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Post by Ivan on Aug 31, 2013 12:02:50 GMT
Hi all
First time bino buyer, so I literally have no idea what's going to be practical for astronomy never mind terrestrial viewing. From what I can piece together, I'm supposed to be looking for a decent FOV and good magnification. I don't mind mounting on a tripod or using them from a lounger, either is good, I just don't want to be buying a pair only to find that I need to change them out for a much more expensive pair so I'm trying to get my first time purchase right. Celestron 10x50 or 15x70 seem popular, but again I don't know how these will perform.
If anyone has any good recommendations or a pair they are looking to sell which will do me for a decent period of time then please post here or message me via my FB account or the forum messaging system.
I'm also going to be buying a Telrad finder for my dob so if anyone has one they've outgrown or simply looking to sell on, and it's in good nick of course, drop me a line.
Cheers Ivan
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Post by stevie on Aug 31, 2013 13:42:23 GMT
Ivan, you don't need to spend a lot of money to get good binoculars. A pair of 10x50 will be more than adequate. Just in case you don't know, the 10 signifies the magnification, and the 50 is the size of the front lenses ie this size dictates the field of view. Some people are happy enough with 7x50, but make sure the second number is not smaller than 50. Bigger binoculars are fine, although not much bigger than 10x50 if you want to able to hold them steady in your hands. You'll be amazed at how much you can see with them, and for some objects, especially big star clusters like the Pleiades or M44, they are actually better than a telescope, as they can encompass the whole cluster. They are also excellent for sweeping the Milky Way. Ask Jonathan if you can have a look through his 20x100's some time, he usually brings them when he is out observing. They are superb. There's some nice pairs here, the Meade 10x50 at £39 or the Bresser 10x50 at £40 would do the job. Unfortunately, the Meade 10x50 starter pack at £40, which includes star maps, has been unavailable for quite some time. www.telescopehouse.com/acatalog/telescope_house_binoculars.htmlOr you could try a couple of chemist or camera shops, they often sell binoculars. Don't be tempted by zoom binoculars, they aren't much use. And avoid those with red or yellow coloured lenses, although a subtle violet colour would be ok. You can get a Telrad from Rother Valley Optics for about £40 (They are reduced to £34 at the moment). Superb bit of kit, and it will really make that dob of yours much easier to use. www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/telrad-reflex-finder_d2071.htmledit - there's a bloke selling a Telrad for £20 on Astronomy Buy and Sell
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Post by Ivan on Sept 1, 2013 8:47:40 GMT
Cheers Stevie, good info ta. I've stumped up for a new telrad and binos from the linked site, as well as a couple other essentials. Now I think the only thing I'm waiting on is my mate getting back to me about whether or not he can find his old drummer stool
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