Good buy or rubbish?

[styleman333]

Ok i been looking for binos and i came across these Hermes pair in the pawn shop . magnification is 8 x 17 x 40. they seemed ok ......
Do i or dont i?

Any help would be Greaaatly appreciated

cheers
Steve

[h0ughy (David)]

Steve, I take it you have read vsarious threads and posts by people asking this type of question. Since over 40 people have looked at his thread without commenting they are not game enough to comment. So I will. Dont touch it with a 40 foot pole!!! There is a cure for Hermes

How much dosh you got? Go to bintel web site, or andrews comms or myastro or many of the others and you will find a far better pair of 7 or 10 by 50's, or if you have a few pennies more get a 8 by 63 or 10*70. your eyes will love you for it

[styleman333]

Cheers Houghy
Yup i wasnt sure if the magnification was high or not , it gets pretty damn confusing. Ok as long as i stick with a 7 or 10 by 50s or 8 by 63 or 10 by 70 thinks should be sweet .
Cheers mate appreciate that !

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

http://www.aoe.com.au/binoculars.html their porro prisms are all good value for the money, but as always, you get what you pay for. Spend as much as you can afford. If you have $200 or even $100, don't buy a $70 pair hoping it will do. ... and what Houghy said about the 40 foot pole.

[johnno]

Hi Steve,

Yes,Exactly what Houghy,and Steve H said.

They would be about as usefull as an ashtray,on a Motorbike.

Please give some thought to the 11x56 Binoculars,
A.O.E,is my first choice for Binocular Purchases,without exception.

I use 11x56 Binos,exclusively,for HANDHOLDING,at night,although,I have 10x50's too.

WHY 11x56?

Have a look at the PLEAIDES,through 10x50's,and then have a look at it with 11x56,you will soon see Why.

Of course Sitting,with these,is waaay better than standing.

Regards.John

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

poeple's ability to handhold binos steady enough varies greatly. it depends on a lot of things: your physical build, strength, age, nerves, experience... I suggest you try 7-12x. Any more definitely needs tripod. if in doubt stick with 7 or 8x.

For me, I find it best to have one low power bino with a wide true FOV for star hopping and scanning the sky and one higher power bino, that you can just handhold lying on your back or pop on a tripod for a more extended and steady look.