Is this a good deal ?

[Lyrated]

Hello all

I come across this deal online and I am about to buy it. Here

[Mr Q]

Not familiar with the bin brand but the books and planisphere are a nice touch.

If you are interested in binocular observing, check out this program at the link. I have used it for years and love it.

Touring the Universe through Binoculars Atlas

[Radders]

These have Bak-7 lenses in them. Good astronomy binoculars will have Bak-4 lenses. It's a better lense. My dad paid £35 for a pair of Meade binos with Bak-4 lenses.

Radders.

[Craig20264]

The only thing I know about Praktica is from my photography days, when they were a budget manufacturer. Not sure about them these days.

Have you tried the bay? you can quite often pick up an old pair of bins with better optics cheaper, Pentax or something like that.

Pop along to your local astro store and try a pair of the Praktica before you buy.

Hope this helps

[Lyrated]

Not familiar with the bin brand but the books and planisphere are a nice touch.

If you are interested in binocular observing, check out this program at the link. I have used it for years and love it.

Touring the Universe through Binoculars Atlas

I want to start with the "bins" before i splash the cash and been told its the best way to learn the night sky.

Thanks for the link

[AWR]

The deal looks fine. They're not the best bins out there but should be good for a start.

Have a quick read through the Supplier Reviews here on SGL to see other members' experiences with various suppliers.

Andrew

[garethmob]

Web I was looking I found pratictica the "budget" brand. I had a go at a few side by side but eventually bought a pair of celestron 15x70 and 25x50 in aldis

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Adrian Condon]

Hi,

I agree with the above comments. I believe that Praticka were an East German camera manufacturer in the '60s and 70's.

They were not in the same league as Canon, Nikon or Pentax.

I would be more inclined to look at Celestron 15x70 plus a sturdy Tripod. (cost for binos + tripod approx £120)

However if you don't wish to splash the cash at the moment, then the deal is good. Note that the same is on febay at Praktica W10x50P binocular astronomer's kit (4 pieces) | eBay

The book is good, the map is ok and the planisphere looks small so may be difficult to use.

I would recommend a reasonable tripod to keep the binos stable.

If you use them during the day you may see colour aberration on the image.

To start with binos and a sturdy tripod is a sound move.

Trust the above helps.

Cheers

Adrian

[Captain Caveman]

For learning the night sky I would stick to 10x50, the 15x70 may be good for seeing objects once you've found them but just to learn constellations and sit out holding them and scanning the sky for hours the smaller lighter bins are best

The deal looks fine but they will be budget bins, many have recommended Strathspeys in this price range

You will see a lot more but if you look in the Observing with Binocs section you will find more info from Terenterre and his website on what to look for in a binocular

[sabana]

Just about all you need to start off.

[Tribal-Wolf]

They look almost the same as some 'Draper' branded bins I bought a few years back to chuck in the car. TBH they were rubbish with the focus being to high geared to get a crisp image. My opinion, buy a good quality used pair instead of poor quality new.

[cotterless45]

Yep, most of these bottom of the range bins can come with double vision.I use a super pair of Helios Fieldmaster 7x50s to find clusters and they're excellent.

[Nibor]

I bought the book and planisphere from WHS and a pair of binos elsewhere.

I found the book an helpful introduction but the planisphere I found way too small and ended up buying a larger version - the David Chandler.

First Light Optics - David Chandler Night Sky Planisphere

The 10 x 50 binos were ex demonstration which I bought from a specialist and was able test out for myself - they were less than £50. I was pleased I tested them as I found that I needed a long eye relief!!

Do plenty of research - lots of advice on SGL - a great introduction to astronomy!!

[Marcrosson]

That deal is fine - It will certainly do the job!

[Tribal-Wolf]

The same bins with a different brand name on the same site are just over £20, I would give them a miss personally.

[Tribal-Wolf]

Cheap but BAK-4, might be worth a go

Strange but the same Practika bins on Amazon says they're BAK-4

[Lyrated]

Thanks for the help guys I have had a good look around and found Pentax 10x50 xcf bins for £66.98 on amazon and the reviews back it up.

If you wanna see it Pentax 10x50 xcf

Now the task is to have a shop around see if i can get a good bundle or cheaper price. Once again big thanks guys

Peace out

Chris

[Tribal-Wolf]

Don't think you'll get thme much cheaper than that, they're £100 at Argos lol

[Lyrated]

Don't think you'll get thme much cheaper than that, they're £100 at Argos lol

LOL must be high end stuff as argos normally sells everything for less than a £10 . I have tried and I cannot find cheaper so i be placing the order very shortly.

Is the next step to look for the extra bits like a red led torch books etc as i might aswell order it in 1 go.

[Adrian Condon]

Hi,

The Pentax are definitely better than the previous choice.

You should find no problem holding them steady during the day.

At night given the points of light any movement will be noticeable.

Just bear in mind that a tripod or a mono-pod may help you get a steadier view.

When I use my 8x42 I lean against a lamp pole or a wall.

Would be interested to find out you get on with them.

Cheers

Adrian

[Lyrated]

I have placed my first order from amazon and i cant wait for them to arrive, and for the price i am pleased.

You really can get started without breaking the bank.

I have ordered 2 items so far and should be with me by the 2nd. Fingers crossed they arrive on time for when I visit the local astronomy club CPAC .

Guide to the Night Sky: A Guided Tour of the Stars and Constellations £3.49

and the

Pentax 10x50 XCF Binoculars With Case £66.99

Just two more things i need help with then i promise i stop lol

Is there anything else I should buy at this stage ? and is there a tripod that would fit the bins and the Canon EOS 1100D (which is next on my shopping list)

Sorry if i am becoming a pain