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Rich V.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 1042
Loc: Carson Valley, Nevada USA
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I would estimate 80% of the time I spend looking through an eyepiece is with one or another of my binoculars. A large amount of this time spent is for daytime terrestrial use. There's just SO much to look at!
For astronomy, I have moved slowly away from my telescopes to binoculars, mainly because of weight, setup times and frequent poor seeing due to the high mountains nearby.
Though I may scan the sky with handheld bins, I really prefer mounted viewing whenever possible. If I'm going to bother to observe with a mounted binocular, it's almost always the 16x70s. Lower powered views usually just don't show enough to get me excited, so probably 80% of my binocular time spent on astronomy is with the 16x70s. The quality of the image and large FOV is very satisfying to me. One of the 10x glasses on my tall monopod is good for a quick grab-and-go, though.
As far as the scopes go, I've had the 6" f8 newt since the early '70s but the superior EQ mount and excellent optics of the C9.25 have relegated the newt to very infrequent use. Conditions must be just so before I even think about dragging the SCT out and even then the wee hours of the morning have proven to be the most productive. Years with good planetary alignments see much more use than others as I can spend hours watching Jupiter or Saturn. The fascination of the ever changing Jupiter never ends. Under the right conditions the level of detail seen is amazing! Here is where the scope is in it's element and binoculars are of no use!
As I settle into my approaching retirement I will very likely upgrade to a binoviewer for the scope and some kind of quality 100mm binocular to fill the gap between the 16x70s and the scope. Since I don't have a travel scope yet, a small APO refractor would be nice for my road trips too!
Rich V
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Binoculars:
33-150x100 Saturn III, 16x70FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S
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777Guy
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/11/03
Posts: 577
Loc: 48'29N 122'37W
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Three years ago when I joined Cloudy Nights I had just purchased a Stellarvue Nighthawk. I enjoyed the whole process of aligning and setting up....for awhile. Then I started lurking on the Binocular forum. I live 10 minutes away from Anacortes Telescope showroom and started hanging out there and testing and comparing binoculars and small telescopes. Eventually I purchased a Miyauchi 20-30x77 Exceeds Binocular with a heavy duty tripod that telescopes and have only used my telescope a few times since. I used to keep it in my office, but now has been moved into the garage for storage.
I use my binoculars throughout the day and haul them outside in an instant for nightime viewing. I live on a hill near the water, and my telescope often fogged up whereas my binoculars have never fogged up.
I would have to say that now I observe 100% with binoculars. I use my Miyauchi for daytime and nighttime observiving and my Minolta 10x50s for hiking and birding. I can't convince myself to sell the little short tube telescope but know at some point I will.
Edited by 777Guy (12/22/06 12:03 PM)
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Mark9473
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/21/05
Posts: 2784
Loc: 51°N 4°E
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that's the spirit Jim! 
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Mark
Leica 8x20; Vixen 8x42; Swift 8.5x44, 10x50 and 20x80; TS 7x50; Orion 15x63
WO Megrez II 80 FD + Baader 90° T2 Amici
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10453
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Thanks for all the interesting responses thus far , folks !
It seems that not for the first time on this forum , a thread which reportedly smelled of Zeiss , has attracted more than 20 replies in less than 48 hours ! :-)
Regards , Kenny
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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DblVision
professor emeritus
Reged: 10/11/06
Posts: 555
Loc: 29.99N 92.15W
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Kenny:
Most: 7x50 binos - 15 yrs +/- & still going. Birds, bugs, squirrels, deer/hogs at dawn/dusk, armadillos at night in the back yard that are fixing to get shot (With a camera, of course), planes, helos, anything "Up" at night (beyond my 4.5 mag limit). They lie on the table, counter, truck seat, carport (sometimes all night), or slung about the neck on walk-abouts. OK handheld and better yet on even the lightest tripod. Always present for a first look when 60mm scope is used (Scope is also readily at hand for larger birds on perch...yields darker field for sat hunting or easy doubles...both binos & spotter form a team). Why - Portable, ease of viewing.
