25x70 or 20x80?

[RedLeader]

I have these two binoculars to choose from and I'd like to know which pair, if any, would be more suitable for looking at the skies on a tripod?

Their prices are very similar.

Thanks

[Bubbles82]

I have both 15x70 and 25x 70 binos and find I can only really use the 25x70s on a tripod due to my ability to hold them still for good viewing. Hope that's of some help [emoji2]

[laudropb]

I would go for the 15x70. They will give a brighter view.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Also note that quite a few cheaper 15x70 and 25x70 are really just 64mm in aperture. Of the two listed, I would veer towards the 20x80. A good 15x70 is an excellent tool for astronomy, however, and should not be discounted as an option

[Highburymark]

I have these two binoculars to choose from and I'd like to know which pair, if any, would be more suitable for looking at the skies on a tripod?

Their prices are very similar.

 

Thanks

I find 15x70s are great - but they won't give you any planetary detail - Jupiter looks just like a large bright star, though the 4 moons are clearly visible. My question to those with more experience than me is: what's the difference in quality between a 'decent' pair of binos like my Helios stellar and a better pair - like the 15x70 Apollo? Maybe a top class pair of 15x70s would be better for redleader than a good pair of 20x80s?

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I have Helios Apollo HD 15x70s and they are great. A huge leap over the Celestron Skymaster and Omegon 15x70s I had before. I do not know the Stellar, but in the Helios Apollo Jupiter is a clearly resolved disk. Polar flattening is visible, but no cloud belts

[Mark at Beaufort]

As Michael has stated the Apollo 15x70 are an excellent choice for Astronomy. Unfortunately they appear to be out of stock everywhere.

If you want to buy 25x70 or 20x80 I would go with the 20x80. Although for the money these would be excellent - http://www.firstlightoptics.com/clearance/clearance_helios-apollo-high-resolution_12960.html

[LukeSkywatcher]

I have a set of 20x90 bins. While i love the large aperture, i'd like a bit more magnification. Would i give up aperture for more magnification?.......i probably would. So i'd go for the 25x70. Maybe i'm talking through my hat,in which case ignore my comments. 20x80 would be a great choice also. Both would need a tripod for observing.

[RedLeader]

Thanks for all your helpful comments. I have an 80 inch tripod and I'm looking to decommission my existing pair of 12x60 binoculars which I bought second hand on ebay 12 years ago for 99p plus postage!

I am considering;

1. Celestron Skymaster 25x70 @ £70

2. Celestron Skymaster 20x80 @ £99

3. Maybe the Celestron Skymaster 25x100 @ £259

I like the Helios Apollo 22x85 @ £315 mentioned above (note these are second hand) but didn't want to spend that much, having said that I'd rather spend more on a quality pair than buy a cheap pair that ends up a waste of money.

I'm leaning toward the Skymaster 20x80, would I be correct in saying these are of reasonable quality?

Thanks again,

Andrew

[Mark at Beaufort]

If you have decided on 20x80 have a look at these from Telescope House. I had a pair and found them OK - http://www.telescopehouse.com/acatalog/Revelation_Premium_20x80_Binoculars-1.html

[Highburymark]

I have Helios Apollo HD 15x70s and they are great. A huge leap over the Celestron Skymaster and Omegon 15x70s I had before. I do not know the Stellar, but in the Helios Apollo Jupiter is a clearly resolved disk. Polar flattening is visible, but no cloud belts

Very interesting Michael that same size binos from same brand have such difference in quality, and I think the Stellars are pretty good. Maybe London light pollution is also to blame.

[damnut]

The Stratspey range have a good reputation.  Also a lot of info on their website ;--- http://www.strathspey.co.uk/index.html

[kirkster501]

Another vote for the 15x70. Superb and i use mine all the time.  Be advised if you go to 25x version then you'll definitely need a tripod or some means of holding the bins other than in your hands. It will be impossible to hold the object still at that magnification whilst hand holding the bins.

[MAN or ASTROMAN]

I'd much rather spend £259 or thereabouts on a pair of Helios Apollo 15x70's than Celestron Skymaster 25x100's.I have both binos in 15x70 models,and whilst I feel I was lucky in getting what I consider to be a 'good pair' of Skymasters-there is really no comparison between the two.Are the Apollos worth around five times more? Well,I shall certainly be keeping them,and they won't be replaced,unless I win the lottery!  Buy cheap.buy twice. as the saying goes-especially when it comes to glass.

[hullobservertory]

Try amazon they do good prices on celestron bins and other bins