Binoculars under $200

[Finski]

What binoculars would you recommend for under $200?

[SkyWatch]

Hi, I assume you are thinking for astronomy. I think porro-prism binos are a great place to start, and are good value compared to roof prism binos of similar quality.

For astronomy 10x50's are good all-rounders.
Something like the Nikon Aculon 10x50 (eg: https://www.teds.com.au/nikon-10x50-aculon-a211 )
or the Pentax SP's: (eg: https://www.teds.com.au/pentax-10-x-50-sp-binoculars )
(Note: I have nothing to do with Ted's, it is just that they seem to have reasonable prices and are generally easy to visit.)
I think 10x are about the maximum that can be relatively easily hand-held, but even these will shake when you are viewing stars, and benefit from using a tripod.
I would strongly suggest that you try before you buy, so you can get the feel of them and see if they suit you.

All the best,

Dean

[Renato1]

I'd recommend this pair of Celestron 20X80s for $99.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Celestron-Skymaster-20x80-Astronomy-Binoculars-Layby-Option/254444816296?hash=item3b3e17c7a8:g: 5GEAAOSwApRd6euE

Attach them on a tripod, then lift and hold the tripod, which reduces the shake.

But for simple hand holding, 10X50s are indeed good all rounders (I have three pairs) and must-haves when initially getting in the hobby, but later on I preferred 15X70s which I found easy enough to hand hold.

The other really cheap option is checking cheap 20X80 Chinese binoculars on Ebay. I have one pair (Sakura) which I paid $54 for, and I reckon they behave like 16X75s. Not great at the edge of the field, not a wide field, but good views of DSOs in the middle. Similarly, earlier this year, I paid $49 for a 20X80 pair of binoculars, and got another one free, with free postage for both. Again, it was really a 16X pair which I found hand holdable and gave good views of DSOs (but had no way of attaching them to a tripod).
Regards,
Renato

[skysurfer]

$54 for 20x80s ?
Is the price not missing a trailing zero ?
Ridiculously cheap.

[GrahamL]

20 x 80 porros hand held they will be heavy 20 x isnt going to help


All 8/10 x 50s porros mentioned would would be fine .


I like cheap roofs in the 8 X 40 + range they are light and you can find something half decent for a couple of hundred .Couple of thousand or more if your really keen.



My old meade 9 x 63 roofs were cheap as and one night many looked though them at an incredible lucky event aside some big dobs
I binned them a couple of months back as one or both prisms had become loose inside .

[DeWynter]

Because it’s crap.