What do you think of binoculars?

[iceworks]

Hi All,
Merry Christmas. Swan Hill is very wet and cloudy at the moment. No good for astronomy, but good news for the farmers. Decided to buy myself some binoculars for christmas, so I can have a view of the sky on those nights when I cant be bothered hauling out the telescope. I bought some Gerber 10*50 binoculars from Bintel. Great service and advice from Graeme at Bintel Melbourne. The binos are great quality and the views of the full moon during the afternoon when testing were stunning. Hope to try them out on the night sky when the heavens clear. Love to hear any feedback from members on their experiences and opinions about binoculars. I'm beginning to think that they are essential to every amateur astronomer.

[sheeny (Al)]

They are! I would recommend every newbie gets some binos before they buy a scope.

Al.

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

Yes, good choice. Also worth considering getting the little doodad that allows you to mount them on a photo tripod. (Did one come with yours?)

Cheers,

Brian.

[chris lewis]

Yes bino astronomy is amazing. Having been a 'telescope' observer for about 30 years during the past 3 years I have got involved more in bino astronomy. Some of my best views I have had are of the Milky Way around Sagittarius and Scorpius on a moon less night. The 10x50's are IMO the best 'all round' hand held binos. It you are like me and you get more 'involved' you may want to get a larger pair later on like the 20x80's on a tripod. Last year I was in the lucky position of acquiring a pair of 25x100IF binos on a HD mount - I use it so much that I sold my 8in F/4 Newt.! With binoculars, 2x eyed 3D viewing is so much more relaxing and combined with the 'immeadiacy' that you get makes for memorable observations. Good luck.

[saberscorpx]

Amen.

It's the grab n' go freedom and wide fields.
It's the increase in depth perception and signal strength (on-axis and peripheral).
It's the effortless navigation, straight thru viewing, and more natural extension of our own eyes.

My first serious glass was a giant binocular.
One would still be hard pressed to find me basking under the stars without 80mm guns at my side.


SJS

[mrsnipey]

Binoculars are excellent.
I use mine every night to scan the sky for holes in the clouds.

Seriously though, they are so easy to use. I wouldn't be without them.

[davidpretorius]

i got my dob first and have been a mad keen planetary imager.........but over the last 6 months have really enjoyed the widefield of binos (even small ones)

basically, i would say that a set is essential