Eze
I'd expect York Optical to have a range. But most camera stores have a range of binoculars so I expect you can handle different sizes to get a feel for them in many shops.
I'm not sure what more you can see at 15x compared with 12x. At 15 times you have a smaller field of view than at 12 times. 70mm will collect a bit more light than 60mm. I can say that stepping between my 12x60 and my 20x80 is a significant change, but I would wonder whether an intermediate between them (the 15x70s) would be a significant change? Worth noting is that, as the magnification goes up, it is harder to locate things in the sky and to find your way around, compared to what you can see with your eyes. A lot of people would start at 8x or 10x and wouldn't even go to 12x, let alone 15x as a first pair of binoculars. I don't believe that 15x will ever be a general purpose pair of binoculars. I use my 12x as a general purpose pair to support me when I am using my telescope, even when I am using my 30x100 binoculars.
I'm happy with the AOE 12x60s, but best to hear from others. I don't know the 15x70s.
I can operate my 12x60s on a Velbon tripod worth around $100-110. I can, with care, put my 20x80s on that tripod. I don't think you could use any cheaper with a pair of 15x70 and perhaps, you'd do better with a tripod more in the $150 region.
Eric
