Cloud Break Optics

Mark V Binocular Viewer and Optional Case (BPMARKVS)

Mark V Binocular Viewer and Optional Case (BPMARKVS) - Main image
$1609.5 $2175 In stock

Category: Observing Aids

Description

The Mark V Binocular Viewer is the culmination of years of research and development, originally by Carl Zeiss Jena and further advanced by Baader Planetarium. It combines all the best features to provide a superb viewing experience: optical quality, critical colimation, high transmission coatings and diopter adjustment to individually focus each eye.

If you own the previous Giant Binocular Viewer (BPBINOV) model and need information, please click here.

Features

ClickLock Eyepiece Clamps - The ClickLock mechanism grips your eyepiece firmly using a 3-point contact that accurately centers each eyepiece. Insert the eyepiece and lock it in place with a gentle twist of the outer locking ring (just two tenths of a full turn). The clamp applies gentle, even pressure to lock the eyepiece in place and centered. Please refer to additional information from Baader Planetarium regarding the new ClickLock feature.

Diopter Adjustment - You can now achieve perfect focus for each eye with the silky smooth microfocusing collar, which allows 8mm of focus travel. Please refer to additional information from Baader Planetarium regarding this new ClickLock feature.

Dielectric Coating of Prisms - The dielectric coating increases throughput by 8.9% from previous models. The coatings were carefully matched to the index of the glass used for the prisms. They allow maximum transmission at 510nm - exactly where the dark accommodated eye has its maximum sensitivity. This is especially important for night vision.

Mirror Diagonal - The Baader T-2 Mirror Diagonal features durable, 99% reflective Maxbright dielectric coatings. Its compact size allows the shortest possible light path. It is also part of the T-2 system, allowing a variety of configurations. The mirror diagonal offers the same optical performance as the prism diagonal that was offered prior to December 2011.

Interocular Separation Adjustment - Adjusting the eyepiece spacing does not affect focus. The interocular distance can be adjusted from 55mm to 75mm.

Removable 1.25x Compensating Optical Element - This optical element eliminates the slight color error and spherical aberration that a prism beam splitter naturally introduces into the light path of all binocular viewers. It allows you to enjoy wide-field, low-power views of deep-sky objects, as well as high powers. This element (also known as a Glasspath Compensator) was designed by Roland Christen of Astro-Physics and is essential for telescopes with fast focal ratios. Baader Planetarium was the first to introduce this feature for the binocular viewer. We also offer the 1.7x (BP4B) and the 2.6x (BP4C) Glasspath Compensators and the 2" 1.8x Glasspath Corrector for Refractors and SCTs (BPRSGC18) to provide higher magnifications. A 2" 1.7x Glasspath and Coma Corrector for Newtonians (BPNGCC17) is also available. [See this link for Glasspath Compensator Placement.] One of these optics should always be part of the optical path of telescopes with fast focal ratios unless a BARADV or BPFFC is used.

Quality custom case - Your investment is well protected in a high-quality custom foam-lined case.   The case is included with Mark V Binoviwers shipping since September 2014 and is available as a separate accessory (BPMARKV-CASE) for previously shipped Binoviewers.

Specifications

Clear Aperture: 1.1" at the prism entrance w/o the compensator and 0.96" with the compensator.
Weight: 2.25 lbs with Mirror or Prism Diagonal and 2" Nosepiece

Includes:

  • Mark V Binocular Viewer
  • 1.25x Compensating Element (BP4A)
  • T-2 Mirror Diagonal (BP1A)
  • 2" Tapered Nosepiece (AP16T)
  • Custom Case (BPMARKV-CASE)

IMPORTANT: If you are using the thin 2" adapter (ADA2013) or the 92mm f5 or f7 Stowaway, you should not use the AP16T nosepiece since the brass ring of these parts do not grab onto the AP16T securely. You can upgrade to the new thin 2" adapter (ADA20132), or alternately, you can use the 2" nosepiece from Baader Planetarium (part # BP16), which must be purchased separately.

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When it ships

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Standard Shipping: Handling (business days) 0–1; Transit (business days) 7–15.

Express Shipping: Handling (business days) 0–1; Transit (business days) 7–15.

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Standard Shipping · United States: $0.00

Express Shipping · United States: $3.99

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Returning an item

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United States · Return window (days after delivery): 30. Return method: By mail. Return postage: Seller pays.

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Customer Reviews (4.8 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Sebastian ★★★★★

I’ve been using this viewer for a few nights now and the image clarity is noticeably sharper than my old setup. The adjustable eyecups make it comfortable even during longer sessions, and the build feels solid without being overly heavy.

Nicholas U. ★★★★★

The collimation was spot-on right out of the box, and the lack of false color on the moon was a real treat. It’s made my double-star sessions far more enjoyable than I expected for this price point.

Matthew K. ★★★★★

I was surprised how much sharper the image became compared to my old viewer—the multi-coated optics really cut down on glare. The helical focusing is smooth and precise, making it easy to dial in the view. It’s a solid upgrade for anyone serious about binocular observing.