Re: Looking with both eyes

[P3D John Ohrt <johrt@xxxxxxx>]

P3D Dr. George A. Themelis wrote:

> I see much more with binoculars when looking at the
> stars with both eyes than when closing one eye.  That's why I am not eager
> to get a telescope (unless if I convert it to a binocular telescope).  Most
> microscopes (except for the very inexpensive ones) are binocular (I am not
> talking about stereo microscopes) and there must be a reason for that,
> beyond comfort.

You get about a 20% apparent increase in brightness according to MIL
HDBK 141, when you use both eyes to view a scene as opposed to just
one.  

Secondly, you should never close one eye as it strains your facial
muscles.  Leave it open.  You can train yourself to selectively process
information in one eye or the other.  I'm not sure everyone can do this,
but you won't find many compitent target shooters that don't use both
eyes.  :-)

I too prefer binocular viewing, but it is expensive, typically three
times more expensive than monocular, if you can even find someone to
match the eyepieces.

regards,
--
John Ohrt,  Regina, SK, Canada
johrt@xxxxxxx



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