Letter to the Editor

Big Binos Bounce Back
Thanks for the good words on the startling views provided by JMI's RB-66 Reverse Binoculars (September issue, page 96).  As we tell our customers, it does take some time to get everything set correctly, but once the adjustments are made for a particular person, the two-eyed observing experience can be stunning.
   There are additional tricks to what reviewer Alan MacRobert mentioned for focus, eye spacing and image convergence.  It's too bad he didn’t call us — he could have had many more "omigod" moments and fewer frustrations.  And the user manual is a step-by-step guide with pictures, so I'm not sure how it confused him.
   MacRobert didn't like the carrying case's small wheels, but he failed to note that large all-terrain wheels are available as an option.  And while it's true that at 72 pounds the RB-66 in its case is "more than some people can carry," the binoculars by themselves tip the scales at only 51 pounds and are easily lifted by two hands using the built-in carrying handles.
   Finally, I must take issue with MacRobert's statement that, "The unit has the design feel of something from a small workshop; don’t expect the engineering elegance you’re used to from mass-market consumer products."  There are many small astronomy shops out there that support this hobby wholeheartedly and I’ll bet they’re wondering just exactly what he meant by that.  I suppose engineering elegance is in the eye of the beholder, but if MacRobert thinks it’s to be found only in mass-market consumer products he’s missing the boat.
   Tom Johnston
   Production Manager
   JMI Telescopes
   viewsn@aol.com