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Anonymous
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Where do I sign up for the "I don't think I will ever find the perfect binocular" club?
I just seem to be going around and around in circles (or more specifically spiralling upward in $$$) trying to find the "best compromise" (read as `perfect') binocular with a limited budget.
 The question: "Given your hands on experience with a range of binoculars, what would be your choice specifically for astronomy (best star image quality) if you could only have one pair of binoculars, lived in a metropolitan light polluted area, preferred to hand hold (10x max?), and had a limited budget of $200"?
Frilby 
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Charlie Fisher
member
Reged: 06/28/03
Posts: 38
Loc: Tampa, FL USA
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You could do a lot worse than the Nikon Action 10X50, which with the current rebate deal they have you could probably get new for $110-120 shipped, including taxes and the whole nine yards.
Are they perfect? No. But I have four pairs of binos and use them plenty. They are easy, good and cheap.
Charlie
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Anonymous
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I just got the Action 7X35 and I think they are great. Nice pinpoint stars and great views of the moon. As you said, they are not perfect, but with a 9.3 FOV I find them easy to use and a great value for the price. In my opinion the Action series perform better at day (the 7X35 are awesome for birding), but I'd still recommend them for stargazing.
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Anonymous
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None of the binoculars I have used personally would suit your needs so I cannot make any specific recommendations. But as far as the highest magnifactions for hand holdability I've used 11x and feel that is well handheld. You could get something like the Orion mini giants that have 12x. I've read people saying that they don't mind using 15x binoculars. That is starting to push it though. I have used 15x binoculars handheld. But beware: the view will be shaky no matter what. However, if you have steady hands and are laying down or in a chair with arm rests then I would say it could be done to a decent degree of satisfaction. In the end I wouldn't recommend it though as it makes the view much less satisfying and minute detail is hard to make out. I would say a good quality 10x50 pair with the largest FOV would give you the most enjoyable views. And that is what amatuer astronomy is all about!
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brocknroller
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/16/03
Posts: 1516
Loc: Liberal, Kansas
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Following the word "perfect" with "$200" in regard to binoculars is probably a non sequitur. However, if you would be willing to go another $65 and buy from a reseller, or buy used, you could get a Nikon 10X35 E2 for less than $275. With its sharp optics, wide AFOV (70*), good edges, light weight (22 oz.), and small exit pupil (3.5mm), it would work very well for metro stargazing. I have moderately light polluted skies near my house, and the small exit pupil gives very nice contrast (bright stars against an inky black background, which is a washed out gray through larger exit pupil binos). The small exit pupil also compensates for my astigmatism (stars are pinpoints without my glasses).
Conventional wisdom holds that you need at least 50mm for astronomy, but I've found that a 35mm bino with excellent coatings and very good optics can blow away the same power 50mm of lesser quality, sometimes even one with good quality. Take a look at the BVD review on the Nikon 8X32 SE. It favorably compared with a 8X50 Swarvorski. Sometimes less is more.
While I wouldn't rate the 10X35 E2 as "perfect" (not sure I'd even say that about the 10X42 SE, though it comes close), given your budget cap and bright sky conditions, it may be "just right."
Brock
--------------------
Oscar Zoroaster Diggs
"O.Z."
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"And remember, my sentimental friend....a heart is not judged by how much you love,
but by how much you are loved by others."
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Anonymous
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You make a good case for the 35mm. I must agree that aperture can be overplayed in a world with light pollution. Quality over quantity would probably work better in a metropolitain area. And a small exit pupil eliminates the need for your eyes to fully dialate, which they probably couldn't do with skyglow or local sources of glare.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Frilby,
Oh my, what a question indeed. One may also ask, "How long is a piece of string?" But on the other hand, yours may not be an unanswerable question afterall.
I would say that "perfect" would be binos that you would use as your first choice, that comfortably fit your budget, give you pleasure in viewing the skies, and that would encourage you to go out and observe frequently.
I feel that Brock makes some excellent points in his reply.
Also, there are so many variables including the placement and condition of your eyes.
The secret to settling upon "a" single pair of binos will be more of a journey than a single event. You will most likely have to try or purchase-and-then-sell several pair before finding the "perfect" binos for you. I myself have been on that journey and believe the quest is over for me ( I love my current binos).
Since seeing your post, I have gone back and reread all of the bino reviews/comments on Todd Gross' web site. Todd appears to still be on the journey (or perhaps he enjoys the trip so much that there will be no end to the journey) as he has a "current favorites" but no one pair of binos mentioned as perfect. Todd's current favorites are Oberwerk 15x70 and Nikon Superior E Series. Oddly enough, Todd mentions liking certain binos that he admits have shortcomings. It's all a matter of individual needs and budget.
My advice is to take the first step on the journey and purchase) a pair of binos that appear to meet your criteria (I don't think you will go wrong considering Brock's advice). Then, try the binos out and see if it is love at first sight (pun intended) or whether the journey to "perfect" binos continues for you. But don't wait too long, you are missing the enjoyment of exploring the heavens.
Oh yes, I wish to mention that perhaps there is a local astronomy club that you can attend. Surely the members will have a variety of binos that you would be able to look through and narrow the list of potential binos for you.
Good luck, and take that first step. Nick
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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What would be my first choice for binoculars? That's easy! The Orion 10x50 UltraView, I have a pair and I love em! And at $165 they're reasonable priced.
Bart
This is Deja Vu again again!
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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frilby
Hi ,I got a pair of 16-50,s from a local department store for 65$.Am totally thrilled at the view.IN a year or two will be getting a better set ,probably 20-80,s with some kind of bino tripod.possibly build a bino box,looks like a good solution to the neck strain lookingstraight up.
but first(soon) I will be getting an 8 inch hardin optical eq mount newtonian
keep the stars in your eyes
tim
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