Dobsonian binoculars

Richard Schiek (richard@chemeng.Stanford.edu)
Mon, 1 May 1995 14:06:12 -0700

I've got a question about focusing Dobsonian binoculars. I realize that the scopes must move perpendicular to each other to adjust them for different inter-occular spacings. My question is: Does the focus of each scope need to be adjusted so that the surface of each eyepiece is the same distance from each eye? If someone has the same vision in each eye, then the two eyepieces will be at roughly the same height when a focused image is in view. However, if someone is very nearsighted in one eye (and observes without their glasses) won't the two eyepieces be difficult to focus/use since they will be at very different distances from the eyes? I know from using a regular telescope that keeping your head the right distance from the eyepiece is important -- does it follow that in dob-binoculars that maintaining a good eyepiece - eye distance is also important?

Thanks,

Rich Schiek richard@chemeng.Stanford.EDU