Tell me about binoculars

sammyff · #1 18-01-2008, 10:06 PM

What strength binoculars do you suggest for astronomy purposes, 10 x 50's or higher (handheld). And can anyone recommend a brand they have used which are good without breaking the budget. In fact does anyone have some they wish to part with, at a good price. Jimbo

g__day (Matthew) · #2 18-01-2008, 10:23 PM

Mounted or supported - I love my Andrews COmm's 80m * 20 magnification fully multi-coated triplets - around $220.

For strenght I would advise the lowest possible to give the widest field of view.

You want good focus, light grasp and faithful colour re-production - magnification doesn't warrant even 1% considerations - its a null issue.

I also tried some 70 mm * 15 magnification - much lighter, but teh triplets are a far superior monsters!

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-11.htm

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/images/...80_triplet.jpg
Giant 20 X 80
TRIPLET binoculars

$219.00 AUD

Why pay over triple for triplets elsewhere?
Yes, THREE objective lens for extra sharp contrast/sharpness!

Broadband fully multicoated (BBFMC) to level IV on all BAK4 prisms and objective lens
Rubberised body weighs only 2kg
Built-in stainless steel balance adj./mounting bar and bracket
Right ocular diopter adjustment
Soft nylon case included!

saberscorpx · #3 19-01-2008, 01:02 AM

Widefield 10x50s are a recommended first binocular for stargazing. It is the highest magnification that most can hold relatively steady without a tripod while still providing a comfortably large field of view and exit pupil.
If buying for a child I would suggest a smaller, lighter 8x40 to get them started.

No need to spend big bucks either.
Fully multicoated with plenty of eye relief for $69 at AOE:
http://www.aoe.com.au/wide_angle.html

SJS

Phil · #4 19-01-2008, 08:44 AM

Anyone used Cannon IS binoculars just interested to see what you think of then and are they worth buying.
Phil

g__day (Matthew) · #5 19-01-2008, 11:34 AM

I notice even the 15 * 70 see alot more detail thanks to their greater light gathering ability than smaller ones.

Help to know your budget and sky targets!

cookie8 (Vincent) · #6 19-01-2008, 12:00 PM

Check out this link:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.p...63,374,0,0,1,0
I found 10X50 best combination.

Vincent

saberscorpx · #7 19-01-2008, 12:10 PM

re: Canon IS

I've used- but not owned- the 15x50 and 18x50.
Both live up to the hype, though eyeglass wearers may
find the eye relief restrictive (12-13mm useable).
The 15s have the larger FOV and exit pupil.

Whether they're worth the extravagant price is up to
one's wallet.

SJS

mark3d · #8 19-01-2008, 09:06 PM

hey i have only used 10x50... what you see is pretty good but i consider them only just usable without a mount - for example you can see moon craters but they wobble around a bit. the binocs also get heavy quite quickly. i think the wobbling reduces enjoyment considerably so im going to get a $20 mount for our $50 tripod (velbon vx440). should be right then.

cheers
Mark

mark3d · #9 20-01-2008, 08:51 PM

just by chance i found the website for the manufacturer of Andrews' binoculars

http://www.binocularschina.com/distribution.html

cheers

Valmir · #10 25-01-2008, 03:05 PM

does anyone know if the meade astro binoculars are good i mite be getting a pair plz reply.

caleb · #11 25-01-2008, 05:11 PM

i have some that r broken

mucrucis · #12 25-01-2008, 05:16 PM

I started off With some Pentax 7X50'S, 9x60 Meades then went to 10x50 and 15x70 Celestrons. The lower powered ones are great to start off with and then you can start too get into the "clusters" with some higher powered glasses. Remember "the bigger bucket the better" Bino's are great.

xelasnave · #13 25-01-2008, 05:26 PM

The 80 triplets are the go but you need to mount them ...
alex

Valmir · #14 25-01-2008, 05:29 PM

Thanks for that

johnno · #15 27-01-2008, 03:32 AM

Jimbo,

You did say Handholding,was preffered,
So,

The 11x56,from A.O.E, are pretty good.

And are about the Absolute maximum Mag,for handholding,INMHO

They are NOT, in the same class,as a Pentax,Nikon,Fuji,or other Higher end Binoculars.

BUT,they do represent good Value for Money,for those of us,who are Financially Challenged.

Any more Magnification than this,and a tripod is Definitely Recommended.

HANDHOLDING,Binoculars,
Requires,Lower Power.

Its NOT the weight that causes most of the problems,

It's the higher Magnification,that Amplifies any Slight body/hand Tremors.

Arm Strength,does help,but even Arnie,(Terminator),(easier,than his last name), Couldn't hold high power binoculars,
as well as he could hold lower power ones.

Regards.
John