The SkyWatcher StarTravel 80/400 Lens Binoculars are a good compromise for those looking for a compact instrument for both astronomy and nature observation. Its small size and light weight make it easy to take along on family outings.
With a lens diameter of 8 cm, it collects 30% more light than its 7 cm counterpart and has a higher resolution. It's a short-focus, f/5 brightness small telescope with a huge field of view. Away from cities, its field of view in dark skies can include a multitude of sparkling open clusters or vast, mysterious interstellar nebulae. Recommended for astronomical observations at magnifications up to about 80-100x.
The package includes 20 and 3.6 mm Super Bárium eyepieces that give magnifications of 16x and 40x. For even higher magnifications, a 2x Barlow lens is a good solution. The basic package includes a starpointer, which can be exchanged for a 6x30 straight-position finder scope for an extra charge. The latter allows you to observe the starry sky (and targets on the ground) in the same orientation as with the naked eye, making it even easier to adjust.
The SkyWatcher StarTravel 80/400 lens binoculars with EQ-1 mechanism are preferable for astronomical use, and only secondarily for nature observation. Its advantage is that it can be fitted with a simple motor, which makes stargazing more comfortable by enabling the telescope to track the sky.
