HuwCatchpoleDavies

Thanks Vulpecula. All I need now is some clear skies

Hee hee, Had a similar experience yesterday. After I had finished looking at a patch of the sky I noticed my neighbors (who live in the same direction as the patch of sky) closing their blinds

I learnt everything I needed to about equipment from this site and will be saving myself a lot of money thanks to the helpfulness of its people. I too, hope to return the favour one day.

Thanks James, That certainly explains why I couldn't find ratios of 1:5 on the bigger apertures. I think I am decided Thanks for all your help

Hello all, Although not geared in the slightest (unless you count borrowing 10x28s) I am very much looking forward to beginning my discoveries as many of you have done. I made my first true discovery the other day while veiwing a rather bright star in the Southern sky that I knew couldn't be sirius. On much closer inspection with the above mentioned 10x28s I saw a short row of dots in a line to the side of the star. Moons! Jupiter. Although, I'm sure, quite tame, I was very excited. I've been meaning to get some equipment for a good 3 years or so and finally was triggered to get off my stool and do some research into it. I'm currently studying for a Masters in Instrumental and Vocal Composition (classical) in London but have always been very interested in space and science often basing compositions on such romantic material as we have staring at us every night, weather permitting. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read my little intro. Here's to Galileo , Huw

Sounds good. It also seems the 12x60s are a lot less easy to get hold of than the 15x70s. So doing the math now I work out that the exit pupil is 5 on the 10x50s and 4.6 on the 15x70s which I believe is not quite as good (unless I've misunderstood my sources), is this going to be barely noticeable in the 15x70s vs the greater, albeit only slightly, clarity of the 10x50s? Thanks for the help guys

Thanks Bish, that's really helpful I live in north london so when I don't have the chance to get away I'll have the same problem. Am going to look into the 15x70 too

Hello all, Having always been fascinated with the cosmos I have always meant to get some specific equipment for observing. I have, I think, done enough research to come to the conclusion that 10x50 Bins are what I want to get me started. Of which I found these, Celestron UpClose 10X50 Binoculars: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo Now after finding out why these were what I wanted (eg. a good exit pupil of 5(mm?)) I searched for the, what I believe to be, next level up of 12x60. Of which I found these from the same manufacturer, Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 Center Focus Astronomy Binoculars - Binoculars at Binoculars Unless my assumptions are incorrect these have the same exit pupil and thus will give a similar image sharpness but the second giving a greater magnification. Is it suggested that I save up for the 12x60 Skymasters (around £60-£70) or shall I just go for the cheaper 10x50s upcloses (around £20)? I must say that I am not the sort of person who would easily get bored of this hobby (therefore cheapness is not an issue) as have already invested a decent amount of time into book study, learning the lore of various stars and generally learning my constellations. I just now feel ready to see what I've read about. Hope you guys can clarify this for me.