Advice please

[MahlerMoonMan]

Hi folks

I've currently got a pair of Visionary V1 8.5x 42s and a pair of Celestron SkyWatcher 20x 80s ....  I really fancy a good pair of 10x 50s though to give me just a wee bit more aperture and mag for easy handheld binocular astronomy ....  I've no real budget in mind but probably wouldn't be going for anything too 'exotic' spec-wise or cost-wise, but very good optical and build quality non-the-less.  What do you good folks out there recommend? 

Many thanks everyone

Donaldo

[RCG]

It's hard to go wrong with Fujinon FMT-SX.

[MahlerMoonMan]

Thanks for my solitary suggestion so far, I'd better start saving for one of those then!

I know there are countless threads on here about 10x 50, or similar bins ... It's too easy to get lost in all the info that's on here and on the web in general ... I just hoped for more tailored to my needs advice

Clear skies to all,

Donaldo

[PeterCPC]

I really like my Meade 10x50s and they get good reviews.

Peter

[szymon]

I just bought some Olympus DP1 10x50. Some people bash them because they don't have BAK4 prisms, but I think they are superb - very clear and sharp. For £50 from Amazon I think they are a great deal.

[Alfian]

Hi, in terms of a bit more aperture (I assume more than the 8.5x42s) the problem is getting a genuine 50mm aperture. The Williams Optics 10x50s that I have (I'm fairly sure) genuine 50mm aperture and are optically very good but are quite heavy for 10x50s. Something like the Pentax 10x50 PCFs are also very good optically, lighter but may not be the full 50mm aperture.

Its worth a look at Steve's BinocularSky website where you will find a lot of related info and recommendations.

[ronin]

If the 8.5x 42's suit you then stick with them. 10x50's will not be any brighter or give any real extra magnification.

Binoculars are more for wide views and looking around not for looking at an object.

[szymon]

Second the recommendation for binocularsky - loads of info

[Steven_J]

Third for checking out BinocularSky.

As for your needs, have you thought of trying for a 10x56 such as the B&S Savannah? - http://www.firstlightoptics.com/barr-stroud-binoculars/barr-stroud-savannah-56mm.html

[MahlerMoonMan]

Thanks for the B&S 10x 56 suggestion ... That has got me thinking of the 12x 56 option ... I may prefer the slightly smaller exit pupil for my 'early 40s' eyes! And I've spotted that there is an ED version. Any thoughts about these bins?

Thanks,

Donaldo

[Alfian]

I tried the Savannah 10x56 EDs. They are certainly have impressive optics and perform well, and although big for roof prism binos, they sit very nicely in the hands. Unfortunately I had a a bit of an issue with the diopter adjustment and returned them to FLO to be be replaced with Williams Optics. They or the 12x56s may be the answer - the exit pupil comment is a useful consideration although I find a 5mm exit pupil fine for my early 60's eyes OK (as far as I'm aware!) 

[Pepeporras69]

It's hard to go wrong with Fujinon FMT-SX."

+1

[Charic]

MahlerMoonMan.....Hi.  I recently purchased some Nikon 10x50 Extremes, and they just didn't fit me? I wasn't sure if I could return them, so I sold them on  at a famous auction site. The new  owner loves them, which is great, but a good friend of mine also tried the same Binoculars near his home, and said the same thing, they were not comfortable, and did not fit.

My immediate replacement was the Helios deal from flo! ( I could also return them if I wished for something else - Nice One )  8x40's. I'm blown away with their quality for under £50 notes. Last Week I was on a road trip and a meeting was arranged. My friend also tried these, and he loves them too. 

Try any branded binoculars in the size you want for starters, just to see if 10x50's are suitable,  then maybe purchase on spec and merit. I feel you already have the extremes with the two binoculars you have, and maybe a 10x50 or something in the middle will just be fine, or maybe not, considering what you have already.

My Revelations are too heavy, and not a patch on what my telescope can do. My Bresser 7x50's are very old @ 29 Years and still good, but the Helios are far better. I use them all the time now for Astronomy. Your not far from my neck of the woods, Moray, so you`ll probably also realise that its quite a bit lighter up this far North. If I cant use the telescope  during Summer nights, more binocular aperture in binoculars was not going to help me in the slightest, so for me, wider, low power, seemed the best option for my needs, to accompany the 200mm telescope, and I'm not sure now, I`d see any purpose in buying 10x50's for astronomy, remember, my needs only, when I have the 8x40's and if needed the 15x70's.

I used to own 20x80's and the present 15x70's dont do any justice for me, so get used less now. Maybe time to move then on.

You mention 'tailored for your needs' I too had needs and requirements, and one of them was the exit pupil  matching  mine when fully dilated. Full dilation is hard to measure, and almost impossible to control, but I can measure 4mm maybe a bit more. I'm having my eyes checked this Month, and I will require dilation eye drops for the procedure, so hopefully I can get them to measure the forced dilation, using the results to purchase my next pair of binoculars for general Day/Night use, and what if any, limits may be imposed on me due to my eyesight results.

I'm still considering another pair, either 7or8x50 or 10x50 but this time, Fully Waterproofed but not for  astronomy, so still looking at Strathspey Marine 10x50 or the Gael Force 7x50 floating Waterproof Binoculars( Winner 2014 Practical Boat Owners Budget). In fact both Binoculars are winners in previous tests, if that helps me  in decision making, and both vendors within an hours drive away.

I don't see any surface detail on Jupiter with my  15x70's, which was the reason for their purchase in the first place. Something to Grab & Go. And a recent test to observe Saturn was just as bad, yet I remember seeing Saturn with my previous 20x80 Helios Stellar's. I just wished I had the opportunity to try before I purchased the Revelations.

Try something to see if you need to fill the gap. If you do, then buy on merit, spec, and popularity. Now some sleepless nights whilst you assess?

I would also agree with the reply from ronin.