A binocular chair is most suitable for cruising through star fields at under 20x. The Milky Way Lounge zero gravity binocular chair components have been tested with 10×50’s, and with 16×70’s ( in the pic below). An 82mm spotting scope, which zooms from 20-60x, has also passed our nighttime viewing test nicely. 20×80’s are expected to perform well.
In general, for stargazing with mounted binoculars, most choose individually focusing lenses, which tend to stay in focus, and are more rugged and waterproof. But be aware that these are not as appropriate for daytime use, such as for birding. For combined day and night use, choose binoculars up to 10x that have a central knob which can quickly refocus both lenses together.
It’s best to choose binoculars that have a threaded mounting socket at the front between the two barrels.
High magnification binoculars are always more challenging to stabilize on any mounting system. This is also true with a binocular chair. Actually a binocular chair can hold these typically heavier binoculars steady. But the view through high magnification binoculars may have an effect called “heartbeat”, where the person’s pulse is transmitted through the chair, then through the mount and then into the binocular view. The best mount for high magnification is a sturdy tripod.
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