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I consider acquiring binocs for handheld widefield astronomy. I currently own small 7x35 and I am thinking of getting something with better light grasp to view the Milky Way, M31, M45, ... and having that 3D feel. Going ever some posts I am thinking that something like the Garrette Optical Gemini 12x60 or the Oberwerk mini-giant (also 12x60).

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I can't comment on the specific brands, but going from 7x35 to 12x60 seems like a very natural jump to me. It'll make a major qualitative change in what you can see while still staying reasonably small and light.

As for hand-holding, as far as I'm concerned, the main issue is the magnification rather than the weight. Most 12x60 binoculars are really pretty light, but you may (or may not) find the wobbles aesthetically unacceptable when they're magnified 12x rather than 7x.

Personally, I'm pretty happy hand-holding my 15x70 binoculars. Except in unusual circumstances, I only do it while sitting, reclining in a lounge chair, or lying on the ground -- all of which help stability tremendously. But I wouldn't really want to view the night sky for any length of time from a standing position in any case.

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Tony Flanders

First and foremost observing love: naked eye.
Second, binoculars.
Last but not least, telescopes.
And I sometimes dabble with cameras.

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