What binoculars do you need to see Uranus?

[BinocularSky]

Short answer: any of the above.

Long answer (L-R) - under Bortle 4 skies, in the order in which I tried them:

• Lunt 16x70 - Exceptionally easy, green-blue colour obvious. Rank 1
• Lunt 10x50 - Very easy to identify, but colour not as obvious as in the 16x70, but still detectable. Rank 3
• Vixen 6.5x32 - Not quite as bright as in the 10x50, but colour was better; still easy and obvious. Rank 2
• No-name plastic lensed 4x30 (free with a part-work) - Extremely difficult owing to horrendous spherical aberration. Could see it in one tube only at a time, with eye position being critical. Not recommended. Rank - 6
• Vixen 2.1x42 - Not bright, but still quite easy. Rank 4
• Celestron freebie 2(?)x25, cardboard body, plastic lensed - Inspired to try this by the success with the little Vixen. Yes, it is possible; faint but easy to see once you have acquired it. Rank 5

In reality, I could only recommend the three on the left (or equivalents - say anything of reasonable quality, 6x30 or bigger) for relatively new observers, but it's fun to see what's possible with the freebies.

[John]

Encouraging stuff Steve ?

On to Neptune next ? - I can just about see that with my 6x30 optical finders, unless transparency is below average here.

 

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Nice comparison. No doubt my redoubtable Helios LightQuest 16x80 HRs will work, as will the Vixen New Foresta 10x56. Might give it a go if the skies allow

[tico]

The following really caught my attention:
"Lunt 10x50 - Very easy to identify, but color not as obvious as in the 16x70, but still detectable.
Vixen 6.5x32 - Not quite as bright as in the 10x50, but color was better; still easy and obvious. Rank 2 "

What is this about?
I mean, a Lunt 10x50 Rank 3 and a 6.5X32 Rank 2?
Thanks
Tico

[Stu]

Do you think I've got a chance? ??

[Stu]

2 hours ago, Stu said:

Do you think I've got a chance? ??

Got it just now in these looking similar brightness to HR534 just above it. Fun

 

[BinocularSky]

On 13/02/2019 at 15:07, tico said:

What is this about?
I mean, a Lunt 10x50 Rank 3 and a 6.5X32 Rank 2?

Simply that I found the view in the Vixen 6.5x32 to be more satisfying; not significantly fainter than the 10x50, but better colour and also a steadier view and a sharper image across the field of view.

[tico]

Wow! That says a lot in favor of the little Vixen !!

[BinocularSky]

1 minute ago, tico said:

Wow! That says a lot in favor of the little Vixen !!

Indeed. It's a lovely little binocular. My review of it is at http://binocularsky.com/binoc_reviews.php

[tico]

Thank you!

Tico

[festoon]

10 minutes ago, BinocularSky said:

My review of it is at http://binocularsky.com/binoc_reviews.php

Fantastic review I'd never heard of this particular binocular pair before, so really good to know if I'm looking for a lightweight option.

[ollypenrice]

Very good review! I see that Uranus is currently Mag 5.85 which, if true, puts it well within naked eye range for those with good eyesight at a dark site.

Olly

Edit: this does not include me!!!