What kind of binoculars do you recommend for star gazing?

Question

I want to buy binoculars for star gazing and to see Mars at the end of August. What is the cheapest brand, yet good quality that I can get?

Answer 1

If you try to view Mars at the end of this month through binoculars then you could go blind! Mars is currently about to pass behind the Sun through the end of this year. Never, under any circumstances view the Sun through binoculars or a telescope without a full understanding and use of special filters (and you won't be able to see Mars Through the filters in any case).

Having said that, if you plan to use binoculars for general nighttime sky observing there is a lot to be said in favor of them. A good starting size that are usually under $100 (a reasonable price these days) are 10x50mm. This won't show planetary detail except for the larger craters on the moon and will show Jupiter's four largest moons. But they will show many star clusters and nebulae as well as some galaxies (alot depending on how much light pollution there is in your observing area) if you know where to look.

Over 10x and you will likely need a tripod to mount them on. If you are willing to tripod mount them (or if you have steady somewhat strong arms/hands as some do) , Celestron Skymaster 15x70 is popular and well under $100 will show even more. However 25x80 or 25x100 binoculars is the minimum to even glimpse the rings of Saturn and you would definitely need to mount them on a tripod. And they would be alot more expensive too. I own 10x50, 15x70, and 25x100 binoculars so I know what can and cannot be seen.

Orion Telescopes (www.telescope.com) and Celestron are good brands. Check them out.

Answer 2

I have a pair of 7x50 multicoated Simmons which I've always been very happy with. I don't recommend anything of a lesser aperture or power though. In fact, I often wish I had 9x50's but the 7x50's due nicely.

I'm not completely familiar with the various brands as far as binoculars go but I'm sure Celestron or Orion would due. I'd stay away from compact "sport" binoculars and the ones with the tinted lenses and most importantly, try them before you buy. Nothing is more frustrating than a pair of binoculars that don't focus properly for you.

You'd need pretty big ones to see any detail on Mars, and a tripod. With the 7x50's I can see many of the moons around Jupiter, the Andromeda Galaxy, M33, and the Orion nebula, but not planetary detail.

Answer 3

the main important concern with the better binoculars is that your palms get drained protecting them. in case you get a digicam mount and an attachment, this could be no concern. something with over a 50mm purpose ought to have a digicam mount lower back-up. of direction, this does be counted on how sturdy your palms are. For astronomy, get a minimum of a 50mm purpose. you do no longer point out how previous you're or how dark your skies are. Older human beings tend to lose the flexibility of their eyes, so 7x50 could be stable for beginning. youthful human beings tend to do greater effectual, so 10x50 could be stable. the main important concern with 10x50 is the better magnification is each and every so often puzzling to hold secure. i for my area have a pair of 7x50 and 2 10x70. the two are very stable binaoculars and permit staggering perspectives of the sky. confirm that all and sundry surfaces are 'totally multi-coated'. This will improve the quantity of sunshine transmitted and makes the photos crisper. With a competent pair of binoculars, you would be waiting to be certain lots of the Messier record of gadgets: galaxies, nebula, etc. The Orion nebula is dazzling! Galaxies come out as fuzzy patches in the sky. do no longer anticipate lots from planets different than to easily see that they are there. maximum planets require greater magnification than binoculars can supply. in case you have a digicam mount, you would be waiting to be certain the moons of Jupiter, although. perhaps the rings of Saturn.

Answer 4

Get the largest glass objective lens you can afford. That's the second number, like 7x50 it's a 50 millimeters objective lens. The first is the magnification factor. Don't get more than 7x magnification if you want to hold them in your hands, they just shake too much! Any major brand will give you plenty of fun under the night sky so look for a sale!

Answer 5

I think all the others who gave answers have guided you well
I had readf that the ones with more zoooming power distorts the image more

Answer 6

This might help: http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/choosing-binoculars.htm