the market including the expensive and inexpensive ones from a well known refractor manufacturer. I have also used the old benchmark for all reflex finders which is kind of square plastic. You know the one. At any rate this Garrett is the easiest to use of the bunch. It offers far more options for how you use it and is really easy to spot your target in the sky. The quality of construction is well in excess of what you would expect with a finder in this price range. The all aluminum construction is first class. Thanks for a great product!
- Paul Martin
SWA Eyepiece Series
I just received your Super Wide Angle 32mm 72° 2.0" FMC Eyepiece. This is a beautiful eyepiece with exceptionally effective coatings. They appear to be state of the art! The black anodized finish is gorgeous. Overall, optically, it provides a very “easy” view with excellent brilliance and contrast. Exceptional value too!
- Herb Teeuwe
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