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 (shown in the pic). An 82mm spotting scope, which zooms from 20-60x, has also passed our nighttime viewing test nicely. Lightweight 20×80’s are expected to perform well. In general, aperture (light gathering) is of high importance for most kinds of astronomy.
As we age, our pupils may not dilate as much. For example: 10×50 or 12×50 will concentrate the same available light into smaller exit pupils than say 7×50.
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 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 focusing 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 support these heavier binoculars, but the view through them may have an effect called “heartbeat”. This is where the person’s pulse is transmitted through the chair, then through the mount and then into the binocular view. The best mount for very high magnification binoculars is a sturdy tripod.
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