Zhumell's 25x100 binoculars capture lots of light

These impressive binoculars provide brilliant, high-power views of celestial objects.

By Phil Harrington

Published: February 24, 2011

Photo by Astronomy: William Zuback

Over the past year or so, I’ve seen a lot of buzz in online astronomy forums about the 25x100 Tachyon binoculars by Zhumell. These monsters boast a pair of 3.9-inch (100 millimeters) objective lenses, fully multicoated optics, and BaK-4 prisms — all for an average street price of $230. Having paid more than twice that for my premium 16x70 binoculars, I wondered how good they could be.

I found out when my wife, Wendy, gave them to me for my birthday. After unwrapping the ribboned present, I was initially struck by Zhumell’s care in packaging. A foam-lined hard case cradles the binoculars and holds them snugly during transport. I later learned that Zhumell’s careful packaging keeps the binoculars in perfect collimation.

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BILL SIMPSON from LOUISIANA said:

These giant binoculars are also GREAT for daytime use. Chevron built an overlook in the marsh near Slidell, LA. The view through a pair of 100X14 is amazing. It is remarkable the detail that you can see on birds and other animals using a sturdy tripod. Obviously, you must stay with them at ALL times to prevent a child from pointing them at the Sun.

CHRIS MARKIEWICZ from CONNECTICUT said:

Thanks for the great review! Well, my wife and kids just gave me a pair of these binocs for Father's Day. Silly me, I thought I could use the tripod that I use for my camcorder. Well, THAT'S not going to work.

But I have a question for anyone that already has a pair of these. The review mentions that these binoculars accept standard 1.25" filters. That's one of the things that sold me. But I can't for the life of me figure out how to attach a filter. Do I unscrew the eyepieces? I can't see where they unscrew, and I'm afraid to use too much force so as not to break anything. Any advice would be appreciated!

KENNETH HOFFMAN from VIRGINIA said:

Thanks Phil(if I may) for your well written article on the Zhumells. I currently own a pair of Fujinon 16 x 70's and Canon IS 15 x 50's both of which I dearly love but I must confess you have me drooling over these 25 x 100's. Being able to see the trapezium in binocs is quite the enticement seeings though I love splitting double stars. Thanks again

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