new binos - recommendations wanted

[yagon]

I'd like to hear the forum's opinions on selecting a new pair of binos.

I have about $400 to $500 to spend, but have some flexibility to go a bit above this. :)

I'd like to buy something that is high quality that will last many years. I don't currently have any other good binos.

They will be for astronomical use 90% of the time.

It would be nice if they were waterproof, but this is not essential.

They must be handholdable at 7x or 8x (I have some difficulty holding 10x still enough to enjoy). I might consider 10x.

I have some problems with my eyes, and I can't handle an exit pupil larger than ~5mm.


I'm thinking that the WO 8x42 APO would be a good option:

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-11.htm


Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Or should I go for a cheaper 8x42 plus a cheap 20x80?

R

[ballaratdragons]

You preferably don't want to go as high as 10x, but you ask if you should get 20x80's :lol: Make up ya mind!

I cannot comment on the 8x42's as I have never used them, although I do have little 10x32's and they aren't good for much except a quick scan around to locate objects.

BUT . . .

I also have a pair of Andrews 20x80 Triplets and they are FANTASTIC (thanks to Houghy).
Not easy to use hand-held, but not impossible either. Both Houghy and I have found that these particular Knockies can see not only faint Nebulas but also the EXTREMELY faint Nebula near Antares that scopes can't even see!!! Blew us away! Apart from very bright objects like the Moon and Jupiter there is almost no noticable Chromatic Abberation, the contrast is amazing, and the quality of the optics is exceptional. Especially when you consider Andrews is now selling them for only $199 !!!! Bargain.

Don't wanna go up to 10x but should you get 20x80's :rofl: That's funny!

[yagon]

the question re the 20x80s is assuming the use of a mount/tripod

[ballaratdragons]

Yep, sure would help, although I tend to use mine hand-held.

I am about to build a seat with a Knocky holder built off the side of it. Only coz I'm lazy though.

The basic problem with a tripod is how to see Zenith! A simple Paralellogram mount can be made. It's not very hard to do, and works great. There are photos of home made members Paralellogram mounts in here somewhere.

[ballaratdragons]

Here's one of them:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=5227&highlight=parallelogram

[ballaratdragons]

and here's a site about Knocky Mounts with good pics of the different ways to use them.

I like the layback version :D

http://www.astunit.com/tonkinsastro/binoculars/binomount.htm

[ausastronomer]

At this price level I suggest you stick with an 8x42, 10 x 42 or 10X 50 of porro prism design rather than a lower mid priced pair of roof prism binos.

For about $350 to $400 you can buy the Fujinon 8x42 BFL which is a Japanese made roof prism bino of medium quality. This will give brighter images than the WO roof prism binos. Top quality roof prism binos can equal the performance of top grade porros but it doesn't happen until you spend well over $1500 (and usually a lot more) for binoculars like Zeiss Victory, Leica Ultravids or Swarovski EL's.

That all having been said I have heard the WO 8x42 APO binos do a fair job at that price level. I haven't tried them myself.

CS-John B

[Hammerman]

Just want to add 2 cents here....

You say that you want hand holdable, but have difficulty holding 10x. I used to too, but now I hand hold my 11x70's without a problem. The simple trick is not to hold the binocs near the eyepiece ends (as most folks do) but to hold them all the way at the end of the objective ends. This really helps.

psst.... BTW, Have you checked out the Oberwerk line of binocs?

[yagon]

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I've decided to buy the Fujinon 8x42 BFL.

I'll probably add one of the new 15x70 United Optics Ultras (with tripod) when they come out.

[matt]

Where'd you get the "Fuji"s from yagon???

[yagon]

www.binoculars.com (http://www.binoculars.com)