Binoculars - Cheap ones.

[xs2man]

So, the wife want to get me a cheap set of bins to accompany my telescope set-up.  Wrong way round to be fair, but thinking it might be a quick set-up if we don't want to rig up the scope.

Anyway, she has spotted a couple on Amazon, and asked me for my opinion on them.  I know nothing of such sorcery, but I'm sure you guys do, so thought I'd ask for some advice.

The first set is the 

Celestron 71008 25x70 Skymaster Porro Prism Binoculars (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Celestron-71008-25x70-Skymaster-Binoculars/dp/B003AM87Q4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450121569&sr=8-1&keywords=Celestron+71008+25x70+Skymaster+Porro+Prism+Binoculars)

The next set is

Olympus Binocular 10x50 DPS-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0000AKGX3?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE)

Any idea which ones to go for?  Or can we do better at this price elsewhere?

[happy-kat]

For ease of getting out there has to be 10x50 or 8x42. You would need a tripod for the 25x70.

[xs2man]

I do have a "cheap" little tripod that I bought for my camera, but I see your point.  10x50's it will be I guess.

[Astro Imp]

For quick trouble free use I wouldn't go above 10x mag. Anything more and you would likely need some support.

I use 8x42 and can see a surprising amount and also find them handy for day time use.

For all things binocular have a look at Binocular Sky:- http://www.binocularsky.com/

HTH and good luck.

[laudropb]

Definitely the 10x50s would be my choice.

[Alfian]

Firstly I wouldn't buy binos from Amazon, better to buy from a reputable specialist supplier like FLO or Strathspey (not too far from you?). You will get good prices and service. 

Secondly have a look at Steve Tonkin's Binocularsky website which has loads of good advice and some useful well tried recommendations - one of which I think is the DPS1 but its worth checking out the others.

Thirdly, you inevitably get what you pay (give or take the odd steal of a deal but you need to do your homework!) so get the best you can afford - which I know is difficult at this time of the year. I'd go for better quality 8x42s than maybe slightly inferior 10x50s though that may be easier said than done.

[Putaendo Patrick]

The Celestron 25x70 binoculars are a very specialised niche, they certainly need a good tripod. Personally for 25x magnification I would prefer a wider aperture, but this also means a very much higher price. It is also relatively easy to knock these out of allignment.

The Olympus 10x50 are a more practical magnification for general astronomy use, giving a wider view which makes it much easier to scan the sky. For me they are a better compliment to a telescope. One point worth noting is that the Olympus binoculars use Bak 7 formula glass for the prisms. Bak 4 is generally considered superior, and does begin to be available in binoculars from about 50 pounds upwards. You might also consider:

http://www.strathspey.co.uk/shop/10x50.html

http://www.thebinocularshop.com/helios-fieldmaster-50mm-binoculars.html

Both Strathspey and Helios seem to have very satisfied customers among the members of this forum.

This forum also has a section specially dedicated to binoculars, well worth a browse!

http://stargazerslounge.com/forum/133-discussions-binoculars/

[xs2man]

Thanks for the heads-up guys.  I will do further research.

Unfortunately, Strathspey is still a 2.5 hour drive from me, so not really close enough to just "pop in" for a look.  But I do like the look of their 10x50's and being a SAT test winner, can't be a bad place to start at this budget.

As far as buying from Amazon goes, well, that's because the wife buys as much as she can from there (assuming its the best deal), being a prime member.  And she has a balance of gift cards for there too.

As I said though, I'll do some more research first.  

Thanks

[MDMAMUNAR]

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[Alfian]

Thanks for the heads-up guys.  I will do further research.

Unfortunately, Strathspey is still a 2.5 hour drive from me, so not really close enough to just "pop in" for a look.  But I do like the look of their 10x50's and being a SAT test winner, can't be a bad place to start at this budget.

As far as buying from Amazon goes, well, that's because the wife buys as much as she can from there (assuming its the best deal), being a prime member.  And she has a balance of gift cards for there too.

As I said though, I'll do some more research first.  

Thanks

Oops  sorry about the "local" Strathspey mistake. I have been caught out in years past in underestimating travel times in Scotland. I'm sure a Scottish mile is longer than an English one! Regarding Amazon, despite some "niggles"  I have bought a lot of stuff through them but I remain convinced that for serious optical stuff Its better to go to a serious optical supplier. Having said that the reputable Telescope House market some of their stuff through Amazon so its not all bad.

[xs2man]

Thanks guys.  Went for the Strathspey 10x50's in the end.