Best starter Binoculars

[Ryanb222]

Hello all, long time lurker but first time post. I've been into astro for as long as I can remember and took the plunge a few months back and got my first scope (Celestron Astromaster 130EQ, not the best but it was a nice start) however now due to moving house I am having to sell due to nowhere to store it and lack of places to use it so i've decided to take a look at getting some Binos.

Having read all the introductory information regarding magnification and aperture I feel I understand the basics and it appears the recommended would be 7x50/10x50. Would you advise I take a big plunge to get a decent pair at this size or get a couple of pairs and different mag/aperture. Looking for handhold only really, even if it requires propping myself up against a wall or lying back in a chair. 

What would you guys advise?

Thanks in advance!

[PeterCPC]

If it's hand held only I would go with some 10X50. I have a Meade pair and am pleased with them.

Peter

[ronin]

Really the normal 8x42 birding binoculars.

That size has ben arrived at by being convenient, easy to use and adaquate magnification.

They will show Jupiter as a small disk (no details) and whatever moons are in sight. To see detail on Jupiter needs around 40x so that in effect excludes non-specialist binoculars.

Which depends on budget.

[laudropb]

Hello and a warm welcome to the SGL. I too would recommend 10x50 bins. As to make, it really depends on how much you want to spend.

[kalasinman]

Just going through this, as I'm near 70 my new(ish) 12x50 may be tiring. I understand most, if not all bins have a standard camera screw hole under a cap at the front of the hinge. I have a tripod that converts to a monopod, so I'll get a cheap bin to tripod bracket off Ebay and should be ok.

[Ryanb222]

Thanks all for the advice, really appreciated. Looks like ill be heading for something in the range of 10x50. Budget is around £150 for 2 or 1 pair depending on price and quality. Are there any brands to avoid and any brands that are considered better than others. I've already heard about zoom bins and the so called "ruby lenses" and to avoid them but thats about it.

kind regards

[kalasinman]

seriously good optics and solid construction. 80's Japanese. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Pair-of-Swallow-10x50-Binoculars-in-Box-complete-with-lens-covers-/141698519984?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20fde3d3b0