Not Sure What Bins To Get Can Anyone Help?

[Tommyg27]

I have about 100 to 150 quid to spend on a set of bins for astronomy, I am a complete beginner in astronomy and would like to learn the night sky first with a set of bins which a relatively cheap before moving to a telescope in the future. I don't know what set to get as I wouldn't want anything heavy to tire my arms, I'm thinking of a 7x 50, 10 x 50 or an 8 x 42.

I was thinking the Nikon aculon range for my price but am not sure really. I would just like best value for my buck, I understand the bins will not be very powerful at this price range, but seeing a few bright objects and possibly a galaxy or two would be nice.

Any one got any suggestions. Thank You.

[vlaiv]

Hi and welcome to SGL

I know nothing about binos, so don't take me seriously, but I consider these:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/opticron-binoculars/opticron-oregon-10x50-wa-binocular.html

I suspect that they are excellent value for the money to get you stared in astronomy.

If you want better binoculars that you'll be using for other things as well - like birding, or nature observation when hiking, ... - then consider more expensive models that are durable, argon filled and so on - but for star gazing, I think above will be more then fine.

[StarryEyed]

Vlaiv's recommendation is a good one. I would add that a good outdoor chair that can support your elbows so as to help with your arms tiring. A tripod and binocular support is also very helpful. 

[Dark Vader]

10x50 binoculars, a garden recliner and one of these and you're good to go. Put this ball head on a monopod, even better.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-177-cm-Pistol-Grip-Tripod/dp/B01LQX0P8Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=24IWAIV1T42IW&keywords=pistol+grip+ball+head&qid=1639267936&sprefix=pistol+grip+ball%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-8

[ScouseSpaceCadet]

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/opticron-binoculars/opticron-adventurer-10x50-t-wp-binocular.html

Highly recommended. Sit back on a reclining garden chair to keep them steady or go with Mr Vader's popular trigger grip (mine is under the Christmas tree woohoo 😁).

[Pixies]

https://binocularsky.com/binoc_choosing.php#:~:text=5. -,Best Buys,-My intention in

 

[F15Rules]

15 hours ago, ScouseSpaceCadet said:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/opticron-binoculars/opticron-adventurer-10x50-t-wp-binocular.html

Highly recommended. Sit back on a reclining garden chair to keep them steady or go with Mr Vader's popular trigger grip (mine is under the Christmas tree woohoo 😁).

Yep, would be hard to beat these, and as recommended by our own SGL bino expert, Steve Tonkin..

"We are confident this is the best binocular for astronomy available <£100. 

Currently in stock  

“If there is a better 10x50 for under £125, I’ve not seen it.  Everything works as it should, the image in the sweet spot is extremely good, it has decent coatings, it is lightweight and comfortable to use, the strap is good quality and comfortable, unusually for a budget binocular it is not significantly stopped down, and it will suit a wide range of faces."   Steve Tonkin's review for the BinocularSky website. 

 

Opticron Adventurer 10x50 T WP

Dave 😉

[Tommyg27]

Thank you for your recommendations keep posting your opinions as I haven't decided yet. thanks

[Stormbringer]

If your budget can stretch a bit more i would recomend these 2 sets 

Nikon Action 12x50

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-Action-EX-12x50-Binocular/dp/B0001EFIFW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LC8TPKM0FV3C&keywords=nikon%2Baction%2Bex%2B12x50%2Bcf&qid=1639337455&sprefix=nikon%2Baction%2Bex%2B12x%2Celectronics%2C173&sr=8-1&th=1

Opticron I Magic 10x50

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/opticron-binoculars/opticron-imagic-tga-wp-50mm-binoculars.html

Both are nitrogen purged and give good clear images but i do prefer my Nikons as my grab go set

The Opticrons are slightltly lighter

But both are great for the money

Edited December 12, 2021 by Stormbringer

[Andy ES]

I use these and have been very happy with them also have a tripod as they are a bit heavy if used for a long time.

 

 

[pregulla]

Svbony ED line might be worth a look. 10x42 have great reviews. I have tried Svbony ED 10x50 and they were on par with Bushnell Legacy 10x50 in terms of aberrations across the field, but with better stray light control, better eyecups and better mechanically overall. Being roof design also makes them significantly lighter and smaller.

[Pete Presland]

I also have the Skymaster Pro 15x70s, excellent quality Bino's. Right on the borderline for me in terms of hand held/Tripod use. I guess it depends on what you call long use and what the user feels comfortable holding.