Starting out. Which binoculars ?

[Parwaz]

Hello Guys,

Being a complete newbie to Astronomy, I wanted to jump in with Bins rather than Tele as most of you suggested.

Which brings me to get your expert opinion as to which bins, 15x70 Celestron Skymaster seem a great choice considering I want to spend approx. £100. Want to spend more for Tele once I get better at it.

2 Queries:

A. Is 15x70 a better choice or should I stick with lower 7x50, etc (Want kids to watch and enjoy also) but don't mind using Tripod.

B. Is Celestron Skymaster good as £50 won't break the bank if a better quality is available.

Over to you Pros

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Check this site out:

http://binocularsky.com/binoc_choosing.php

Really useful info

[brantuk]

I have a pair of the Skymaster 15x70's and have no compliant about them - they're absolutely fine. Nice and clear - loads of contrast - tiniest bit of CA - but very contrasty when set up right. I've always thought they are a bargain at £50 - cos I paid £80 just before the price came down - typical!! lol.

(They're a spot heavy so you'll need a tripod - a camera one will do)

[Laurie61]

Hi, as your first piece of astro kit I think the 15x70's would be a better choice. The tripod is almost mandatory for these, especially if you want the kids to see anything through them I bought the revelation 15x70's several years ago and found they were great for the money.  

[tingting44]

i got these a couple weeks ago and can not fault them in any way or form

http://www.microglobe.co.uk/pentax-10x50-pcf-wp-ii-water-proof-porro-prism-binocular-p-2603.html

[Parwaz]

Super, I'll go get them and then bug you how to find the secret objects in the skies

[Parwaz]

Ok, the link shared by admin say best buys is: 15x70 Centre-Focus Porro: Revolution.

Now, should I go for those or the Skymaster Celestron 15x70?

Decision time (price diff is no issue if quality is far better for one)

[Parwaz]

Ok feeling silly now asking such questions, but are these the same bins :/

[Chris]

Parwaz - its a good question and the answer is yes they are the same bins but with a different badge. They are cheap for a reason though and this is because they keep the price down by having zero QC so some people have these arrive out of collimation which produces a double image. All this means is that you might need to send them back and get a second pair sent out if you find your optics are out, apart from that they are very good for the price

[tingting44]

You do know u will need a tripod with 15x70's as they will get very heavy after a min or 2 I had to get an adapter to use mine with my tripod and mine are only 10x50's

[ollypenrice]

I have these and rate them in terms of value. The rubber eyecups have fallen apart over the years but a good pair are pretty good. You do need a tripod - or I certainly do. However, something in the 8x42 range can be easily hand held. It isn't the weight that's the problem, it's the magnification which introduces the shakes.

Olly