Telescope Reviews: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy

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Equipment Discussions >> Binoculars

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AndrewHG
journeyman

Reged: 06/16/12

Loc: Fort Worth, TX

Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy new

new

#5364893 - 08/12/12 03:13 PM

I have a pair of 12x50 Nikons that have served me well for years but I am looking for a smaller, lighter binocular to replace them. I have a progressive muscular disorder and the Nikons are getting to heavy to hold. Portability and weight are my two main considerations.

I am looking at roof prism binocs because they are small and light but most everything I read portrays this type as bad for astronomy. What about moving to a smaller apeture? Will I give up to much light?

I found a pair of Weaver KASPA 10X50 roof sfor $99 but have not been able to find anything online about them.

What about focus free binoculars?

Thoughts?

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Mark9473
Postmaster

Reged: 07/21/05

Loc: 51°N 4°E

Re: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy new

new

[Re: AndrewHG]
#5365079 - 08/12/12 05:32 PM

Welcome to the forum Andrew.

What are your observing conditions like? In dark skies, I find my 8x42 roof prism binoculars a joy to use.

Is there a particular reason you seem to aim for the bottom-budget market segment? A good roof prism binocular will cost you anywhere from say $250 on up. If you need something a lot cheaper then get a porro.

I don't know what your symptoms are, but if it's shakiness then have you thought about trying a pair of IS binoculars? Something like the Canon 12x36 IS could be very interesting for you.

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Ed D
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/10

Loc: Sunny South Florida

Re: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy new

new

[Re: AndrewHG]
#5365088 - 08/12/12 05:36 PM

I have a Bushnell 10x42 roof prism that I have used quite a bit, both daytime terrestrial and astronomy. They are light weight and very compact. Performance is very good in dark skies, and everyone who has used them has been surprised at what can be seen and given me positive feedback on them. However, in the very heavy light pollution I live in the 42mm objectives don't quite cut it.

From what I have read the better (a bit pricier) binos are definitely better performing in every way. If these are to be your primary observing tool I would consider spending the money for a good pair. You could probably find a good deal in the classifieds here on Cloudy nights.

In addition to the classifieds, check out Garrett Optical and Oberwerk for good low cost binos. BTW, focus-free binos are not well regarded in any of the forums, as are zoom binos.

Here's a couple from Oberwerk you may like: 8x40 prorro prism and 10x42 roof prism.

I mentioned my Bushnells only as a reference to size and weight. If your binos are going to be a primary observing tool I suggest considering something a little better.

Ed D

Edited by Ed D (08/12/12 05:48 PM)

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AndrewHG
journeyman

Reged: 06/16/12

Loc: Fort Worth, TX

Re: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy new

new

[Re: Ed D]
#5365105 - 08/12/12 05:44 PM

Mark,
I live in DFW which is like living in a light bulb. I like to sit in my driveway, lay my chair back and observe. I was hoping to stay around $100 but the more I look the less likely that is becoming.

I am leaning toward the roof over the porro because of the size and weight difference.

My research this afternoon turned up the Barska 10x42 Storm, on sell for $99.

I have looked at the IS binos but they get pricey fast

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AndrewHG
journeyman

Reged: 06/16/12

Loc: Fort Worth, TX

Re: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy new

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[Re: AndrewHG]
#5365130 - 08/12/12 05:56 PM

Ed,
Thanks for the tip on the Oberwerk. I skipped right over those earlier.

I will avoid focus free and zoom.

Thanks,

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Ed D
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/10

Loc: Sunny South Florida

Re: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy new

new

[Re: AndrewHG]
#5365145 - 08/12/12 06:02 PM

Andrew, living in Miami is similar - I like your light-bulb analogy. I have found that anything under 50mm doesn't cut it in my environment. I also like 7x or 8x because I can hold it steady compared to 10x or greater. Also, I have owned several low priced binos, and recently bought a pair from Oberwerk. The Oberwerk is better quality, but most important, they make sure the binos are well collimated before they ship. Check them out, especially if you're on a tight budget, like me.

Ed D

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Binojunky
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/25/10

Re: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy new

new

[Re: Ed D]
#5365376 - 08/12/12 08:15 PM

Eagle Optics sell a nice inexpensive light roof 8x40 called the Atlas Radian,I bought it very tongue in cheek not expecting a great deal however its turned out to be a favourite, water and fog proof, phase coated etc, highly recomended, DA.

