OKay which of these is better for a first time Astronomers?
April 9, 2010 by
Filed under Binocular Reviews
I called optics planet to ask about the best pair of binoculars (which I read were great for first time astronomers, and they directed me to buy this
http://www.opticsplanet.com/reviews/reviews-bush-ts-785003-2.html
I had been looking at one of these though, and sort of like the idea of having binoculars (this way we could easliy bring them with us places).
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001A3N58/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance
OR
http://www.binoculars.com/binoculars/astronomy-binoculars/meade9×63astronomicalbinocular.cfm#navbar=a
I am really confused now b/c I was so sure that binoculars were the way to go. Thanks in advance for your help
Either the Meade or Nikon binoculars would serve you well. Binoculars are a powerful astronomical instrument.
Optics Planet need to smoke better quality crack if they’re recommending junk like that Bushnell scope.
The 10×50 is just about ideal for star gazing——— and about the largest you can handhold ———– if you like those then later you can buy one of these
http://www.garrettoptical.com/ in say 20×80 BUT you will also need a tripod to hold it steady.
I’d recommend a good pair of 10×50 binoculars over a junk telescope like the Bushnell any day. I’m surprised at a telescope dealer selling Bushnell scopes, let alone recommending them. It makes me wonder whether Optics Planet is legit.
I’m not familiar with the Nikon binocular, but I’ve used Nikon cameras and lenses for decades. I find the 10×50 size the best for astronomy; larger binoculars like the Meade are heavy and need to be mounted on a tripod for clear views. Another 10×50 I’d recommend is the Orion Scenix:
http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=binocular_standard/~pcategory=binoculars/~product_id=09333
Regarding telescopes, I wouldn’t recommend considering a refractor smaller than 3 inches aperture or a reflector smaller than 4.5 inches aperture; anything smaller provides dim unsatisfying images. The least expensive scopes I’d recommend are on this page:
http://www.telescope.com/control/category/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~VIEW_INDEX=0/~VIEW_SIZE=1000000
You can’t go wrong with any scope on this page.
Binoculars are the recommended tool for beginning astronomers. In fact, astronomers at all levels own and regularly use at least one pair of good binoculars. Even if you purchase a telescope at some future time you will still find yourself using a pair of binos often and likely as frequently as the telescope.
Both binoculars look like they would serve you well. You might also check out Telescopes.com’s binocular section: http://www.telescopes.com/binoculars/8197+8201.cfm
I have a large pair of Celestron binos I purchased here that I am very happy with.
Plus, it’s always a good idea to research a bit and educate yourself beforehand. Here’s one starting point (among thousands): http://www.optcorp.com/info_choosebinoculars.aspx
Also, to avoid arm fatigue you might want to consider purchasing a sturdy quality tripod to use for longer observing sessions.
In that price range binoculars are better. It’s not a close call.
Cheap telescopes are a pain to use because the mounts are so flimsy. Paying for the flimsy mount means the optics aren’t as good.
Binoculars, hands down. Here’s another to consider. The Oberwerks have a good reputation for inexpensive quality.
http://www.telescopes.com/binoculars/astronomy-binoculars/oberwerk9×60binoculars.cfm