With magnifying power of 46x and easy, both-eyes-open viewing, the 127XL-SD Binocular Telescope from Oberwerk provides a satisfying alternative to traditional telescopes for astronomical or long-range terrestrial observation. The 127XL-SD is built with broadband fully multicoated, super-low dispersion objective lenses that minimize chromatic aberration or "color fringing." Unlike a telescope, the optic is fitted with prisms that cause the image to be upright, so along with celestial objects, you can observe distant ships, breaching whales, mountain peaks, etc.

The 127XL-SD can be "go-to" automated by using the separately sold iOptron HAZ31 Strain Wave Alt-Az Mount. The optical tubes accept all 1.25" eyepieces and are held at a 45° angle for comfortable viewing. The tubes have a large interpupillary adjustment range, so everyone from children to adults can enjoy the view. Binocular telescopes are far more portable than standard telescopes and do not require specialized mounts—a video tripod with a 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20 mounting stud will do, provided it is rated for a 24.5 lb payload. Oberwerk recommends its TR3 hardwood tripod or the Manfrotto 161MK2B, which has a crank-up elevator. Either tripod can be configured with the Oberwerk XL-280 Fork Mount or Manfrotto 612 NitroTech Head.