computerastro13
member
Reged: 11/26/07
Posts: 15
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Greetings. I am delving into the astronomy hobby and have spent the past few weeks researching magazines, websites, and others "what binocs should i get" threads.
I believe i am ready to purchase i was just hoping for a few opinions from you experienced gentlemen on the choices i am trying to make.
I love the idea of the Image Stabilization for astronomy. I eventually will be purchasing a telescope, so a mounted set of binocs is out of the plan.
I have since been trying to decide if the Canon 10x30 IS, or the Canon 12x36 IS would be good choices to start with and later accompany my scope. Or should i go with a NON IS version with larger apertures?
Like 10x50 Orions? http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=binocular_astronomy/~pcategory=binoculars/~product_id=09351
or
8x50's?
I have tried to get my hands on a few diff binocs but fail to find any stores in my area that carry the models i have been looking at.
Can anyone recommend a good binoc to start? Or find any reason that the Canon's would not be a good choice?
thank you in advance.
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hallelujah
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/14/06
Posts: 3980
Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains
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There are a number of forum members who have Canon IS binoculars and love them, so you can count on plenty of responses.
Speaking for myself, I think that an IS binocular is a great idea for someone like yourself who does not want a mount.
My attitude regarding your "first" binocular is that it should be of a larger aperture than 30mm or 36mm.
Of course, as you increase the aperture of the IS binocular you also increase its price.
Since the stores in your area do not carry what you are interested in, you should look for astronomy clubs where you can possibly handle the binoculars that you want to purchase. Or, you can order a binocular from a store that offers a 30 day return policy.
Do you have a price limit for your astronomy binoculars?
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Nikon7x35GoldSentinel 9.3*(2)+Pentax8x40PCFWPII+MinoxBD10x44BP+FujinonFMTRSX7x50
Nikon10x50GoldSentinel+Pentax12x50 5.5*Japan+Pentax12x50PCFWPII+Vixen8x56Geoma
Fujinon12x60HB+Pentax16x60PCFWP+Pentax20x60PCFWP+Pentax20x60PCFWPII
Tento20x60USSR+Orion12x63MiniGiant+Spectrum I 20x65+Orion15x70LittleGiant II
Orion20x70LittleGiant II+Orion16x80Giant+Orion30x80MEGAView+Barska30x80X-Trail
BurgessOptical20x90SeriesII
Edited by hallelujah (11/27/07 12:05 PM)
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computerastro13
member
Reged: 11/26/07
Posts: 15
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honestly i was trying to stay under $500.00
thats why i was looking at the 10x30 canon IS.
If the majority hear think i definately need more than 30mm of aperature. I will consider the 10x42mm canon is.
i figured they would be too heavy however and i dont want to spend TOO much money on binocs. I would rather save for my scope and drop a few thousand on it, than blow a thousand on the binocs.
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Planet Bob
member
Reged: 02/05/06
Posts: 65
Loc: Harrisburg, Pa
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I am sure that you have done plenty of research, so I will just offer a few experiences. The Canon IS binocs have great optics. Stars stay pretty sharp right to the edge. And the IS does work - amazing to see. Between the higher power and the IS they perform well beyond what you expect from a 36mm objective. However, in a side by side comparison, a 'standard' 10 x 50 will show fainter extended objects. For example, the brighter, eastern portion of the Veil nebula (NGC 6992/95) is 'much' more evident in the 10 x 50s (Celestron Ultimas) than in the Canon 12 x 36 IS binocs. Star colors are also more evident in the standard 10 x 50s (no getting around greater light gathering), but close doubles (when visible in the binocs) are easier in the 12 x 36 IS binocs.
If you are just getting into the hobby I suggest that you get a pair of hand-holdable binoculars with a 4-6 degree true field. Keep the weight as low as possible - light binocs are more comfortable to hold longer. If you need to wear glasses, you will need binocs with 17 - 20 mm of eye relief. If the eye relief is lower than about 17mm, make sure that you try them out. Between 7 x 50s and 10 x 50s, go for the 10 x 50s - about the same weight, but the 10x binocs will show dimmer objects. The difference is not subtle. Above about 10x, standard (non-IS) binocs are not really hand-holdable, and the field diminishes, making locating objects (and holding on target) more difficult. You also lose the awesome wide field views unique to binoculars.
