Which binoculars for stargazing?

[funkyrobot]

I have a small 60mm cheapo telescope that has terrible optics. I would like to upgrade to something larger, but have been informed that a pair of binoculars are very handy (and cheaper than a new scope, for now).

So, does anyone have any recommendations on which binoculars to buy for night sky viewing (I'll be upgrading the telescope at a later date)? Also, what do I need to look out for (i.e. size of the lens, length, optics coolour etc)?

I guess i'll need a tripod too to help steady them.

Thanks.

[nellyleelephant]

Celestron Skymaster 15x70.

At the start of the year they were going for about £50 from First Light Optics, not sure about now.
You will need a tripod though, after 5 minutes your arms will ache, plus you'll find focusing a lot easier when they're steady.

Not good for planets, but deep space objects will be fine. Some objects are better through bins, the Pleiades being one.

I have a pair, well worth it.

[Gokartmozart]

10 x 50 are a decent size for general viewing and a decent trade off between apeture and weight. 70's would be better still but would need a tripod for lenghty viewing periods. One technique is to use elbows in and a garden reclining chair or lounger to prevent fatigue.

The Celestron ones here seem a bit too cheap, some Meade ones also Pentax
and Bushell

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=10...

[nellyleelephant]

Hmmmm, it seems that Celestron 15x70 bins aren't available at the moment, shame as they're very good for the money.

[funkyrobot]

Thanks all.

Took a look around and have found celestrons for around £60 that should fit the bill (15x70). It seems that 20x80's are just over £100. I could stretch to that if they make a lot more difference.

Is it worth getting the 20x80's?

[funkyrobot]

Just thinking about this and i'll need a tripod and mount too.

I have found a metal L mount for about £15, which sounds better than a flimsy plastic one.

Finally, how do the mounts work on bins? Never mounted them to anything before. Thanks

[nellyleelephant]

The 20x80 will give you a bit more mag and objects will be a bit brighter due to the larger objective lens.

I have a pair of 20x100 and they are noticeably brighter than the 70mm lenses, not sure how much brighter 80mm would be.

To mount the binoculars you attach the mounting bracket (I made my own out of thick aluminium L section....I found shop bought brackets weren't stiff enough) to the tripod, then using the thumbscrew attached to the bracket, attach the bins on the threaded insert found on the bins. On skymasters the insert is on the same axis as the focus wheel, inbetween the two lenses.

You'll need a tripod that will allow you to get the bins up high. If you want to look straight up, you'll find yourself in uncomfortable positions trying to get to the eyepieces otherwise!

[nellyleelephant]

Bedazzled said:

How would something like this compare, for the same money?

The only advantage of that I can see is the interchangable eyepieces giving you different magnifications. Same objective lens size as the 15x70 binoculars.

It would be the bins for me, but that is speaking as someone who uses them alongside a large telescope.

[funkyrobot]

Thanks for the info.

I'm 6ft 4in tall so will need a big mount (arf arf!). I'm seriously thinking of spending a little more and getting the 20x80's, but I need to consider the tripod and the mount cost too, so may go for the 15x70's.

Edited by funkyrobot on Tuesday 6th September 12:36

[nellyleelephant]

You'd be looking at a large (expensive!) tripod then as you'd need it to be able to extend to 7 foot!

How about something like this? Used seated and cheaper than a tripod and mount.

http://www.scopesnskies.com/prod/binocular/mountin...

[nellyleelephant]

Never understood huuuuuge bins like that.

Why not just go for a massive scope instead?? It's the grab-n-go that's good about binoculars!

[db]

soviet naval bins. not cheap but worth the cash.
comet Hyakutake spotted with 25x150's
can't find them after a quick google but there are similar types out there, mostly fujinon

[funkyrobot]

I like them bins.