Just a pair of binoculars

[ste69]

Hi there.

After reading some of the posts and help on here, I have come to the decision that my best bet for a newbie is just a simple set of decent bins!!!!

Could anyone recommend a set or at least how powerful a set I need to get some enjoyment out of viewing the sky through them??

[mike.brightmore]

Hi again

10x50 binos seem to be the usual entry level for serious beginners. If you haven't already done so it is worth a look at the 'Observing with Binoculars' thread to give an idea of what you can actually see. There are also a few practical books devoted to binocular viewing. It is a good idea to also factor in a tripod which makes viewing so much easier.

[coliea]

These Celestron Skymasters seem to be well thought of, winning a S@N review and getting a recommendation in Phil Harrington's Star Ware book. I'm thinking of picking a pair up to replace my 10x50 Bressers that recently bit the dust in China.

Col

[PeterW]

15x70, still hand holdable, but more light. Good during the day too, pretty cheap too.

PEterW

[AstroNinja]

I have the Skymaster 15 x 70 and have been very pleased with them. They are handholdable, but a tripod is a good investment. Also recommend the Bresser 10 x 50 as found in Lidl, I have three pairs

[gliderpilot]

I used Strathspey 15x70 bins for a number of years until I dropped them into a muddy puddle at Kielder.

To really enjoy your binoculars you need a mount. This way you can refer to your notes and star charts without losing your position in the sky - as well as saving your arms from tiring.

Mark

[Milamber]

You probably already know somebody with a pair if you don't have a set laying around unused and dusty in a cupboard somewhere yourself... try to borrow them and take it from there, that way you'll get first hand knowledge then of magnification/filed of view, aperture/brightness and weight/how long can you keep them up... and all for free!

Arthur