Least: 10.5x70 Binos - Very new. Lengthy ER & super bright field enable ANYONE (8-76 yrs so far), to walk up to the tripod and EASILY see without undue effort (Accommodation) what is at hand. For best effect, requires late night (lesser sky glow) and dousing of all nearby lights. More of a specialist tool for group use; The only thing better than a lovely sight in bins is for others to see it. Experience with the 70's to date suggests that they, in future, will replace the bino/spotter combo for upward nocturnal views.
Next to my eyeglasses, however, the "night glass" 50's would be the last to go.
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Neal
G.O. Sig 10.5x70
Swift 761 8X42
60mm Spotter
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Tad S.
super member
Reged: 08/28/06
Posts: 145
Loc: SW Virginia
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My preferred tool for viewing seems to shift over season and time of day. But generally, for short range terrestrial viewing: 8x40s; long range terrestrial viewing: 12x50 or 20x80; at night: mostly 20x80s and scopes, though the 12x50s are nice for hand-held checks.
Currently, I do more viewing at night, and 20x80s are the first thing I use. I also use them throughout the night for quick searches, wider field gawks, and correct-view confirmations.
When the seeing is good and I have the time, I usually end up waffling between the pinpoint views of the refractor and the voluminous views through the reflector.
If I could only have one tool? Well, I am glad you did not ask that question.
--Tad
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Orion XT8i, Vixen ED80Sf, Oberwerk BT-80/45
20x80 Oberwerk Std., 12x50 Nikon AE,
42mm Celestron Regal LX (8x & 10x), 8x40 Pentax PCF WP
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 15032
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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Quote:
Thanks for all the interesting responses thus far , folks !
It seems that not for the first time on this forum , a thread which reportedly smelled of Zeiss , has attracted more than 20 replies in less than 48 hours ! :-)
Kenny, I hope my use of the phrase "smells of Zeiss" is not being misinterpeted. I take it from this reply, that you thought "smells of Zeiss" denotes some kind of doomed or silly thread. Rather, I mean it in the context of "Here is a thread where Kenny Jones of Lancashire (from the wrong of the drink!) can shine." I greatly enjoy all of your posts ... even the ones YOU may think smell of Zeiss!  ... and this thread has evolved into a very detailed briefing of the relative merits of binocular and telescope astronomy. Threads like this are the reason why I still lurk around the binocular forum, even though my primary observing focus has shifted (for now) to refractors.
Which by the way, my scope may not smell of Zeiss, but my eyepiece case now has the faint aroma of Nagler ... 
Clear dark skies and Happy Holidays to all of my friends, even those on the wrong side of the drink....
Which reminds me, quickly, to Mr. Steve Napier - I forgot to reply to your PM. Please re-send if possible. 
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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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10453
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Thanks for the clarification Mike !
Of course , there was nothing " malicious " about my comment in any case , including your now eau - de Nagler enriched eyepiece case !
Happy holidays to you too , Mike .
I hope we continue to see contributions from you on this forum throughout 2007 .
Regards , Kenny
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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johnno
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 807
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Hi All,
I use Binoculars,waay more than my telescopes,ED80,and 114x900 Newt.
Telescopes are great,BUT,once I had seen the Viewable Planets,and the initial thrill,dimmed slightly,
I found the greater fov,easier setup,and lighter weight,of Binoculars,far more enjoyable.
I still get the scopes out now and again,but use the Binoculars,almost each night,and Day.
Regards.John
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Rich N
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/22/04
Posts: 5351
Loc: San Francisco Bay Area, Calif...
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Hi Kenny,
I use my AP 155EDFS (155mm f/7) APO telescope more frequently and for more hours than any of my binoculars. This is counting both nighttime and daytime use of my binoculars. Part of the time I do use a binoviewer on my telescope. The telescope gives me the higher power / brighter views I want of the night sky.