Don't forget to get a good intro. star atlas and a few (why not!)intro. observing guides. Joining a local amateur astronomy club will allow you to make decisions based on your own experience.
Clear skies,
Bob
Edited by Planet Bob (11/27/07 02:27 PM)
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Wes James
Postmaster
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 5477
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Hi! Welcome to the forum- and the hobby! A good place to learn... I was in your position 2 years ago, and have learned an immense amount on here.
For astronomy, the 2 Canon IS bino's you're looking at would not be your best choice to start with. The Canon IS bino's are wonderful, but you should really have a bit more aperture than those. I have the 10x42L's, they're wonderful. The Canon 15x50's are wonderful as well, would highly recommend either one IF you wanted to spend that much; however as a beginner, you might want to- as Bob suggested, get a non-stabilized 10x50 or something in that range to start with, the new Garrett Signatures- and their other-brand equivalents are wonderful, and a lot less. (have some of them as well!  10x is about as much as you'd want to handhold... much above you can plan on needing some kind of support such as a tripod.
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Wes
Atlantic Beach, FL
Bino’s- Tak's, Fuji's, Nikon's, Canon IS and Garrett 20x110 Signature's,
Some telescopes from Carton & Zeiss 60mm's up through a couple of 8” reflectors… Orion 3.6" O/A- and a wonderful 4.25" Delmarva Schiefspiegler!
Some good friends, made here on C/N.
Oh- several cats and a wonderful wife!
Anyone want a cat???? :-O
"When your work speaks for itself- Don't Interrupt" -Gamble Rogers
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GardnerPacificCA
sage
Reged: 07/26/07
Posts: 235
Loc: California, USA
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Just as an Observing Chair enhances Telescope viewing...an anti-gravity recliner can really improve the experience of binocular viewing if you are not using a tripod and plan to hand hold your binoculars. Whether you have IS or non-IS binoculars, I'm sure the recliner can make a big difference in viewing comfort and steadiness. I can grab the binoculars and the chair and be ready to observe in seconds...Wonderful!!
I found a nice deluxe Anti-Gravity recliner at Sports Chalet in Laguna Niguel, California. It has a locking lever on each arm so you can freeze it at the binocular viewing level that you desire. An adjustable neck pillow too. Very comfortable and sturdy. The best part is the price...normally $79 and it may still be on sale for $59...such a deal I bought two. I thought I would pass on the info for binocular fans with access to Sports Chalet!!
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All the best,
Gardner
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computerastro13
member
Reged: 11/26/07
Posts: 15
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thanks for the thoughts. I am sure they are great binoculars, the IS. Truthfully I figured i would need more aperture.
Perhaps i will get a pair of IS later.
For now then, first pair of binocs. which would you suggest?
Garrett Optical 10x50 HD-WP Signature Series Binocular $250
Oberwerk Ultra10x50 $270
Orion Resolux WP 10x50 Astronomical Binoculars $280
Orion Resolux WP 7x50 Astronomincal Binoculars $280
Are any of those more along the lines you were referring too?
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computerastro13
member
Reged: 11/26/07
Posts: 15
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Quote:
I found a nice deluxe Anti-Gravity recliner at Sports Chalet in Laguna Niguel, California. It has a locking lever on each arm so you can freeze it at the binocular viewing level that you desire. An adjustable neck pillow too. Very comfortable and sturdy. The best part is the price...normally $79 and it may still be on sale for $59...such a deal I bought two. I thought I would pass on the info for binocular fans with access to Sports Chalet!!
are they online, i did a quick google and a 1000 chairs popped up. do you have a link to one ismilar to yours online?
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Tony Flanders
Postmaster
Reged: 05/18/06
Posts: 8212
Loc: Cambridge, MA, USA
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Quote:
I have since been trying to decide if the Canon 10x30 IS, or the Canon 12x36 IS would be good choices to start with and later accompany my scope.
My IS 10x30's are probably the single piece of astronomy equipment that I use most often -- certainly so if measured in terms of number of nights rather than total number of hours. And it's not for lack of owning other equipment, as the list in my signature below will tell you.
I've pretty much stopped using my 10x50's since purchasing the 10x30's. Yes, the 10x50's do show fainter objects than the 10x30's, but the difference isn't huge. And if I really want to see faint objects, I use something bigger than 50 mm.
