Truly excellent binoculars.
Zeiss Starmorbi 12x, 20x, 40x - 80mm Objective Lenses - 1920's Vintage
- Regular price
- $75,000.00
- Sale price
- Regular price
- $75,000.00
The LuxxOptica Starmorbi — A Masterpiece of Early Optical Engineering
Few instruments embody the convergence of scien...
Description
The LuxxOptica Starmorbi — A Masterpiece of Early Optical Engineering
Few instruments embody the convergence of scientific innovation, mechanical artistry, and historical significance as profoundly as the Starmorbi. Presented here by LuxxOptica, this extraordinary “Big Eye” binocular stands among the rarest surviving examples of early 20th-century precision optics—an object as much of reverence as it is of function.
Its lineage traces directly to the pioneering Starmore telescope, conceived by Carl Zeiss Jena in 1910—a period when Zeiss stood at the absolute forefront of global optical innovation. The Starmore introduced a revolutionary rotating eyepiece system, an ingenious mechanical solution that allowed seamless transition between magnifications—decades ahead of its time and a precursor to modern modular optical systems.
As the world entered a new technological era shaped by both exploration and conflict, this groundbreaking concept evolved into the Starmorbi—a binocular of exceptional scale, clarity, and mechanical sophistication. Designed for elite observational use, it delivered commanding magnifications of 12×, 20×, and 40×, paired with remarkable low-light performance that pushed the limits of pre-coating optical design. The intuitive turret mechanism allowed the observer to transition effortlessly between perspectives, a feature virtually unmatched in its time.
What distinguishes the Starmorbi is not merely its performance, but its presence. Constructed with nickel plated polished aluminum architecture, solid brass eyepiece assemblies, and precision Porro Prism II optics, it reflects an era when instruments were built not only for utility—but for permanence. Each component speaks to Zeiss’ uncompromising standards, where engineering met artistry in equal measure.
Today, surviving examples of this caliber are exceptionally scarce. To encounter one in such preserved condition—complete with a custom teak tripod and bespoke mounting adaptor—is extraordinarily uncommon. This is not simply an antique; it is a museum-grade artifact, a statement piece for the most discerning collector, and a tangible link to the golden age of optical discovery.
The Starmorbi’s legacy endures as a symbol of human ingenuity—an instrument that once expanded horizons now redefined as a pinnacle of collectible luxury.
Specifications
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Magnification: 12× / 20× / 40×
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Objective Lens Diameter: 80 mm
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Field of View (at 1000m): 72 m / 35 m / 17.5 m
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Optical System: Porro Prism II
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Construction: Polished aluminum body with solid brass eyepieces
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Length: 54 cm
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Weight: 22 kg (including tripod)
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Mounting: Teak wood tripod with custom adaptor
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Markings: Signed Carl Zeiss Jena, Serial No. 1708
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Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 5 / 5 from 38 reviews.
I purchased this for my husband’s 50th birthday. He is very interested in WWII history and always wanted a set. We live on the Mississippi River valley, so these binoculars will make eagle watching so much more enjoyable.
Company was great! Delivery came quickly and the product quality is top notch in every way. The piece is absolutely beautiful. It is perfect for our beach front condo. We love it!!!
We love our new binoculars! They add an elevated level of detail to our home. The “Bigeye” 15 x 80 gives us a new dimension to our balcony view! Packed and shipped in a display worthy wooden box, they were definitely worth the price!
Amazing vision in a super stylish piece of art!
Excellent experience all around from ordering, to product, to shipping questions and tracking, to accessories. Will certainly be buying again!
great -- super happy
Awesome product and buyer experience.
Old world craftsmanship with New World Experience. The detail work is superb. The optics are great and the overall look is perfect. Would recommend. Luxx OPTICA to anyone Looking for a showpiece and functional optics.
Very nice binoculars. Only reason for four stars, not five, is the height adjustment on the tripod stand is a bit difficult and required two persons to adjust.
Lake house beach house mountain cabin anywhere you want to see more of your view but closer! We love ours
"Asahi" - 15x80mm Bigeye Binoculars
Store owner replied: Thanks Michael, we are glad you like them! Happy holidays!
