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Old 27-02-2014, 10:45 AM
SkyWatch (Dean)
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SkyWatch is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 400
Quote:
Originally Posted by Devilbabi View Post
Guys, I am a complete noob!
I have read it is best to grab a good pair of bino's before a telescope, I have no idea what any of the lingo I have just read means, can some one link me to a good starter page to read so I understand better what I should be looking for?
Links to good binos would be appreciated too!
Thanks, Amanda
Lots of guides out there. You could try: http://www.ozscopes.com.au/guides/binoculars-guide
- of course they link to binos they sell as "examples"- but they give you a fair bit of information too. They have a big variety of binos on their site, as do Procular: http://procular.com.au/

A good place to start is to look for "7x50" or "10x50" binos: ie 7 or 10 magnifications and the front lenses are 50mm in diameter. If your budget is limited, look for "porro prism" binos (these are the "normal" looking ones that you see everywhere). The other type, "roof prism" binos, require more manufacturing steps and are generally more expensive for comparable quality. This size is a good compromise in terms of power, weight and light-gathering ability, and are good for day-time or night-time use. It would be best to go to a specialty shop and check out what they offer so you find something that you can hold easily and feel comfortable with.

There are big mobs of brands out there too, but if you look around the $150-200 mark you should find something nice. Pentax PCF, Olympus DPS I, Nikon Aculon are all good starter binos that you can't really go wrong with. You can also go for good quality "generic" ones that are re-branded by lots of people, like the "HG" series that Andrews sell (see their site: http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-11.htm )

Have fun!

- Dean
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