On the other hand, the optics of the 10x30's are pretty darn good -- probably almost worth the money in their own right, even without the image stabilization. And the ergonomics are superb, and that image-stabilization button is nothing short of magical. It's just great to see the Pleaides snap into sharpness when I push it. Or the Moon, or the moons of Jupiter.
The 10x30's are also superb for daytime use -- arguably better than anything with more magnification or aperture. I know people who use them exclusively for birding.
If I had it to do over again, I'd seriously consider the 12x36's instead. That extra aperture and magnification do put you into a somewhat different league. On the other hand, the difference in price is significant, and so is the difference in field of view.
Mind you, there's nothing wrong with good old 10x50's either. On the occasions when I forget to bring my image-stabilized binoculars, I have no regrets at all about using the 10x50's.
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Tony Flanders
First and foremost observing love: naked eye.
Second, binoculars.
Last but not least, telescopes.
And I sometimes dabble with cameras.
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Wes James
Postmaster
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 5477
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Quote:
For now then, first pair of binocs. which would you suggest?
Garrett Optical 10x50 HD-WP Signature Series Binocular $250
Oberwerk Ultra10x50 $270
Orion Resolux WP 10x50 Astronomical Binoculars $280
Orion Resolux WP 7x50 Astronomincal Binoculars $280
Are any of those more along the lines you were referring too?
Yes... the 3 different brands you quoted are essentially the same bino with different brandnames attached (except the 7x50, of course! ) The 10x50's would be a wonderful choice. Would recommend those over the 7x50's... you'll see a lot more, though handholding will be a bit more difficult than with the 7x. A lot of binocular for the money in these, excellent for the newcomer to astronomy.
Wes
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Wes
Atlantic Beach, FL
Bino’s- Tak's, Fuji's, Nikon's, Canon IS and Garrett 20x110 Signature's,
Some telescopes from Carton & Zeiss 60mm's up through a couple of 8” reflectors… Orion 3.6" O/A- and a wonderful 4.25" Delmarva Schiefspiegler!
Some good friends, made here on C/N.
Oh- several cats and a wonderful wife!
Anyone want a cat???? :-O
"When your work speaks for itself- Don't Interrupt" -Gamble Rogers
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GardnerPacificCA
sage
Reged: 07/26/07
Posts: 235
Loc: California, USA
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I tried to find this chair online and wasn't successful...sorry...maybe you could search google for Sports Chalet and call them...there are many brands of Anti-Gravity recliners...some better than others...good luck in your search...maybe check with your local stores...I'll check the part number on the box tonight and post it...they are really worth finding. ok...now back to Opinions on IS vs non-IS for Beginner Astronomy...;-)
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All the best,
Gardner
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Harry Jacobson
super member
Reged: 09/11/07
Posts: 240
Loc: 42º29'32.03"N 71º34'59.85"W
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Quote:
....For now then, first pair of binocs. which would you suggest?....
At the risk of sounding off topic:
When I began binocular viewing in earnest in the mid-90s I used my around the house 7x35s. I then acquired 10x50s. My experience with both was the same: Regardless of power I eventually got tired of holding my arms up for extended (30 minutes and more) viewing duration. I didn't want to put down the binos but my arms grew fatigued. The view became jerky and satisfaction diminished.
So I acquired a monopod and an L bracket. I'm so glad I did! It's still perfect for grab-'n-go bino viewing. You put the binos to your eyes while your arms hold the monopod steady. The monopod holds the weight of the binos. Fatigue is minimized.
Search the forum for monopods. The outlay doesn't have to be expensive.
Harry
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Wes James
Postmaster
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 5477
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Harry-
I think your monopod is worth trying... going to have to make me one- or obtain one. Thanks for the input. Easier than grabbinng a tripod for glances in a hurry.
Wes
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Wes
Atlantic Beach, FL
Bino’s- Tak's, Fuji's, Nikon's, Canon IS and Garrett 20x110 Signature's,
Some telescopes from Carton & Zeiss 60mm's up through a couple of 8” reflectors… Orion 3.6" O/A- and a wonderful 4.25" Delmarva Schiefspiegler!
Some good friends, made here on C/N.
Oh- several cats and a wonderful wife!
Anyone want a cat???? :-O
"When your work speaks for itself- Don't Interrupt" -Gamble Rogers
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Denis
sage
Reged: 12/24/05
Posts: 243
Loc: Rennes, France
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I have the canon 10x42 IS since two years.
