bino newbie's question

[alfredbird]

1.
Celestron Ultima DX Series 10x50
Nikon Action Seven 10x50
Fujinon 8x42 BFL
Pentax PCF WP 10x50

which one is better for me, a starter who plan to be familiar with sky using a bino.

2. where will be a good place to buy a bino in sydney, and anyone knows why price here is much higher than I can find on US's website.

[iceman]

Hi Alfred, :welcome: to the site!

There are a few bino retailers in the Sydney area, including Bintel, Andrews Communications, MyAstroShop and Astro-optical.

There's a review of the Fujinon 8x42 (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?id=76,235,0,0,1,0) in the Reviews section, and I think John B (ausastronomer) has some experience with the Pentax.

All 4 you've listed are in the more expensive range, and will be better than no-name or Saxon type brands, so you're off to a good start.

When looking at US prices, you have to factor in postage costs, which on a pair of binos, might be significant (US $20+).

Obviously buying local gives you local support - they also have to pay staff, rent etc so it's bound to be more expensive than buying online.

[alfredbird]

Nikon Action Seven 10x50 is Action Series or Action Extreme Series, anyone knows?

[alfredbird]

any reputational shop for buy bino in sydney?

[norm]

Any mentioned above by Mike. Even the 'bigger' camera stores generally sell high end binoculars. If you can't find specific reviews on this forum there are generally heaps to be found on the net anyway. Once you've determined the make/model power start hunting down the store with the best price and service.

Go the Steiners!:)

[Harpspitfire]

id say get a celestron pair- reason is you get a lifetime no fault warrantee and they,re cheap- i had the 12X60 and 15X70 skymasters and sent them both back for a refund because of defects- but i would still recommend them even at this- someone just got a pair a $600 fuji,s and was greatly dissapointed with the quality in the new models, saying the 15x70 skymasters were comparable at 1/10th the cost for $68- for the record when i went on vacation last year and got a no-name (y&y) for $90- they were 20x80,s- collimation was spack on with terrific color control- they were WF bino- super performers for such a low cost-i guess what im saying is, all being imports i seriously doubt a $500 pair is $450 better then a $50 pair