I have some binoculars I almost never use because I find my larger, better birding binoculars give a better view. I also almost never use my Fujinon 10x70 (FMTSX?). It would be used more if I ever make or buy a good bino mount.
My homemade 18" f/4.44 Dob is my least used telescope. It has very nice optics but I made the upper assembly, mirror box, and rocker box way too heavy. One of these days I'll rebuild it. The mirror was not homemade.
My most used binocular is my Zeiss 10x42 FL. I like the smell. I also have Zeiss eyepieces for my telescope's binoviewer.
Rich
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10453
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Thanks for adding your valued input to the thread , Rich .
One thing which occured to me as I was reading it was that I would imagine quite a few MORE members here may be more inclined to share youe viewing habits IF ONLY they had a ASTRO PHYSICS 155mm EDFS ( f7 ) scope to toss up between IT and a $100 binocular or two ! :-)
Regards , Kenny
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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Rich N
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/22/04
Posts: 5351
Loc: San Francisco Bay Area, Calif...
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Hi Kenny,
The Astro-Physics 155EDFS is an outstanding telescope but even if I had only my Celestron C8 (8" f/10 SCT) I would likely use it more than my binoculars. It is more a matter of what I want to see than particular tool to obtain the view. Then again, I do love my AP155EDFS.
If I had a better view from home of the distant hills I likely would be using my binoculars more frequently. Maybe I should move? 
Rich
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 15032
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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The weather has been really poor here for the last week. Heavy cloud cover and rain during the day, more heavy cloud cover and fog at night. We had one break with a clear afternoon, and I did some brief solar observing with the telescope. But, for the rest of the last 7-10 days I have used my binoculars daily - to view hawks at a distance, crows, and backyard songbirds. I can't imagine life without one or more pairs of binocular at hand.
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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firestar
Born to be Mild
Reged: 10/18/06
Posts: 3942
Loc: Cleveland Ohio USA
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I keep a pair of binos with me whereever I go,I cant say that about any of my scopes.
I routinely take them out just to test the current seeing conditions,then if warranted set up my scopes from home.
a very usefull tool. 
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Eastlake Ohio
Lots of cheap Asian glass  
Antares 12" Dob,Antares 8" Dob
Meade 8" SCT, Celestron C8 SCT
Zhumell 152 mm F8,Antares 127 mm f9.4
Orion short tube 90 F5.6,Celestron 80 ED F7.5
Imaging Source DMK 21AU04 ccd camera
Stellarvue bv3's with 32,26,23,21,9 mm pairs
Olivon 42,35,28mm,siebert 21,12.5,7mm,GSO superview 20mm,Meade swa 13.8mm,Hyperion 13mm
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Mike Moffatt
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/13/05
Posts: 856
Loc: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
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Might not be the reply you were seeking but my telescope gets more use. HOWEVER, if it were not for the binos the telescope would get less than it does.
Let me explain: The binos are great for the evenings that I'm too tired or lazy to get out the scope and eyepiece case. But more often than not a look through the binos fires me up enough to go grap the scope to get a little "deeper".
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Mortal as I am, I know that I am born for a day. But when I follow at my pleasure the serried multitude of the stars in their circular course, my feet no longer touch the earth.
- Ptolemy,c.150 AD
Mike Moffatt
6" f8 Coopered Newt/Dob
15x70 Celstron Skymasters
www.tulsawalk.com/telescope
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CESDewar
GorillAstronomer
Reged: 01/16/05
Posts: 1847
Loc: Morganton, GA, USA
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Well, my Saturn III's get more use than all my other equipment combined, although when I go through a period with rather poor seeing, my 18x50 Canons are a close second because there's no setup, no tripod - I can go out, view for two minutes and then be back inside. Regardless of whether I am viewing with binoculars or a scope, I always have my 10x42's around my neck as they are so lightweight. I suspect some consolidation is going to take place next year as I sort out which equipment is really getting used.
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