Looking for Recommendation

[Nightjar]

Hi Everyone,

I wonder if someone could help me identify the right pair of binoculars. I'm a fairly experienced telescope user, but I could really do with a pair of smallish, light binos that will travel everywhere with me, don't require a tripod, and are most suited to dark conditions. I guess 10 x 50's are about right (?) I'm looking then for the best quality make I can get for up to about £150. Suggestions please.

Nightjar

[barkis]

Why not have a look on Flo's site first Nightjar. Click on the Logo at the top of the page. If you find anything that might grab your attention, give Steve a ring, he will gladly discuss the merits with you.

You could possibly qualify for a little discount too. Worth a shot.]

Ron.

[Nic]

Sky at Night magazine did a review on 10x50s towards the end of last year. Their winner was the Strathspey Marine which are around £86. The runner up was the Pentax XCF at around £78. I went for the Pentax in the end because they are lighter. They have given me some excellent views over the last 2 or 3 months and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. They've got a very solid feel (without being too heavy to hold without a tripod for extended periods) and a good rubberised protective outer. Focusser is positive and accurate. The only niggle is the difficulty of removing the objective lens caps (I've drilled small holes in them, which has made a slight imrpovement.) I appreciate that these are around half your target budget, but just think what you could do with the money you've saved!

[argonaut]

If you look at Philsail's excellent review of the Opticron's I would be tempted by those. I know that they are 8x40's,but they would be easier to hold steady and give a wider FOV.If you shake a little with the 10x50's you will loose around a magnitude anyway.

I have both 8x42's and 10x50's,just depends on the caffeine intake that day :-)

Good luck with the choice. Please let us know what you decide.

Glen.