binoculars

[OCULUS]

I am looking to buy some decent astronomy binos. I am looking for 7x 50 to 10x 50 size and magnification.
They are going to be used as spotters for my 12" dob plus for use on holidays.
Now budget wise, I am open to this and was really set on a set of fujinon 7x 50 FMTR-SX but I am not really sure I can be convinced to lay out that kind of money when most of the time I use my scope.
What alternatives would be people recommend and where to buy them from. (anyone know where to get the fujinons for a non ripoff price in NZ/Austrailia. I live in NZ)
Much appreciated.:)

[iceworks]

I bought a pair of Gerber 10 * 50 binos for about $300 from Bintel, and I've been really happy with them.:)

[Craig.a.c]

I bought some binoculars a few weeks back. Tasco 10x50, they work a treat. I have seen many open clusters with them, I even found NGC 3372 with the binoculars before I found it with my 4.5" telewscope. I take them to work with me almost everynight to have a look for possible targets when I get my scope out next.

[chris lewis]

Hi Chris here - fellow Kiwi from Albany, North Auckland. The Fujinons are certainly 'top end' binos and expensive - however I do not know where you can get them in NZ. The key things to look for are F.M.C. coatings - to increase light transmsision and Bak-4 prisms - to reduce light cut off.
The other issue is exit pupil - the 7x50's are fine as long as your pupils dilate to 7mm and you have dark skies, personally I prefer the 10x50's as these also will give you an increased Afov [the 'breadth' of the image] and an mproved image scale.
The Pentax PCF WP -11 and the Nikon AE's 7x and 10x50's have impressive build and optical qualities and are W.P. / Nitogen filled and have Hi-specs - they can be acquired for the NZ$350 -$400 range and will last a life time.
Other binos if you do go with the 7x50s are the ones on the link below. I have used these on several occasions and are WP and have FMC coatings they are robust and have contrasty pin point images and are relatively inexpensive at $NZ190
You do not have to buy really expensive binos to get decent images - however do not get the Chinese 'entry level' binos that have flooded the market recently - they ae usually not collimated well and have inferior build and optically qualities. Do spend a bit more on quality ones if you can.
Good luck - I love bino astronomy but watch out your next buy will be some giant binos !

http://www.smartmarine.co.nz/marine-binoculars-7x50-p-442.html

[Satchmo]

The Chinese `Ultra' series of military style binos that are drawing attention at the moment are probably almost on par with the Fujinons. I've compared them favorably on the sky in the 15X70 size. The 10 X 50 ED 's ( Williams Optics branded ) are selling at Andrews for $399. AstroPhysics in the USA are selling them under their own brand, which is a pretty good endorsement.

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

Warning they are quite heavy though.

[OCULUS]

Thanks for the replys. The chinese ultra series look pretty good, at 10 x 50 they weigh 3.5lbs which would be fine for handheld. Good thinking about pupil diameter, I probably do dilate that much (just) but long term the 5mm pupil exit would be better.
Chris you had some clear skies lately? We have had a couple but I am in between a load of wheat farmers and its burn off time!!! so bit fuzzy out there!

[OCULUS]

If you are interested, the company that makes these chinese ultra binoculars is
http://www.united-optics.com/products/Binoculars/Giant_Binoculars/BA8_Series/BA8.htm

[chris lewis]

Yes the 'United Optics' series 8 binos are excellent. I picked a a new pair of the 17x50MX versions [ Orion Resolux ] from the N.Z. 'E. bay type' site 'Trade Me' for NZ$400 about a month ago. [ Great price !]. Very high optical and build quality with allmost sharp to edge images and the contrast is exceptional. They are reasonably heavy but I can hand hold for short periods. They exude qualilty. If There is one 'all round 'astro bino you buy in a lifetime make it this one - the 15x70MX 's are truely impressive. If the 10x50 are similar - which I'am sure they are as the Q.A. on these series 8 is of a very high standard they would be impressivwe binos also.The weather is 'OK' in North Auckland - we have had several weeks of reasonable viewing. I had my 25x100 IF's out two nights ago looking at M42 and the detail was impressive with the bat wing structure clearly visible with green and blue hues - but thats another topic !

[Screwdriverone]

Hi Oculus,

I have these ones from Andrews and they are quite good for the cash.

They only have a soft case though. Contrast is excellent and the 11x70 model has a great eye relief. Also, they are not too heavy and have the BAK4 prisms. I can see M3,4,5 as well as Orion Neb and lots of other clusters and binaries. Fantastic for quick and easy viewing.

For the price, I couldnt say no!. I am pretty sure that Andrews can mail them to you in UnZud. :D as they state this: NZ$ cheques should be mailed direct to our NZ agent in NZ.

I cant find their NZ agent on the website tho!

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

High contrast (as opposed to High mag 15x70)
11 X 70 binoculars

New low price!
$129.00 AUD


Sharp, high contrast viewing in a large aperture binocular!
BAK4 prisms and fully coated optics
Rubberised body weighs only 1.6kg
Right ocular diopter adjustment
Soft nylon case included!Cheers

Chris

[OCULUS]

I have ordered a set of the series 8 ultra 10x 50s. If all arrives ok I got them for a cunning price!

[chris lewis]

Excellent choice. Please post a review when you have it.

[IanL]

Oculus if you get a chance try the set out before buying any binocular.

I have got a friend who owns a binocular and telescope repair shop in Scotland.
When i was looking at binoculars i was amazed at how many felt uncomfortable at my eyes. Also check for any shadows that you see when moving your eyes in the field of view at objects. I found this to be helpfull when choosing a binocular. This was from a well qualified optical engineer on choosing binoculars.

Cheers
Ian

[OCULUS]

Binoculars arrived this morning....Report to follow. Cost $275 NZ delivered which wasnt too bad. They look and feel quality. Viewing out of window, no eyestrain or discomfort. Images sharp as a button.
Came with softcase, cleaning cloth and tripod adaptor and well packaged.

[chris lewis]

OCULUS - thats a very good price for the series 8 Ultra 10x50MB binos -NZ$275 deliverd and thats with GST / delivery cost etc ?. Andrews has then listed at $A299 [which is equal to NZ$342] and thats on special. How come so cheap ?

[OCULUS]

You have PM Chris

The binoculars do have some edge distortion that I dont particuarly notice unless search for. Good contrast and no eyestrain. Would I recommend? Yes but they are weighty so holding them up for long periods is tiring.
Moony night but some detail in M42 seen and the moon looked crisp etc.
Cheers

[OCULUS]

Well what can I say, an excellent pair of binoculars! Yes there is a little distortion on the edge of the lens, which does not bother me in the slightest. I really have to look for it to see it. Seeing was not brilliant last night but I could still make out the Jewel Box with ease. I could the main stars in this cluster with the colour of the red giant quite obvious.
They work well at dusk, looking over the paddock I could count the sheep/cattle very easily. I couldnt see the animals at all with the naked eye.
Top marks for this set!