Everything arrived in perfect shape. Really happy with the purchase.
Saw these at the boat show. Beautiful works of art
Great looking
When I seen online the Midway binoculars I thought that they couldn't be as nice or the quality be as high as they looked. I was pleasantly surprised that the two pairs I purchased exceeded my expectations by a mile. My wife and I can't stop looking through them and being amazed at what we see far out in the ocean.
One of the best purchases I’ve made. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the binaculars.
Love it!
Enjoying my Asahi binoculars! Great views and nice piece of art in the living room
Happened upon your product at the Norwalk Boat Show . The quality and workmanship made it a must have . Heirloom !
Our ASAHI just arrived and we set up right away! Set up was very straightforward. Looks incredible! Great shots of Naragansett Bay.
Just invested in my second set-The Yamato. It's beyond beautiful, adding a luxurious look to the family room. Everyone enjoys looking at boats as they drive past the home. Total quality, my daughter has already claimed the first pair I bought last year after my demise.
Ordered the Asahi 15x80 at the Chicago Boat Show. Received the unit a few days later. Setup was easy. The view through them is fantastic.
I have seen these fantastic binoculars in W Palm Beach. And have always admired them. My wife and I saw them displayed at the Lake Tahoe wooden boat concourse and immediately knew we had the perfect place for them in our Lake Tahoe home. Michel Colombo demoed them for us on Saturday and we have the binoculars on Tuesday! Outstanding service! Easy set up. Beautiful, clear optics. Looks wonderful in our home. Thanks you Luxx Optica!
I have seen these fantastic binoculars in W Palm Beach. And have always admired them. My wife and I saw them displayed at the Lake Tahoe wooden boat concourse and immediately knew we had the perfect place for them in our Lake Tahoe home. Michel Colombo demoed them for us on Saturday and we have the binoculars on Tuesday! Outstanding service! Easy set up. Beautiful, clear optics. Looks wonderful in our home. Thanks you Luxx Optica!
Very pleased with our purchase! Great service from start to finish with Sean. Looking forward to using this in our home with our family.
Really good-looking and functional! Beautifully packaged, easy to assemble and use.
Such a great product, this is my second pair.
These gorgeous binoculars really up-level the look of your house! We are already planning where to set up our next pair.
I set up my Yamato's and couldn't be happier. They've taken our room to a new level. They're not a conversation piece, they're the centerpiece! My family uses them constantly. They bring both style and functionality. Highly recommend, you won't regret it.
No Surprise here. Exactly what I expected. Beautiful piece of functionality. Adds nautical elegance.
Luxxoptica is First Class and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase. Our family trades off views of the manatees and bottlenose dolphins that frequent the bay from the 3rd floor balcony of our home in the Florida Keys. Thank you for the work you’ve put into such a beautiful and functional work of art.
I just received and set up my new Asahi binoculars - they are stunning to look at and amazing to look through! Mike has been so helpful and responsive to all of my questions. Quality team and impressive product. So glad I found Luxx Optica!
The product/binoculars are second to none! They are top of the line and will totally transform a room and will be the conversation focal point at any event. I will enjoy these for many years to come and will be overjoyed to pass these along to my children one day. These binoculars will be a family heirloom! Thanks so much!
The Asahi binoculars are not only the highest quality binoculars I've ever tried, they are stunning. We've turned them into the focal point of our St. Pete Condo. History meets Art with perfection on every level. Thank you Mike -
These are an amazing piece of art. We live in an absolutely dark area and can take advantage of incredible star gazing.
I bought an Asahi last year for my office in Newport Beach, and I couldn't be happier. The quality of the lenses and the craftsmanship are top notch. If you are on the fence, buy them, you will not be disappointed.
I have been observing these for many years at various shows and knew at some point in my life I would have a house that was well suited for them. My home in the keys is perfectly positioned to look out over Sombrero Reef lighthouse. The perfect balance between form and function.
Beautiful functional art that will be displayed in our home and any future residence. The binoculars, stand and the shipping crate are all quality pieces that will be passed down to future generations.