If I should make a choice now between 10x30 IS and any 50 mm, no problem it'll be the 10x30 IS without hesitation.
I'll see a little less of faint objects but the confort and easyness of observation will easily compensate and it'll be a splendid instrument to learn the sky.
And what a complement with a scope !
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Canon 10x42 IS binoculars.
Meade sc 4" on homemade fork equatorial mount.
homemade 10" and 14" dobsonian
Nikon photogear.
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edcannon
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/19/03
Posts: 693
Loc: Austin, Texas
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Quote:
Garrett Optical 10x50 HD-WP Signature Series Binocular $250
Oberwerk Ultra10x50 $270
Orion Resolux WP 10x50 Astronomical Binoculars $280
Orion Resolux WP 7x50 Astronomincal Binoculars $280
As others have said, the three 10x50 above are essentially the same binocular with a different brand name.
Others will differ (probably vigorously), but I think that 3.5 pounds (54 ounces) is just too heavy for a *handheld* 10x50. That is 10 ounces more than my 12x60. If you will use them with a mount and tripod, or a monopod, then they would be great. But for freehand handheld, I would recommend something lighter in weight. And also, think hard about the message from Tony Flanders.
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Ed Cannon - Austin, Texas, USA
Bushnell H2O 8x42, Celestron Skymaster 12x60
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spaceghost
super member
Reged: 01/04/07
Posts: 154
Loc: Olathe, KS
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I have the 10x42 canon IS binoculars. I would say that definitely the image stabilization lets you see more stars, fainter stars than you would see through handheld non-IS binoculars. Jiggle a faint star around in the view and it disappears.
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Justin
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Harry Jacobson
super member
Reged: 09/11/07
Posts: 240
Loc: 42º29'32.03"N 71º34'59.85"W
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Quote:
Harry-
I think your monopod is worth trying... going to have to make me one- or obtain one. Thanks for the input. Easier than grabbinng a tripod for glances in a hurry.
Wes
Hey, Wes -
The Bogen 3265 Grip-Action Combo assembled by Kevin at BigBinoculars is similar to what I've used for years. The photo on that page shows how the tallest monopod aids viewing the zenith.
I can no longer view the zenith comfortably standing up with my monopod since I developed osteoarthritis in my neck. To get around this another way to use the monopod is to recline in a chair. The monopod may be left in the extended position between your legs or collapsed and hooked into your belt. Either way is stable for me. Mileage may vary....
Of course equipment fever got to me. I use a p-gram for really luxurious viewing almost hands-free. But that's way off track from this thread. Suffice to say I go out with my monopod for quick grab-'n-go more often than I trouble to set up the p-gram.
Harry
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computerastro13
member
Reged: 11/26/07
Posts: 15
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ok, i really appreciate the opinions. I will most likely save up for the 10 x42 binocs. I have always wanted the image stabilization and i think due to the high opinion of their optics and ffeatures it is in my best interest to get the larger magnification and aperture. thanks all.
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hallelujah
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/14/06
Posts: 3980
Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains
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For those who are interested in using a monopod for zenith viewing just be sure and check the overall height. I'm thinking if you are around 6 foot tall, or over, the setup in the picture will not work if you are standing.
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Nikon7x35GoldSentinel 9.3*(2)+Pentax8x40PCFWPII+MinoxBD10x44BP+FujinonFMTRSX7x50
Nikon10x50GoldSentinel+Pentax12x50 5.5*Japan+Pentax12x50PCFWPII+Vixen8x56Geoma
Fujinon12x60HB+Pentax16x60PCFWP+Pentax20x60PCFWP+Pentax20x60PCFWPII
Tento20x60USSR+Orion12x63MiniGiant+Spectrum I 20x65+Orion15x70LittleGiant II
Orion20x70LittleGiant II+Orion16x80Giant+Orion30x80MEGAView+Barska30x80X-Trail
BurgessOptical20x90SeriesII
Edited by hallelujah (11/28/07 12:34 AM)
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computerastro13
member
Reged: 11/26/07
Posts: 15
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does the 10x42 have the feature that allows you to just press the button once to stay in IS mode, or do you hvae to hold down the button? is it hard to hold down the button in IS if so? do you tire of it?
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