Jim7728
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 4083
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Hi all,
I've given up on the idea for on getting a pair of 20x80 binoculars due to the added expense of a parallelogram mount I would like to use it on.
I own a pair of Chinease 12x60's which I bought from StellarVue at thier clearance section a while back, but found them too heavy for hand held viewing. Though I'am happy with the views on a tripod.
So I decided, I'd like a nice pair of 10x50's for quick, comfortable hand held astronomy and some daytime viewing. My budget is around $250.
I have read through EDz's Binocular mini reviews and come up with some contenders.
I guess at the top of my list is the Orion 10x50 Savanahs.
Savannah™ Porro 10x50 WP Binoculars
Followed by:
Orion Vista 10x50
Vista™ 10x50
Leupold 10x50 Wind River Mesa
http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-10x50-wind-river-mesa-binoculars.html
I tried a Pentax 10x50 at NEAF (don't remember which one, but were the water proof porro prism types) and found them uncomfortable to hold due to the weight and size. Also did not help that those demo models were miscollimated.
I also tried some Vixen Geomas at the TeleVue booth and really liked them for their light weight feel and sharp views. I also believe that they are equivelant to the Orion Vistas. But like the Vistas, not waterproof.
http://www.highpointscientific.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=2922
So any comments, suggestions or opinions?
Thanks 
Jim
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Jim
TV-76 -40mmHa/5mm BF
Vixen NA-140
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12781
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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I would buy from your list the Wind River Mesa.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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mooreorless
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/05/05
Posts: 1564
Loc: Cornpropst Mills,Huntingdon,Pa
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I agree with Edz on the Wind River Mesa.
Steve
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Regards,Steve M
"the eights are better" Jim Carmichel of Outdoor Life magazine
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Jim7728
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 4083
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Thanks Guys. I do like the under $200 price for the Wind River Mesa.
Just one one thing, the binoculars(Wind River Mesa) are listed as multicoated and not fully multicoated.
Is this a big deal? or will I not be able tell the difference? If for example, I were to compare them to the Orion Savanah's which are speced as fully-multicoated.
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Jim
TV-76 -40mmHa/5mm BF
Vixen NA-140
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Rick
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/12/05
Posts: 2626
Loc: Tokyo, Japan
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You should make sure you can return them IF you still can't keep them steady at night. I found with both my 10x bins that despite the steady view during day, I still needed a tripod for anything but casual looks at the heavens at night. Once I got the 15x50 Canon IS these 10x bins lost their starwatching utility.
clear skies,
Rick
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www.japanastro.com
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Jim7728
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 4083
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Quote:
You should make sure you can return them IF you still can't keep them steady at night.
Rick, I thought about that. Thats why I considered the Geoma/Vista which I think weigh about 22 oz. But are not waterproof or water resistant which would be a concern for me if I'am using them under dewy or very humid conditions. I think I'll be okay with the 2lb weight of the Leupolds.
I'd love to get a pair of the Canon IS 15x50, but they're a bit above my budget. 
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Jim
TV-76 -40mmHa/5mm BF
Vixen NA-140
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IDONTSEEIT
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 05/04/03
Posts: 903
Loc: NYC
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Hi Jim,
I have several(too many?...lol) pairs of 8-10X binos, in the 40 to 63mm aperture range, in both poro & roof design, including a 10X50 Orion ultraview, and a Swift 9X63.
If you're not busy this wednesday night, maybe we can meet up and you give them all a whirl to see what you may prefer size and magnification wise.
Take care,
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Joe,
C8 OTA on UA Unistar Heavy Deluxe
SV-102V on same UA Unistar Heavy Deluxe(not at the same time)
WO-Megrez 80-II ED on UA Microstar Basic
Orion 80ED on same UA Microstar Basic(also not at the same time)
Miyauchi Bs-60ic "Pleiades" 22X60
Orion UltraView 10X50's
Orion MiniGiants 12X63 & 15X63
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Jim7728
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 4083
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Hi Joe,
Thanks for the invitation. The weather has not cooperated in our area lately. (Must be the 26mm Nagler I recieved the other day). I'd also love also check out your Myauchies
(that didn't sound right  )
We shall meet one night, sir.