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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster

Reged: 06/16/04

Loc: San Diego and Boulevard, CA

Re: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy new

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[Re: Binojunky]
#5365939 - 08/13/12 06:37 AM

Quote:

Eagle Optics sell a nice inexpensive light roof 8x40 called the Atlas Radian,I bought it very tongue in cheek not expecting a great deal however its turned out to be a favourite, water and fog proof, phase coated etc, highly recomended, DA.

I have a pair of Eagle Optics Platinum Ranger 10x42s which I use for both birding and astronomy. These are Japanese roof prism binoculars, they were $400 new. I like Roof Prism binoculars for astronomy, they are compact and easy to hold steady. I also have a pair of Celestron Regal 10x50s, again roofs, I find 42mm is sufficient.

The Atlas Radians look like a good value, they have the 6.5 foot close focus that good roof's do. Not much help in astronomy but very useful terrestrially.

Eagle Optics is nice to deal with. The Atlas Radians is covered by the Eagle Optics Platinum Protection Plan. This is amazing, lifetime, unconditional warranty, not just for workmanship and materials but for damage as well, you drop em, drive over them, they fix them. And the warranty, there is no paperwork, if you have the binoculars, they are covered...

Eagle Optics Atlas Radians

Jon

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Binojunky
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/25/10

Re: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy new

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[Re: Jon Isaacs]
#5366092 - 08/13/12 09:50 AM

I ordered these on a whim Jon after reading the reviews on them, I can,t fault them , all adjustments are smooth and precise. The body is a polycarbonate covered in rubber, it keeps the weight down.They are sold only by E.O. who deal with the factory direct and cut out the extra retailer, the neck strap and case was of good quality as well.I live in Canada and find E.O. a excellent company to deal with.DA.

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planetmalc
sage

Reged: 10/21/09

Re: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy new

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[Re: Binojunky]
#5371636 - 08/16/12 01:54 PM

If you're used to a 12 x 50 then you'll probably find anything with a lower power and/or smaller aperture to be something of a disappointment. I would suggest that you take your bins along to a camera shop and ask them if you can try them out on a lightweight monopod. Hold the foot of the (mostly collapsed) monopod against your clothing at waist height (i.e. NOT with the monopod standing on the floor) and support the shaft with your hands at chest and shoulder height, with the pan & tilt head angled upwards and the eyecups of the binoculars resting against your eyes. See if you can hold this assembly still enough to observe at various declinations with no more shake than you'd get if you were hand-holding. It's FAR less fatiguing than hand-holding, and works for me but not for everyone. I use my Miyauchi 22 x 60's like this (though there is a bit of wobble at this power).

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Wes James
Postmaster

Reged: 04/12/06

Re: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy [Re: planetmalc]
#5371717 - 08/16/12 02:57 PM

You can also use a monopod in a chair- extend it out in front of you and let it rest on the ground.... it can help stabilize binoculars this way, too.
Good luck!

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AndrewHG
journeyman

Reged: 06/16/12

Loc: Fort Worth, TX

Re: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy new

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[Re: Wes James]
#5375365 - 08/18/12 11:59 PM

Thanks for all of the advice. I found a pair of Leupold BX-3 Open roof prism 10X42 for $250 at a pawnshop and they are like brand new. I like shopping at pawnshops. I found an 8" Meade LX90 at a pawnshop for half of retail.

The Leupolds are very light and the eye cups make them very comfortable.

Thanks,

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MikeMcCaskey
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/09/12

Loc: South Central Kansas

Re: Lightweight Binoculars for Astronomy new

new

[Re: Binojunky]
#5392832 - 08/29/12 08:53 AM

Quote:

I ordered these on a whim Jon after reading the reviews on them, I can,t fault them , all adjustments are smooth and precise. The body is a polycarbonate covered in rubber, it keeps the weight down.They are sold only by E.O. who deal with the factory direct and cut out the extra retailer, the neck strap and case was of good quality as well.I live in Canada and find E.O. a excellent company to deal with.DA.

All,

Thanks for all the input,I've been looking for a lightweight pair of binos for an upcoming trip to Honduras. Bought a pair of these from E.O. because of all the positive comments. Arrived propmtly and in excellent condition. Had them out last night briefly. Initial impressions exceeded expectations (FWIW - my wife says I'm easy to please!). The focus was smoooth and the view of the moon was sharp and clear given the haze and dirt in the air. Vega was pinpoint sharp. With these and S&T's PSA, the trip south will be lots better!

Thanks to the CN community!!

Mikey

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