Binoculars

[MILD (Mick)]

Well the telescope is all planned out, but in the meantime I need something to keep me busy and help learn the sky prior to stepping up. To do that I'm shopping for some decent binos that will be suitable without breaking the bank.

I apologise for having two threads towards the top of this section- I was surprised to see the other one still up there!

Anyway, today I had a look at some Olympus 10x50 DPS for $169 (such a price differential to Amazon but they won't ship...grrrr). Are these suitable? They are definitely at the top end of what I wanted to pay (ideally under $100) but if they are a good option I'll jump that way.

As always I'm turning to you guys for some advice prior to plonking my hard earned down on the table. Any replies and advice appreciated

PS- I have already searched the for sale section here, Ebay and Gumtree.

PPS- I should add that this is for very introductory level sky watching so I'm not expecting huge things- especially at my price point!

[dannat (Daniel)]

I saw a par of these oly's and they are prob not worth that IMO, if you want to get started a basic handhold pair should do
Andrews comm have 8x60 for 99, and 12x50 / 7x50 (special) for $49
Me I prefer the slinky higher mag but know I can't handhold a 12x50, but everyone is diff (NBthere is some $49 binos that have the ruby filters -avoid these as they cut down the night light)

You could also put a wanted Ad for 10x50 in the classified here

[Wookie (Ryan)]

I have a pair of old Celestron Noble 10x50 binos that were made in Japan...I picked them up for $100 delivered from the States.
I bought them for Archery purposes but they have come in VERY handy for Astronomy use as well.
I'd recommend going for a quality porro bino for the money.
I can't really recommend any porro binos for you as I tend to prefer roof prisms for weight/size reasons.

Good luck in your search.

[MILD (Mick)]

I think my best bet might be to just call Andrews and ask what is my best option for under $100.

I am not having much luck when it comes to finding a cheap online store that will ship to Australia.

[MILD (Mick)]

I ordered some 11x70 binos from Andrews today. A little more than the $100 I'd hoped for but should be perfect for me at this stage. They did recommend some zoom binos however I was less keen on those after reading some reports online (plus without a tripod I'm not convinced the extra zoom would be of more benefit).

[PCH (Paul)]

Originally Posted by MILD

I ordered some 11x70 binos from Andrews today. A little more than the $100 I'd hoped for but should be perfect for me at this stage. They did recommend some zoom binos however I was less keen on those after reading some reports online (plus without a tripod I'm not convinced the extra zoom would be of more benefit).

It surprises me they recommended a zoom pair. As I understand it, zoom binos are generally a bit average. A long time ago, I had a Tasco pair of 7-20 zooms and they were certainly way less than average. I put them in the bin in the end.

Not sure how you'll go with the 11x70s without a tripod, but good luck with them !

[MILD (Mick)]

I do a bit of shooting so I know a bit about holding things still. As I understand it they are on the upper limit of as big as you'd want before going to a tripod so I guess only some night observing will uncover any potential short falls.

They only arrived today so really looking forward to getting out tonight and having a bit of a look around.

[MILD (Mick)]

Bugger! Out tonight having a look at the moon and it seems my brand spankers binos may very well be out of collimation or worse.

There is very bad double vision when looking at the moon and the right hand side has a rattle as well.

I don't know how I initially missed it, but I guess a call to Andrews tomorrow is on the agenda.

[Wookie (Ryan)]

Sorry to hear that Mick,

Hope you get it all sorted soon.

[MILD (Mick)]

I just hope they are understanding and can get it sorted.

[MILD (Mick)]

I will call them tomorrow to try and get it sorted.

Has anyone dealt with Andrews for something like this before?

[BENHINSPETER (Ben)]

Bad luck there Mick.

I have a pair of 10.5x70's which I love, although ofcourse once you get em you crave a little higher power just to get a little closer to those you want to see. But Ill leave that for when I get a nice dob.

They are kinda big so a comfy chair is a must.

I hope they clear it up for you sooner rather than later.

[MILD (Mick)]

I sent the binos back on Monday and they were recieved yesterday by Andrews. They have had a look at them today and it appears a prism was knocked loose in transit- a new pair will be sent early next week which will be a good thing!

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Glad it is all sorted , yes the postage system can be savage on optics , I got a 2 inch diagonay reciently ( private sale ) , and when it arrived the mirror was cracked in 2 , not much can be done about it now , except what you did , thats buy from a good dealer who stands by their sales .
I have never had a problem with Andrews or their packaging and I have got a lot of gear off them over the years . .
Please keep us informed as to how the new binos perform , these will be impressive I would think .
One more , thing all large binos need collumation at some stage , just google " collumation of binos " and there are several good easy to understand sites there , with photos . Its easy to do .
Brian.

Originally Posted by MILD

I sent the binos back on Monday and they were recieved yesterday by Andrews. They have had a look at them today and it appears a prism was knocked loose in transit- a new pair will be sent early next week which will be a good thing!

[Wookie (Ryan)]

Great stuff Mick.
I'm glad you're getting it sorted.
At least now you know it's not your eyes!

Have a great weekend mate.

[MILD (Mick)]

The package was very suitably packed so it definitely isn't a reflection on Andrews at all. I have been very impressed with their service both through inititally making the decision and now again to organise the replacement.

I won't hesitate to point my wife that way when it comes time to order the dob.

[MILD (Mick)]

Sorry to bump this one back up but I think it's required in fairness to Andrews.

A replacement set of binos appeared in the mail yesterday and although I haven't checked them out properly yet, no rattling noises or anything so hopefully no dramas.

Very happy with the process.