I gotta goe off to work now. Thanks everyone for the replies.
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Jim
TV-76 -40mmHa/5mm BF
Vixen NA-140
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IDONTSEEIT
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 05/04/03
Posts: 903
Loc: NYC
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Jim,
It's supposed to be nice tomorrow and thursday, then rain again on saturday. We may have a window of opportunity on wed-nite.
I'd be glad to bring the Miyauchis as well 
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Joe,
C8 OTA on UA Unistar Heavy Deluxe
SV-102V on same UA Unistar Heavy Deluxe(not at the same time)
WO-Megrez 80-II ED on UA Microstar Basic
Orion 80ED on same UA Microstar Basic(also not at the same time)
Miyauchi Bs-60ic "Pleiades" 22X60
Orion UltraView 10X50's
Orion MiniGiants 12X63 & 15X63
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12781
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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Certainly you would not be disappointed with the Savannahs, but they do cost $110 more.
Barry Simon's Review includes Orion Savannah and mentions Wind River Mesa, which by the way, Barry finds are the same binocular. Probably the only difference is MC vs FMC.
Light Trap's beginning binocular suggestions this review covers most of these same binoculars. BTW, the Vista is a Carton Alderblick.
I think the Vixen Geoma is the same as the older version Swift Ultralite.
You probably could also consider the Nikon Action Extreme 10x50. It's a pretty nice binocular. FMC. About $150. Well reviewed here in the above posts and other reviews in this forum and in the CN reports.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 14992
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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I find it interesting that no-one mentioned this binocular (could it be a weight issue?) at $279.00 plus free shipping :
Garrett Optical 10x50 Grizzly.
http://garrettoptical.com/_wsn/page14.html
It's $29 above budget, but I would think it is well worth it given the quality of the binocular. Garrett also has Mr. Suddarth behind the optical bench to handle issues that may arise - you won't get that with any of the other vendors mentioned above. Something to think about.
Good luck whatever you choose.
MikeG
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Galactic Stone & Ironworks - Specializing in exotic and rare meteorite falls.
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mplkn1
sage
Reged: 08/28/05
Posts: 393
Loc: Centrally Inaccessible, PA
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Also for your consideration, although perhaps also overlooked owing to their size, are the Oberwerk 10x60 Mariners.
I find them easily hand-holdable, and have been very, very happy with the views they provide. At 169.95 they are well within your budget - add an L adapter and they're lovely on a light tripod as well. Great for night or day use.
These are what I always have at hand, regardless of what other optical system I'm using at any given time.
Best wishes,
--------------------
Michael -
"I am obliged to confess that I should sooner live in a society governed by the first two thousand names in the Boston telephone directory than in a society governed by the two thousand faculty members of Harvard University."
William F. Buckley, 1963.
Orion (Celestron) 8" SCT on SkyView Pro, Telrad.
Garrett Optical Gemini 25x100 WP IF,
Bogen 3051 tripod w/ 3063 head.
Oberwerk 10x60 Mariner.
Palm Planetarium.
Stellarium on a Motion Computing tablet PC.
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brt209
sage
Reged: 09/18/05
Posts: 233
Loc: London
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The Orion Vista model seems to be the same as the Helios Ultima HR that we have here in Europe...
You could also add the Bushnell Legend 10x50 (FMC,BAK-4,WP) to your list.
Stephane
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Jim7728
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 4083
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Thanks Joe, I'll PM you.
Thanks EDZ.
Lots of good choices. I don't think I can go wrong with any of them. Will also add the Nikon AE to the list.
Mike G
Those 10x50 Grizzlys look like the WO 10x50ED
https://www.william-optics.com/wo_shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=179
Nice binocular, though a bit heavy at 3.5lbs (don't see a weight listing for the 10x50 Grizzly)
Looks like they're built like a tank. Thanks
Michael
I'll include Oberwerk too, in my search. They have great customer service as I recently experienced when they quickly sent me a part for my broken Oberwerk tripod.
