Binocular for neowise

[iwols]

Could anyone suggest an ideal size of binoculars for viewing neowise and general thanks

[DaveL59]

pretty much any would show it, I was using an old Swift Audubon HR/5 last night which are 8.5x44 and it was nice and clear. Perhaps I'd have seen it closer in the 10x50's but then you have to be able to hold them steady.

So any 8x40/42 or up should do, depends on how compact and lightweight you need them to be for other use and budget of course.

Just don't go for any zoom types, they're generally not very good.

Edited July 18, 2020 by DaveL59

[Roy Challen]

For the comet, I agree with Dave - any will show it well. 

For general use, do you mean general astro use, or daytime use as well?

I have Pentax 12x50 which are very capable astronomy binoculars, even if the field of view is on the slightly narrow side. The comet easily fits in this field.

I also have some Helios 8x20, which has a much wider fov, but is somewhat dimmer. On bright targets (such as Neowise) this doesn't matter. Not much use for galaxy spotting though.

For day use, I never regret bringing the Pentax out, but because they're a lot bigger and heavier, I don't often do that. The Helios, on the other hand, fit into almost any pocket, and are good enough for the job.

[Dark Vader]

I have 7x50, 10x50 and 15x70, the 10x50 gets used the most by a long way.

Get a pistol grip ball head and a monopod and you'll be well set up.

Andy

[John]

My Opticron 11x70's have provided some stunning views of Comet Neowise including my 1st sighting of it (accompanied by a gasp !) back on the 6th July.

It's nice in a 8x56's as well but the 11x70's really show it off.

 

[DaveL59]

If I remember I might even give these a try tonight, assuming clear skies of course

[HollyHound]

12 minutes ago, John said:

It's nice in a 8x56's as well but the 11x70's really show it off.

My 8x56 pair showed it beautifully, but then so did the 8x32 (we handed these to the kids 😀).

[John]

As it's visible to the naked eye quite easily when it's dark (hope it still is !) any optical aid is going to show it nicely.

 

[iwols]

1 hour ago, Roy Challen said:

For the comet, I agree with Dave - any will show it well. 

For general use, do you mean general astro use, or daytime use as well?

I have Pentax 12x50 which are very capable astronomy binoculars, even if the field of view is on the slightly narrow side. The comet easily fits in this field.

I also have some Helios 8x20, which has a much wider fov, but is somewhat dimmer. On bright targets (such as Neowise) this doesn't matter. Not much use for galaxy spotting though.

For day use, I never regret bringing the Pentax out, but because they're a lot bigger and heavier, I don't often do that. The Helios, on the other hand, fit into almost any pocket, and are good enough for the job.

Yes Roy I mean general astro use sorry

45 minutes ago, John said:

My Opticron 11x70's have provided some stunning views of Comet Neowise including my 1st sighting of it (accompanied by a gasp !) back on the 6th July.

It's nice in a 8x56's as well but the 11x70's really show it off.

 

What's the 11x70 opticrons like in general for astro use? 

 

 

[iwols]

Any views on the Stella helios Ii 15x70 guys

 

[RT65CB-SWL]

When comets Hyakutae and Hale-Bopp were visible... I used my 7x50’s and a monopod. I used the same combi/kit on NEOWISE last weekend too. 

Edited July 19, 2020 by Philip R

[John]

9 hours ago, iwols said:

....What's the 11x70 opticrons like in general for astro use? 

 

 

Very good indeed.

These are not the current chinese made 11x70's though. These are the Japanese made LER ones, now out of production.

 

 

[iwols]

Just a final question just seen the celestron skymaster Pro 15x70 any thoughts on these, for both neowisr and general astro work

 

[Stormbringer]

The 15x70 Pros are quite good Steve Tonkin gives em a good right up on his binocular sky site

I have a set as well and they do seem pretty good 🍻

[iwols]

Thanks guys

[scarp15]

Finally at last got to observe Neowise, from a dark site (55* 14 latitude). Took 16 x 70 Lunts / monopod and TV85, observed the comet between 11.30pm and 2.00am. The binocular image became increasingly spectacular, presenting a bright blue glow and long vast sweeping tail excellent contrast. It was an impression I will never forget. Therefore 15 or 16 x 70 binoculars, monopod, an observer's or garden chair and a clear lofty observing site with no artificial light pollution NW /N is a winning formula.  

[Tenor Viol]

I had decent views last night in both 7x40s and 10x50s

[IB20]

I recently bought some Helios Mistral WP6 ED 8x42s, they are blooming excellent for astro viewing. Neowise has been a treat in them, but they are also very good for asterisms and rich star fields. 

[Stub Mandrel]

Looked great in my Celestron Nature 8x42 bins last night. I saw M32 near m31 with them as well.

[JohnC260]

On 20/07/2020 at 15:47, IB20 said:

I recently bought some Helios Mistral WP6 ED 8x42s, they are blooming excellent for astro viewing. Neowise has been a treat in them, but they are also very good for asterisms and rich star fields. 

I have been looking at some of these as well, and the 11x70 opticrons I can't decide! haha