Telescope Reviews: Nikon Action Extreme in the U.K

< I suppose, put simply, I want something to aid my learning of the night sky. And something that will further my enjoyment of the hobby. >

Darren ,even assuming "equal quality" of instruments ,
I would go for 10 x 50s over 15 x 70s AT THIS STAGE OF YOUR LEARNING CURVE.

And even within the hobby collectively known as "astronomy" there are branches / aspects of the hobby where a 10x50 with a wider field is preferable to a 15 x 70.

And don't forget the hassle , restrictions , and additional expense of tripod and mount.

< though I could well imagine wanting to use them during the day once I have them.>

An inspired thought on your part Darren !

Trust me , binocular viewing can become VERY addictive :-)

AND --don't forget there are MANY more DAYS , or at least parts of days , when conditions and situations allow if not cry -out for putting binoculars to your eyes, than there are clear nights when the sky is awash with stars.

Even when it is , light pollution can all but ruin the experience.

And Yorkshire is every bit as regularly cloudy , cold and wet as Lancashire :-)

It's not as if I think these two models are EQUAL in QUALITY, but I COULD be wrong about that ,and I certainly intend no offense whatsoever to anyone who owns Celestron Skymasters.

For one thing they are over -priced here in the UK anyway if advertisements in my monthly astro -magazine are anything to go by.

So , if you want me to spell it out in plain English,
if I were in your shoes I would get the Nikon 10 x 50 Action Extremes and take it from there.

Oh --and as I said the other day -- why worry so much about buying one OR the other ?

If you buy from a place with a reasonable returns policy , you can always return them. If not sell them / swap them etc etc.

Of course I always say "try before you buy"- if you can ! but let's face it -- how many shops / retailers are prepared to let you take a brand new binocular from them , wait for a clear night or two , then decide whether or not you want to buy them ?

Good luck Darren !

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