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Jim
TV-76 -40mmHa/5mm BF
Vixen NA-140
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camvan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/02/05
Posts: 2086
Loc: British Columbia
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SkyNews Magazine has Terence Dickinson supporting the new Bushnell 8x56 for astronomy purposes, you might want to investigate them as an option :-)
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Cameron
"Aperture can only be replaced by even more aperture. Dark transparent skies cannot be replaced by anything else." - Stathis Kafalis
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Art Fritzson
sage
Reged: 01/29/05
Posts: 315
Loc: Northern Virginia, USA
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Jim,
After trying the Grizzly 10x50s and finding that the eyepieces were too large for my face (they didn't leave enough room between them for my nose) I went the complete opposite direction and bought a pair of Celestron Noble 10x50s. I say the opposite direction because the grizzly 10x50s were the biggest heaviest most robust porro design I'd ever had the pleasure of holding - see this thread for my comments on the Grizzlys. By contrast the Nobles were petite, lighteight roof prisms and a pleasure to use both day and night. IMO, the Nobles don't have the same quality of optics as, say, the Grizzlys, but they are so convenient to use that I'm never really without them. See my initial impression of the Nobles here and this link for my daytime use of them.
I just offer this as an unconventional (i.e. roof prism) alternative to all of the high quality recommendations you've already received. I paid $195 for the Nobles at Adorama.
Good Luck!
- Art
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2006 "Bagging on a Budget" Award for Excellence in Binocular Astronomy
Garrett 25x100 IF, Oberwerk 15x70, Celestron Noble 10x50, Meade 10x50 and 8x42 Travelviews
William Optics Zenithstar II 80mm APO
Teleport 10" - an incredible all-in-one Planetary/DSO/"Grab and Go"
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Jim7728
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 4083
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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camvan, Art
Thanks for the additional choices. I had not thought about roof prism binoculars. The lighter weight is appealing.
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Jim
TV-76 -40mmHa/5mm BF
Vixen NA-140
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 14992
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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Quote:
I had not thought about roof prism binoculars
You are not alone. Many people tend to overlook roof-prism binos when it comes to astronomy. Times are a'changin!
Clear dark skies...
MikeG
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Galactic Stone & Ironworks - Specializing in exotic and rare meteorite falls.
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12781
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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Quote:
Those 10x50 Grizzlys look like the WO 10x50ED
Except for the ED glass, they are the same.
--------------------
Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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RickyMorton
member
Reged: 05/11/05
Posts: 86
Loc: Mobile, Al
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Quote:
Hi all,
I've given up on the idea for on getting a pair of 20x80 binoculars due to the added expense of a parallelogram mount I would like to use it on.
I own a pair of Chinease 12x60's which I bought from StellarVue at thier clearance section a while back, but found them too heavy for hand held viewing. Though I'am happy with the views on a tripod.
So I decided, I'd like a nice pair of 10x50's for quick, comfortable hand held astronomy and some daytime viewing. My budget is around $250.
I have read through EDz's Binocular mini reviews and come up with some contenders.
I guess at the top of my list is the Orion 10x50 Savanahs.
Savannah™ Porro 10x50 WP Binoculars
Followed by:
Orion Vista 10x50
Vista™ 10x50
Leupold 10x50 Wind River Mesa
http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-10x50-wind-river-mesa-binoculars.html
I tried a Pentax 10x50 at NEAF (don't remember which one, but were the water proof porro prism types) and found them uncomfortable to hold due to the weight and size. Also did not help that those demo models were miscollimated.
I also tried some Vixen Geomas at the TeleVue booth and really liked them for their light weight feel and sharp views. I also believe that they are equivelant to the Orion Vistas. But like the Vistas, not waterproof.
http://www.highpointscientific.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=2922
So any comments, suggestions or opinions?
Thanks
Jim
Since you have a 12x60 binocular what about getting the Leupold 8x42 Wind River Mesa . You would have a 8x42 and 12x60 which is more of a difference between the two than the 10x50 and 12x60.
Just a thought. 
--------------------
Tasco 60mm
Orion XT8
Leupold 8x42 Wind River Mesa
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Jim7728
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 4083
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Quote:
Since you have a 12x60 binocular what about getting the Leupold 8x42 Wind River Mesa . You would have a 8x42 and 12x60 which is more of a difference between the two than the 10x50 and 12x60.
