[chris lewis]

The AOE binoculars are highly recommended. They come from the Chinese 'Kunming' factory and they are made to high standards. They have the superior Bak-4 prisms [as opposed to the 'inferior' Bk-7 prisms ] - which reduces light cut off and they also come with the highest level of lens coatings - 'Fully Multi Coated' ['Broadband'] which maximises light transmission, reduces internal reflections and improves contrast. The main difference between the two - besides the magnification - is that the 11x has a 4.6 degree TFOV which gives a 'narrow' AFOV of 50 degrees [the AFOV is the 'breadth' of the view which is: FOV x magnification]. The 15x gives a 4.4 degree FOV but the AFOV is a relatively 'wide' 66 degrees. [More then 65* is considerd 'wide view'.] The 15x will also give you improved image scale. The other difference is the exit pupil - the 11x have a 6.4 mm which are more designed for very dark skies and 'young' eyes that dilate to that amount - if they do not - you will waste light. Plus with the 11x and you are in semi suburban / light polluted skies you may get a more 'washed out' background which will mean your eyes will not pick up the more faint DSO's. The 15x have an exit pupil of 4.7mm which may suit you better - esp. if your 'older' pupils do not dilate wide. Personally I prefer the 15x - having both sizes my self - your milage may vary and others may suggest the 11x - BUT because you will tripod mount - go for the 15x. That tripod will easily hold the 70mm size binos - it is a chinese copy of the Manfrotto 141 version pan head and 055 tripod and can hold up to 4 kgs / 100 mm binos and it extends to 6' 2''. Just my thoughts - good luck. [ I have have no affiliation with AOE ].