Binoculars?

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Discussion

gallopingclothespeg

Original Poster:

1,212 posts

195 months

Tuesday 30th March 2021
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I'm not sure if the photography forum is the correct place for this...

Last night we were watching the ISS pass over and attempting to get a better view with a pretty crappy set of binoculars I got as a freebie from somewhere. Needless to say they were rubbish!

I'm looking to get some halfway decent binoculars, probably be used for watching wildlife when we're out walking and bits like the ISS. Looking to spend around £100.
Obviously we'd want something smallish so it'll go in a rucksack when walking.

Are monoculars worth getting or are binoculars better for the kind of thing I'm after?

Easternlight

3,477 posts

150 months

Tuesday 30th March 2021
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I'd stick with binoculars personally, monoculars are tiring to use for any length of time a you don't get the depth of image.
Spend as much as you can because you will get more for your money at that price level.
Something like this
https://www.vikingopticalcentres.co.uk/product/vik...

Or RSPB bins are generally good quality and you will probably have somewhere local you can try them out which is a good idea especially if you wear glasses to make sure you get a full field of view.

https://www.vikingopticalcentres.co.uk/product/rsp...

Looking at the ISS isn't easy, mainly because of how quick it's moving!

Pilotguy

433 posts

265 months

Tuesday 30th March 2021
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I just bought my partner these Opticrons from SW Optics in Truro https://swoptics.co.uk/?2281 all done mail order, very professional established retailer.

I’ve had some 10x Opticrons for quite a Few years, they’re excellent quality optics and very robust binos. I just watched the ISS through mine for a really clear pass. Also great for on the coast watching dolphins, birds, seals etc.

Flat6er

1,656 posts

216 months

Tuesday 30th March 2021
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The guy that runs the virtual astro twitter and Facebook page is really interesting.

He did a section on bins for stargazing last year.

https://www.meteorwatch.org/equipment/binoculars-b...

We bought celestron 15x70 and have taken a real interest in whats up there. Seen some great sights. ISS pass. Conjunction of planets. Saturn's rings can just about be seen with just bins. A dark clear sky and a tot of rum to keep warm.


kestral

1,811 posts

213 months

Friday 2nd April 2021
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With binoculars by the time they are powerful enough to see any detail in the ISS it is impossible to hold them still.

Taken with a camera 36 times magnification and cropped in lots.