Celestron 25x70's

[Aetherum]

Greetings,

Soon i'll be in the possession of a Celestron 25x70's binoculars, is there anyone else who has it that likes to share any experiences with it ? It's probably recommend to order a tripod as well, any suggestions ?

Regards

[bejay1957]

In terms of a tripod, I can only recommend the Manfrotto 475B, its big but it enables you to easily get the binocs up to comfortable eye height.

[Aetherum]

heh, it's more than twice as expensive as the binoculars by themselves ! 

[Skipper Billy]

Shop around you can get new for just over £200 and used for about £100 (ebay)

It's probably the only tripod you will ever need !

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-475B-Digital-Pro-Tripod/dp/B000A2JU7M

[Aetherum]

they look pretty solid but i find a nearly 300 euro tripod (new) for a 100 euro binoculars a bit exorbitant, any cheaper alternatives?

[bejay1957]

While it rather depends on how tall you are, don't underestimate the need to get the binocs high enough to be able stand by/at the tripod and have the eyepieces at your comfortable eye level; for me standard photo tripods are way too short for this type of binoc use.

[BinocularSky]

they look pretty solid but i find a nearly 300 euro tripod (new) for a 100 euro binoculars a bit exorbitant, any cheaper alternatives?

I just happen to have three tripods that I have been sent to review. A couple of Fotomates ( the VT-2900 and VT-680-222R from http://www.thebinocularshop.com/accessories.html)and an Astro 187 (from http://telescopehouse.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Tripods_46.html). All would support your binocular adequately and, from an initial play, I would say that their relative values represent their realtive quality. The handle on the Astro187 is fixed and there is insufficient room between it and the centre-post for gloved fingers when observing near the zenith.

Also worth considering would be the Amazon Basics/Ravelli APGL4 with trigger-grip head; significantly less expensive and also capable of holding your bino.

However, in your place I would seriously consider a monopod and trigger-grip head; there is more info on this here.

[BritAngler]

The Manfrotto 055 is good and sturdy, and a bit cheaper than the 475. You do need a tripod that will lift the bins above your head though for when you are aiming high.

[Charic]

The Manfrotto 055 is good and sturdy, and a bit cheaper than the 475. You do need a tripod that will lift the bins above your head though for when you are aiming high.

I have a 3LT Tony heading my way, but still undecided on the head unit. I liked the idea of a joystick trigger ball head similar to the one Steve - Binocular Sky, displays on his site, however the Manfrotto 222 version I wanted is quite a lightweight when it comes to holding heavier kit, so may seek an alternative 2" ball head, possibly an AirHed from 3LT.

I also have a Manfrotto 055 heading my way?

[BritAngler]

I bought the Manfrotto 498RC2 Midi Ball Head for my tripod and it really is a sturdy bit of kit, will easily hold an overbalanced camera & long lens steady if you use some form of cable-release.

When/if you buy the Celestron 25x70s, replace the plastic tripod adaptor with a metal one.

[BinocularSky]

When/if you buy the Celestron 25x70s, replace the plastic tripod adaptor with a metal one.

Amen to that! The plastic one is useful only as an example of what not to get. (However, you can get it to firm up by aralditing a 6mm steel rod (e.g. cut from a tent peg, or a decapitated bolt) into the recess on each side - but you shouldn't have to!)

[Aetherum]

My celestron 25x70's has arrived a few days ago. My overall impression is pretty good, it's magnification is strong and i think the wideness of the field is ok but i don't really have anything form the same grade to compare it with. The only conclusion i made that is very clear is using it without a tripod is almost impossible, certainly if it comes to exploring the sky. I still haven't quite made up my mind about which one i will buy, first i must reach sufficient budget in order to do so :-)

thanks for the info

[Lusitano]

Hi,

Any news about the 25x70 from Celestron?

[Knighty2112]

I have the 15 x 70 Skymaster binoculars, and find that with care I can just about use them for short periods to look at some deep sky objects, but really need to rig up something to support them better for longer views. Rather than get an expensive tripod to look at things near to zenith, apparently sitting in a deck chair and using some kind of monopod/pole to hold the binoculars up to zenith is a much cheaper option. My next project is to either source a good monopod, or to make a good support to enable better zenith views this way.

[Dave In Vermont]

Just to toss another wrench into the gears:

http://www.petersonengineering.com/sky/binocmount.htm

&

http://www.petersonengineering.com/sky/supermount.htm

I'll just be running along.....

Dave

[Megaman250]

This should be fine I am getting the 20x80 Celestron binos in a few days and have been told it would be perfect apparently the sky at night reviewed the Celestron 25x100 Sky watcher binos on it and only costs £79! - http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/first-horizon-8115-2-way-heavy-duty-tripod.html

[Nike]

Check out the Horizon heavy duty tripod by skywatcher, i have used it for several months with my 15x70 celestron bino`s , solid, robust, heavy,  gets excellent height with plenty to spare, sensible price..............sells in the uk for around £90-£100. 

[Aetherum]

that hellios horizon 8115 looks pretty decent and i found it in a shop nearby ! i might go for this one