Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirius1066
At the time I couldn't work it out, knowing very little I went with the 20x50's, something I now regret. I ended up having to buy a tripod to get the best use out of them.
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Forgive me but I'm mildly amused (in a friendly, non sarcastic way). I just bought Bushnell 20x50 because I loved the optics and I couldn't pass them up at $30.
I can hand hold these if I'm willing to brace my arm against a tree but I will use them on a tripod for anything but a casual glance. (I'm into photography, so already own tripods, and I already have binoc L brackets).
I've only had a casual hand held look at the southern cross and a quick sweep to Eta Car with them so far, but I was very happy with the result. The extra zoom made all the difference for me being able to spot the jewel box. I found the entire cross just fit in the field of view. Of course I'd love 20x80 or 20x100 but since I'm not willing to pay for one good set, the added variety is good. I now have 8x21, 12x25, and 7x50, 10x50, and 20x50 covered. If I ever manage to get that many friends and family actually interested in Astronomy out at my house on a night with good seeing I have enough tripods and mounts to mount 3 binocs and handhold a couple myself. I have 2 young children so I'm hopeful at least one of them will be interested. If I'm lucky both. My wife will have a casual glance but nothing more.
See it's not the money I mind spending on this hobby (while I have it to spend at least). It's the lack of value. I just won't pay $200 for $40 binocs EVER. Not going to happen. If that means certain companies don't want my business then that's fine with me.