Yep, the 8x42's are attractive and will be easier to hold steadier. I think, I'd still like the 10x50's for that little extra seeing oomph. Thanks
BTW, if anyone cares. Orion Telescopes has free shipping on over $50 purchases till Sept 4th. Some good deals in the binocular clearance section *Correction* -the free shipping does not include clearance items. 
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Jim
TV-76 -40mmHa/5mm BF
Vixen NA-140
Edited by Jim7728 (08/31/06 06:04 PM)
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dsnope
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 04/28/06
Posts: 761
Loc: OC California
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I have also been shopping for 10x50's to replace an old pair. I was looking for a fairly lightweight handheld binocular with decent optics to observe the sky while waiting for CCD exposures to take.
The new Vista 10x50's will arrive today. I just want the stars to be sharp, instead of the little flared bb-gun pellets that I see right now.
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The stars burned with a lidless fixity and they drew nearer in the night until towards dawn he was stumbling among the whinstones of the uttermost ridge to heaven, a barren range of rock so enfolded in that gaudy house that stars lay awash at his feet and migratory spalls of burning matter crossed constantly about him on their chartless reckonings. In the predawn light he made his way out upon a promontory and there received first of any creature in that country the warmth of the sun's ascending
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Jim7728
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 4083
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Congrats on the binocular purchase, dsnope
Let us know how they perform. 
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Jim
TV-76 -40mmHa/5mm BF
Vixen NA-140
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Solar Ken
member
Reged: 02/07/06
Posts: 41
Loc: Oregon
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I bought the Orion Savannah 10x50 WP at the Oregon Star Party last week, and am very satisfied. At the remote dark sky site of OSP the views were amazing. Very crisp wide field views. Here at home with hazy light polluted skies, I'm amazed at what I can see at night with these binocs. I wear eyeglasses and share the binocs with my wife who does not wear glasses, so the twist up eyecups are really a nice feature. Good price too ... $229 from Sunriver Nature Center who was a vendor at OSP. Their contact info is at: http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org/
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Coronado PST Ha
Lunt LS60THa/B600C
Meade LX90 SCT 8"
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Jim7728
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 4083
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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The Savannah's sound nice and I might order them before the free shipping expires. However, from other suggestions and needs I'am thinking about going a little smaller with these two.
Swift 8x42mm UltraLite or Swift 8.5x44mm
Since I already have a pair of 12x60's, a smaller binocular that will be used alot for daytime might make more sense for me.
--------------------
Jim
TV-76 -40mmHa/5mm BF
Vixen NA-140
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Bonco
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 1986
Loc: Florida
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Extremely satified with my 10X50 Nikon Tundra's. Built strong, and optics are excellent. Found them new on the internet for $150.
Bonco
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RV6
Meade 2045
6 inch f/4 RFT R. Fagin Optics
TV Genesis
2.4 inch Lafayette Equitorial
3 inch Polarex/Unitron Equitorial
10 inch Zhumell
PST 40mm Solar scope
4 inch F/15 Antares
2.4 inch Unitron Equitorial
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cota_scope
sage
Reged: 05/16/04
Posts: 356
Loc: sioux city ia
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bonco do you use the tundra's for astronomy and if you do how is the edge distortion and on axis are the stars pinpoint? thats one binocular i haven't got yet or tested. thanks john
Edited by cota_scope (09/04/06 07:06 PM)
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Bonco
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 1986
Loc: Florida
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John,
I think the Tundra's are out of production so there may only be a few remaining for sale. On axis is excellent,pinpoint. Edge distortion is evident but better than my Obie 20X80, Orion 8X56, and Celestron 15X70. These bino's are rugged and a bit heavier than other models. But they balance nicely in the hand and I find them pleasant for sky scanning.
Bonco
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RV6
Meade 2045
6 inch f/4 RFT R. Fagin Optics
TV Genesis
2.4 inch Lafayette Equitorial
3 inch Polarex/Unitron Equitorial
10 inch Zhumell
PST 40mm Solar scope
4 inch F/15 Antares
2.4 inch Unitron Equitorial
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Jim7728
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 4083
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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