One ideal binocular (1 Viewer)

[CharleyBird]

I'm interested to know what experienced astronomers consider their ultimate astro-binocular and why;
(we live under bortle 5 skies with b3 close by, I don't wear glasses).

1. Your choice for the best hand held binocular available for astronomy?

2. Adding a second, the best large & heavy binocular used on a mount?

 

[Binastro]

Canon 10x42L IS or 15x50 IS.
No explanation needed.
I actually use the 18x50 IS.

I don't use large mounted binoculars, but for me the123mm Rich field telescope was my most used telescope on a simple wooden garden tripod.from 1957.
16x 4.7 degree field to 145x. 3inch drawtube custom made.

Regards,
B.

 

[Binastro]

Personally, in Britain, none of my astronomy friends used large mounted binoculars.
It seems more of a present day phenomenon or US user fad.

For the same weight as a large mounted binocular an 8 inch Dobsonian will show a lot more and go fainter, as well as being suitable for planets and deep sky observation.

Regards,
B.

 

[Binastro]

The only British astronomer I can recall using a large binocular was George Alcock MBE.

He initially observed planets with a 4 inch f/12 Ross triplet refractor.
He saw and drew as much detail as other observers saw with 16 inch Newtonians and was not believed.
He got so fed up with these doubters that he gave up planetary observing.
He had excellent, maybe exceptional eyesight.
He saw magnitude 7.2 stars and in the RAF followed weather lanterns to more than twice the height of others.

He learnt the positions of 30,000 stars and discovered 5 comets and 5 novae from his home in Peterborough.
He used 60mm and 80mm hand held binoculars and a tripod mounted Schneider 25x105 binocular.
There is a tribute to him in the local cathedral.
In Japan a comet hunter used a 150mm Fujinon binocular,
Several 150mm f/8 binocular telescopes have been made in the U.K. from Skywatcher telescopes but they are uncommon.

Some variable star observers use mounted 25x100 binoculars.

Regards,
B.

 

[CharleyBird]

Indeed, no explanation needed for IS.

But why recommend the 10 & 15 magnifications when you use the 18x50?

And the latest chinese made 20x, are they optically lacking when compared to the Canon?

 

[Binastro]

The 10x and 15x are more general use binoculars.

I go straight to18x50 IS because I mainly look for Jupiter's moons.
Although the 10x and 15 are also good for Jupiter's moons there are difficult observations when the moons are close together or near the limb when the 18x50 IS is better.

I have no experience of the Kite and clones going up to 20x, but there are good reports, although the some models have been improved.

There is also the Zeiss 20x60S, which is superb but has several drawbacks in use.

Regards,
B.

 

[Scott98]

I've settled into 10x56 being my favorite hand-held astro binoculars. It's the Swaro SLC and I think that's the best 56mm bino. I used to prefer 8x56 but the 7mm exit pupil gives me astigmatism and it's nearly gone with the 5.6mm exit pupil. I don't like 12x or higher, too difficult to hold steady.

I've never owned bigger, mounted binoculars. If I set up a tripod and mount I prefer a small/mid-sized refractor telescope. I also do quite a bit of astro viewing with my 7x35 and 8x42's....what is your favorite??

 

[Binastro]

In the past my main astro binocular for dark sites was the 20x80 weighing about 2.5Kg.

My astro friends generally used 15x80s and still do.

There seems to be a 15x85 ED binocular that a Spanish observer uses.

But these are all heavy, so you must be strong to use them for long observations.

Regards,
B.

 

[Tringa45]

If you haven't already done so, take a look at the binocular sub-section on Cloudy Nights.
There's just as much activity there as here on BF but with a very differebt focus.

John

 

[CharleyBird]

John, I take a gander at Cloudynights daily. Learnt that they like lots&lots of different binoculars.

Scott, thanks, I was expecting 8/10x56slc to be mentioned. The 8x must be a steady, wide and quality view.
Favourite(s)
Sitting supported I find my 12x42NL stable enough, even 16x70APM.
But, I'm not much of an owl so more often take out my 7x42FL to get steady stars, standing for 10minutes as the dogs get their last run in the garden.

Binastro, my 16x70ED show three moons of Jupiter easily and I find they give a very pleasing view. There were a lot of satellites whizzing past Jupiter this morning. Weight isn't a problem for me as long as it's not on my neck.

My reason for asking is that the best is not always best, and I truly am an astro novice.

On paper I'd love a high mag Borg 107fl. But would I use it?
A cloudynights post from years ago sticks in my mind; chap(californian lecturer?) has more astronomy kit than NASA, including both nikon wx. When asked why he mostly used a basic x80 Oberwerk he replied it was easy & quick to set up.

Guess I ought to be looking for a high mag IS.

