Not sure where to start in this hobby?

[Ozman]

You've always been fascinated by the night sky, and dreamed of owning your own telescope, and now you're ready to take that plunge!

But where do I start? I've done the "google" searches, read the online reviews, even watched a ton of "youtube" videos and now I'm more confused than ever.

The best way to ease that confusion and answer many, many questions without spending a fortune and with practically ZERO risk is to get a set of binoculars.

Many times these great instruments are overlooked or thought incapable, nothing could be further from the truth. They will show/teach you a TON of stuff, some of it better than any telescope could.

It is the easiest, most natural and comfortable way of viewing using both eyes and gives you an immersive correctly oriented image (very useful when learning the night skies). It is the most portable instrument, easily taken anywhere, day or night as they are also useful during the day. And they continue to be extremely useful no matter what scope/scopes you have. With solar filters they are great for viewing the sun.

Then there comes the issue of cost. I don't really want to invest a huge sum in a hobby I'm not sure I'll like. The binoculars are a minimal investment in a multiple use instrument that can easily be recouped. But you will keep the binoculars and they will answer many of your questions, point you in the direction you want to go, and give you endless hours of observing bliss, all while learning to navigate our skies.

So what binoculars do I get?

The most popular beginning set is usually some 10x50s. They hit the sweet spot for most criteria.

Some things you probably want to stay away from considering binoculars for astronomy, red (ruby) tinted lenses and zoom binoculars (variable magnification). Porro prism are generally preferred over roof prism. And magnifications above 10x become to difficult for hand holding (more than the weight of them has to be considered).

One other thing you probably do want to consider. Any binocular will show you more when it is mounted, stabilization becomes essential as magnification increases. A simple monopod increases stability substantially with smaller low power binoculars and is effective with instruments as high as 15x. But a tripod is highly recommended for anything 15x and above (or if the binoculars are heavy). For a set of binoculars to reach their FULL potential, a parallel mount is required.

But all that is really required is a small set of binoculars, a clear night, and a person eager to behold the wonders of the heavens.

[Gordon]

I feel a "stickie" coming!!!

[bladekeeper]

Awesome thread, Oz!

[AbbN]

Well.....I had a pair of of Bushnell 10x50 binos long before I got my first scope. I still have them although I use my Celestron 15x70 binos mush more now

Great advice Oz!
Abb

[Brian]

Agreed! Binoculars are great. I love spotting brighter DSOs with my binoculars while I take photos with the telescope. However, it was an aquired taste. I think I enjoy it now because I have a mental picture of that dim little smudge. I also like finding something in the binoculars for the first time. It’s like astro where’s Waldo.

[helicon]

Nice post Oz and you really have made the case for binos convincingly. I hope all of the beginners read this and take it to heart.

[Don Quixote]

Excellent Oz !

[Richard]

!00% if you get 25x100 binos they will replace a 8 inch scope as a everyday quick look , but you need a proper bino parallel mount

[JayTee]

Thank you Oz

Just what we needed,
JT

[Ozypic]

With the weather being what its been this year I have found the 10x50's are the only gear not gathering cobwebs. Im thinking of going bigger now and a easy mount for them.
Phill

[Markmjm]

Thanks for the advice Oz. I do own a pair of Celestron sky master 15x70 binoculars. They are good for getting a quick view of the sky, but you are absolutely right about needing a mount of some kind to hold them steady. I don't have one, and boy, does the sky look shaky! Any suggestions on a good mount? Thanks, Mark

[Gulf Coast Guy]

Just in case you don't know what a parallel mount is, Pardon me while I gloat.
20190704_105845 by pat w1, on Flickr

[Ozman]

Thanks for the advice Oz. I do own a pair of Celestron sky master 15x70 binoculars. They are good for getting a quick view of the sky, but you are absolutely right about needing a mount of some kind to hold them steady. I don't have one, and boy, does the sky look shaky! Any suggestions on a good mount? Thanks, Mark

I use the Farpoint parallel mount from Oberwerk. One thing to look for in a parallel mount is a pivoting "L" bracket where the binoculars attach. The smaller mount sold by Orion does not have this and you must observe directly over the tripod which means you must stand. With the "L" bracket, you can sit to the side of the tripod and recline which makes a HUGE difference.

https://oberwerk.com/product/farpoint-u ... lar-mount/

[Gulf Coast Guy]

Thanks for the advice Oz. I do own a pair of Celestron sky master 15x70 binoculars. They are good for getting a quick view of the sky, but you are absolutely right about needing a mount of some kind to hold them steady. I don't have one, and boy, does the sky look shaky! Any suggestions on a good mount? Thanks, Mark

I use the Farpoint parallel mount from Oberwerk. One thing to look for in a parallel mount is a pivoting "L" bracket where the binoculars attach. The smaller mount sold by Orion does not have this and you must observe directly over the tripod which means you must stand. With the "L" bracket, you can sit to the side of the tripod and recline which makes a HUGE difference.

https://oberwerk.com/product/farpoint-u ... lar-mount/

BTW that's a Farpoint UBM in the image above. The swing hinge is an excellent option.It's Fully capable of supporting a large Binocular.The Oberwerk Deluxe 25x100 IF weigh 10 lb.

The UBM is mounted on a modified celestron std Alt-Az Mount/Tripod.

[ewomack]

A few years ago I attended a very friendly and supportive star party and people just let others look at and even use their equipment. Someone had a fancy chair fitted with a head bar and mounted binoculars. I was skeptical, but since the owner offered, I sat down and was very astounded at the details they displayed. My skepticism fizzled. So, having had the experience of being blown away by a seemingly simple pair of binoculars, I think this is an awesome suggestion for starting out. Now I need to pick some up and drive out to some areas with less light pollution (I live in a large metro area and rarely see stars over the hum, buzz and glow of civilization).

[helicon]

A few years ago I attended a very friendly and supportive star party and people just let others look at and even use their equipment. Someone had a fancy chair fitted with a head bar and mounted binoculars. I was skeptical, but since the owner offered, I sat down and was very astounded at the details they displayed. My skepticism fizzled. So, having had the experience of being blown away by a seemingly simple pair of binoculars, I think this is an awesome suggestion for starting out. Now I need to pick some up and drive out to some areas with less light pollution (I live in a large metro area and rarely see stars over the hum, buzz and glow of civilization).

I take my 15x70 binos on camping trips on the north California coast. When the fog lifts the views are simply amazing - absolutely no light pollution and the Milky Way descending into the ocean in the west. Couldn't get any better! I hope you pick up a pair Ed.

[Markmjm]

Thanks for the advice on the bino mount guys. I'll check out the link you suggested Oz.

Mark

[mcolbert]

on reading the topic my first thought was; RUN! (in the general direction of away - at speed!)

The passion or is that the possession becomes part of us. It is a very basic response, as a human being, to that in which we exist.

[pakarinen]

Don't forget collimation. No point having binos that only show double images.

[Historyman]

I have 2 pairs of binos, a Nikon Aculon 7x50s and Celestron 15x70s, plus a metal mount. I have seen some plans/pics for a diy parallel mount that I shall have a stab at soon.