Omegon Brightsky ED-APO Binoculars 26×82 - 90°

Omegon Brightsky ED-APO Binoculars 26×82 – 90°: the mid-range top-of-the-line model with ED glass

The Omegon Brightsky ED-APO 26×82 with 90-degree field of view is a large astronomical binoculars with interchangeable 1.25-inch eyepieces, magnesium housing, and nitrogen filling. You can buy the bare binocular here with two 18 mm eyepieces; the case and mounting are purchased separately.

The 82 mm version is the choice for anyone who knows this will be their main instrument. You can see the difference compared to the 70 mm in fainter objects, while the difference with the 100 mm is felt primarily in weight and price.

82 mm in 26x: the medium size with extra depth

The increase from 70 to 82 mm provides 37 percent more light output. You notice that on fainter star clusters and the structure within bright nebulae such as M42. At 26x magnification, the exit pupil remains at 3.2 mm, ensuring that the image retains high contrast even when observed from a yard with streetlights.

The field of view of 2.5 degrees is still wide enough for most open star clusters. At a distance of 1000 meters, you can oversee 40 meters, which is sufficient to follow a flock of birds or a ship in its entirety.

90-degree viewing angle for the zenith

With a 90-degree viewing angle, you look into the eyepieces from above, just like with a refractor with a star diagonal. Objects directly overhead, where the sky is darkest and most transparent, can be viewed without straining your neck. That is why most astronomical users choose this variant.

For observations low on the horizon, the 90-degree position is less convenient: you then stand bent forward. For predominantly daytime observation, the 45-degree version makes more sense.

Apochromatic lenses without color cast

The ED-APO version uses objective lenses with ED glass. Color errors that appear in a standard achromat as purple fringes around bright stars, the lunar limb, and high-contrast daytime objects are virtually absent here. Stars are small white points right up to the edge of the field.

The difference compared to the standard Brightsky is most clearly visible with the moon, Jupiter and Saturn, and during the day with branches against a clear sky. For faint nebulae, the gain is smaller: there, aperture is what matters most.

Interchangeable eyepieces and filter thread

By default, two 18 mm flatfield eyepieces with a 65-degree apparent field of view are included. They are 1.25 inches, so you can replace them with any pair of eyepieces from your telescope case. For example, two 10 mm eyepieces provide a higher magnification for the moon and planets.

Both eyepiece holders have 1.25-inch filter threads. A pair of UHC filters enhances the contrast of nebulae from a light-polluted environment. Each tube has its own focusing mechanism, allowing you to precisely adjust the viewer to your eyes.

Mounting a tripod

The 26x82 weighs 4.6 kg. That requires a fork mount with a load capacity of at least 6 kg and a tripod that does not flex. The Omegon Pro Neptune fork mount with the 40 mm carbon tripod is the combination we supply for this and use ourselves.

A photo tripod with a video head might seem cheaper, but at 26x every little vibration and sag of the head will be visible. Plan the mount as part of the instrument.

Included

• 90-degree viewing binoculars
• Two 18 mm flatfield eyepieces, 1.25 inch, 65 degrees
• Foldable eyepieces and objective lens caps
• Handle and 1/4 and 3/8 inch tripod mount on the bottom
• Transport bag

Featured accessories

We recommend the Omegon Pro Neptune fork mount as a carrying system and the matching Omegon hard case for the 82 mm Brightsky for transport. For nebulae from the city: two Omegon Pro UHC nebula filters 1.25 inch.

For whom yes and for whom no

• ✓ Deep-sky with two eyes: star clusters, bright nebulae, the Milky Way
• ✓ Moon and planets, where color purity makes the difference
• ✓ Observers who already own 1.25-inch eyepieces and filters
• ✓ For those who want an instrument for years to come, with room to grow in magnification
• Handheld or on a light photo tripod: too heavy, too much magnification
• ✗ Traveling with limited luggage space; for this, a 10×50 is more suitable
• ✗ If you are looking mainly low on the horizon, choose 45 degrees

Specifications

You can find all the large binoculars, mounts, and cases for this brand on the Omegon brand page.