 

[Harrybongo]

Hi. For looking at variables and general use, I use Pentax 10x50 pcf wp11 bins, a great all round performer that doesn't cost the earth! For quick viewing, I use a 8x32 Leica trin ba..... great optics! Tripod mounted, I use a 15x70 Helios quantum 4 porro..... I sometimes use it handheld too! For the price, a very good bino! 👍

 

[CharleyBird]

Why does 10x seem to be so popular for astronomy? I don't get it.
Their field of view varies so unless each person finds one they prefer it's not a factor.
They show jitter unsupported for stars, so is lower 7x better, or higher 16x when seated; or higher 25x on a tripod?

Or is 10x used seated a happy medium that most serious astromers find acceptable and beyond that telescopes are used? (Just reflecting on how Nikon WX produced in 7x and 10x)

Regards
Andy

 

[Binastro]

The point is 10x shows fainter objects than 7x because the sky background is darker.

The difference is about 0.5 magnitude, which is considerable.

Also Jupiter's moons are seen better.

There is no problem hand holding 10x or 12x binoculars for many, although using IS binoculars there is an immediate gain of one magnitude because faint stars appear from nowhere.

For extended objects slight movement is often beneficial.
It is similar to tapping a telescope to reveal faint extended objects.

I also had no problem hand holding 15x70s.
I agree the Quantam 15x70 is very nice, but I needed a tripod as it is heavier than the cheaper 15x70s.

I also hand held the Japan made Celestron 20x80, because the weight of about 2.5kg means it does not move much if one can hold it.
This is especially true pointed upwards.
Holding it horizontally it is not stable.

If there was a tree, fence or car roof I would use that or sometimes just lie on the ground, but often just without support.

The 20x60 was more of a problem as it isn't heavy enough.

Regards,
B.

 

[Soarsimon]

This is a topic that is quite near and dear to me. It’s been extensively discussed on CN without an apparent ultimate consensus, other than the actual finding is very much based on the preference of each individual user.

I’ve tried for years to distill my own collection of binoculars and telescopes down to a realistic number of instruments that could provide enjoyable observing sessions. I’m still trying. I’m mostly a “grab and go” astronomer these days as work and family obligations leave less time for long overnight viewings.

I find myself drawn much more to binoculars now than telescopes just for their ease of use and for the 2 eyed, 3d effect. I’ve been through a period of collecting vintage instruments with the hope of finding “the one” for my own Astro use. Haven’t found it yet. I’ve built several parallelogram mounts to use with giant binos up to 100mm. I’ve also owned bino telescopes from 50mm to 120mm and tried bino viewers in single telescopes. The larger the instrument gets, the more trips one has to make out to set it all up.

Here’s what I’ve found that I enjoy. I often grab my Nikon 7x35 7.3deg bins for a quick view of what’s overhead. I have a 9deg 6x30 on the way that may replace this though. I also have a very simple mount that uses a monopod attached to a tripod for pmount type fixed viewing without the hassle of setting up a p mount (someone on CN once likened the experience to wrestling with a stuffed ostrich).

The Canon 15x50is are prob used more than any other. I’ve owned the 18x50 and prefer the wider fov of the 15x. Even the 10x30is gets used for astronomy as its steady views show me as much as any hand held 10x50.

If I have a little more time I bring out my APM 70mm 90deg bino telescope. Its immersive views are unmatched by any other instrument I currently own. Setup is fairly easy though it does benefit from a period of cooldown.

I have several refractors up to a 6” f15 and dobsonians to 17” but the binos and bt get used most.

So, all that to say my own ultimate instrument would probably be three. A wide field 6x30/7x35, the 15x50is, and a 70-80mm bt. If forced to pick one I’d probably choose the 15x50is. What it’s capable of showing balanced by its ease of use is very hard to equal.

All are my own experiences. Your mileage will vary…

 

[wllmspd]

Interesting, which eyepieces do you use on the 70mm binoscope?
I assume the bigger binoscopes are just more hassle to use as the views should be as immersive?

Peter

 

[Soarsimon]

I’ve found I prefer the Astro-Tech UWA 82deg eyepiece line. I have 4mm, 10mm, and 16mm but mostly use the 16’s. The huge fov is tack sharp from edge to edge. I have to move my head around to see the entire view. The 90deg viewing angle allows for long, comfortable sessions. I’ve used it for terrestrial targets and find the proper image orientation very easy to use. Living in the woods I’m able to study lichen details on trees on the ridge opposite, or take in whole flocks of roosting songbirds in a closer tree. Very nice. I would leave it set up in our living room if our 9yr old wasn’t so rambunctious. Better to safely store.

 

[Soarsimon]

Oh, and yes, the larger bt I had (a 127mm) was too much of a chore to set up. Deep sky objects were amazing but I found I didn’t use it enough to justify keeping. The 70mm is light enough to carry out on its tripod/fluid head in one trip with one hand. Folding chair in the other hand, deep sky map and red light in my pocket.
Most enjoyable!

 

[wllmspd]

Interesting. I use 12.5mm Morpheus eyepieces in my 70mm, I used to have 13mm Naglers, but the distortions were annnoying in the daytime and I found I couldn’t see the whole field. The Morpheus do need careful eye placement, but give very impressive views. For more power I have some 7mm “nirvana” 82degree that seem OK. I’ll avoid dreaming of going larger then.