----------------------------------- sorin georgescu 08 Mai 2026 17:52 ----------------------------------- Cristian Kata 5 minute de proba face cat ani de citit review-uri inutile cel mai adevarat lucru spus pe acest topic! Oricate povesti ai citi sau oricate relatari ai afla de la altii, proba personala poate sa rastoarne totul in cateva secunde.De aceea, o metoda "la distanta" ar fi sa gasim persoane care au cam aceleasi "gusturi" ca ale noastre. In rest, fiecare vede.... altfel. https://www.cloudynights.com/forums/topic/975639-oberwerk-15x70-ed-ultra-wfield-flatteners/page/2/#comments Left to right they are Nikon 18x70 IF WP, Oberwerk 15x70 EDU w/out FF, Oberwerk 15x70 EDU w/FF, Maven 15x56 b.5 (front), Oberwerk 15x70 Ultra, APM 16x70 ED MS. I compared views of the "W" asterism in Vulpecula (which includes the Dumbell Nebula, M 27) with all six instruments. This is a nice challenge field to test edge performance for this group of instruments because the asterism just fits in the FOV and the stars of the asterism are bright enough to clearly show edge performance, compare field of view size, and etc. Among the six instruments, the updated 15x70 EDU has the largest true field of view and the best edge performance. The Ultra classic specification is 4.4 degree FOV and the updated instrument is slightly larger. The bright stars of the "W" asterism had the best shape with the EDU, though they do exhibit some flaring, which may be my eyes/glasses/etc. The Maven b.5 was a close second in edge performance and FOV size, close enough that I will compare them over multiple sessions for a more definitive judgement about this pair of binoculars. The 5.59 magnitude star HD 187982 was pinpoint sharp at the very edge of the field with the 15x70 EDU. This isn't to say that the other binoculars in this group are poor performers -- they are all premium instruments. The point of the Nikon 18x70 is the astonishingly wide AFOV (the widest in the group) and the remarkable true FOV given the 18x magnification. But also the poorest edge performance in the group, which sounds troubling but it isn't that noticeable in use because the apparent field is so wide and looking into the center of the field, the edge performance is good enough not to be distracting. I wondered how the 15x70 EDU would compare with the 16x70 APM, which is an outstanding binocular, but for me it is no contest. The EDU edge performance is noticeably better, plus the field ring is crisp and sharp. This may be a minor point from dark sky sites, but in a light polluted urban sky it is extremely apparent. Despite it's many fine qualities, the APM field ring is not sharp, which is somewhat distracting for this observer. Also note that the apparent fields of view for all of these binoculars is quite good -- they all provide a generous, spacious view. The 18x70 is surely the most space walk of the gathering. Enough of a factor to put it in a different category, honestly, but the 15x70 EDU apparent field is pleasingly wide, the Maven is maybe just behind that. The remaining three binoculars in this group still provide generous apparent fields. To evaluate edge performance, one looks at the edge of the FOV, which is not normal observational use with binoculars. If one looks into the center of the FOV, the edge performance is less apparent. But comparing the views repeatedly last night, I realized that even though the sharpness of individual stars in the outer field is not apparent looking into the center of the field, the 15x70 EDU view is more crisp overall. It's a subtle though definite difference, and I expect over time as one becomes accustomed to it, the quality in comparison with other instruments would become conspicuous. You just get used to the overall crispness of the field. A remarkable thing about the Maven 15x56 b.5 is that one might suppose the view would be dull compared with that of a 15x70 binocular, but the outstanding contrast of the instrument compensates to a certain extent for the smaller objectives. Not completely, however, and the 15x70 EDU views are slightly more brilliant. Twist up eyecups? I am a fan of these -- they help substantially when observing with glasses. I am also a fan of Pentax XW eyepieces and use them with Oberwerk BTs, the combination of which provides adjustable eye cups with IF helical focusers. BUT, consider the size of these eyepieces and focusers -- they are massive compared with straight through binoculars. Combining those two functions in a small, compact eyepiece would a serious challenge. So, for me, one of the benefits of the Maven b.5 is the twist up eyecups, a standard thing for center focus roof-prism binoculars as has been pointed out. It has also been pointed out that individual factors are significant for choosing a favorite binocular. I heartily agree. That said, for me the updated Oberwerk 15x70 EDU is an easy choice among the 15/16x70 instruments in this group. For me, it outperforms in every way. The Nikon 18x70 and the Maven b.5 15x56 have their own advantages and observing uses. I would not be without any of these three. Here is the 15x70 EDU on a Farpoint p-gram in my driveway mobile observatory last night. Surpriza.... pe locul doi iese un roof care are 56mm in timp ce toate celalalte (porro) au 70mm: https://mavenbuilt.com/products/b-5-10x56-12x56-15x56-18x56?variant=52144642818415 Seamana suspect de mult cu Loava Aglaia.