Binoculars for young daughter

[thorpef1 (Luke)]

Hey guys.

My 5 year old daughter has sparked an interest in the stars and is looking for a telescope/binoculars.

A few years back i sold by 8" dob and 6" mak-cas as they werent getting enough use (not enough dark skies where we are)

So im thinking of a pair of binos (~$150) that she can use but can also be used general purpose etc.

After a quick bit of research ive found the below:

• Svbony SV202 10x50, 10X42, 8X42
• Nikon Aculon A211 8X42
• Nikon Aculon A211 7X50
• Tasco essentials 7X50

How would these do for a first set of binos, are there any others that i should be looking at etc?

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

I would suggest a lighter pair of binoculars around 7x35. Nikon make the Aculon in this size. I used to be dismissive of smaller aperture binoculars for Astronomy, but have found there is very little (if any) difference in the viewing, but the lighter weight makes them much easier to hold steady.

[thorpef1 (Luke)]

Thanks for that John.

Is the Aculon a decent line for the money or are there others that would be recommended?

[glend (Glen)]

I have my granddaughter a Celestron Spotting scope on a tripod, as that is much easier for her to manage and aim, and she dies not have to hold something up to look through it. All three of my Sydney granddaughter, all under 8, now use it.

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

Originally Posted by thorpef1

Thanks for that John.

Is the Aculon a decent line for the money or are there others that would be recommended?

Let's face it, the Aculon is a cheap binocular and you can do better.
The Action range is better - almost twice the price (around $100 vs $200) but is a much better choice. Waterproof, a little heavier, but most importantly has a longer eye relief. I say this as it makes the binoculars just so much easier to use. Check out ebay for prices.

[thorpef1 (Luke)]

Thanks Glen. That is a good suggestion being on a small tripod.

John, thanks I might keep an eye out on eBay etc

[OzEclipse (Joe Cali)]

For a five year old, make sure that the IPD is small enough for her eyes.

[Rainmaker (Matt)]

The average IPD for a 5 yr old child is 51mm, I suggest starting out with smaller binoculars. I bought 8x25mm binoculars for my 5 yr old granddaughter, they are light, compact and easy to use. She uses them for birds, butterflies, the Moon as well as general scenery.

I think you’ll find the listed models all have minimum IPDs that are too wide for a 5yr old.

[thorpef1 (Luke)]

Joe and Matt you hit the nail on the head.

I just measure my daughter's IPD and it's around 45mm.
Will have a look at a smaller 8x25 or tabletop dob

[Rainmaker (Matt)]

Hi Luke, the Olympus 8x25 WP II waterproof binoculars are very nice !

[thorpef1 (Luke)]

Originally Posted by Rainmaker

Hi Luke, the Olympus 8x25 WP II waterproof binoculars are very nice !

That's what I've been looking at that has an appropriate IPD, but i guesss being only 25mm it won't very good come night time.

Should be enough to last her a few years before we get something a bit more serious