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Before I spill any snarky remarks about how expensive those binoculars are, I should ask: is there a reason you're okay with spending that amount of money on that particular set of binos instead of a set with larger aperture or a telescope?
Re: Buying bino
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2021 2:02 am
by Capt. Midnight
You know, they struck me as kind of expensive also. But they only had one decent 10 X 50 that was cheaper, and it was about $250.
I saw the Vortex on a different website for the same price, although they did throw in some kind of fancy flashlight or something.
Someone recommended telescope.com , so I kind of trusted them.
And I have a telescope on order from them, but it’s back ordered. I figured I would keep the binocular in my truck, for impromptu viewing.
Re: Buying bino
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2021 2:35 am
by notFritzArgelander
I use these regularly when I don't want to use a scope. There's an aspheric lens that makes the views sharp.
Yes, you would need a photo tripod, but IMHO, that's a good price for ED glass.
Re: Buying bino
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2021 3:02 am
by Refractordude
If you have room in your truck get this mount. Once out the truck it can be set up in a little more than a minute. This mount is good up to 20x80 binoculars.
Yes, you would need a photo tripod, but IMHO, that's a good price for ED glass.
Did you order the Ed 20x80?
Not yet, I bought stupid tires for the stupid car lol.
Re: Buying bino
Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2021 8:20 pm
by pakarinen
I have the 10x50 Aculons that nFA has. Very nice under dark skies and they're light weight.
Vortex gets good reviews but I think $550 for 10x50s is excessive.
Re: Buying bino
Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2021 8:57 pm
by Bigzmey
pakarinen wrote: ↑Thu Aug 26, 2021 8:20 pm
I have the 10x50 Aculons that nFA has. Very nice under dark skies and they're light weight.
Vortex gets good reviews but I think $550 for 10x50s is excessive.
I am a big fan of Nikon Action EX line
However, if having ED glass is a requirement the price will go up. My concerns about Vortex is that they have roof prism design. I believe those are more suitable for daytime viewing since more light is lost on prisms compared to the porro prism design.
Re: Buying bino
Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2021 5:51 pm
by helicon
Should be able to get a good pair for $100 or so. Not a top of the line model but plenty serviceable for astronomy.
Re: Buying bino
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2021 8:09 am
by DeanD
Sorry I didn't see this earlier.
If you are after astro binos and you are on a budget, there are heaps of cheaper alternatives on the same site as the Vortex you asked about.
I think one of the better ones in terms of value would be the Orion Resolux 10x50 at less than 1/2 the price. These are IF though, so not so good for day-time viewing.
Then of course there are the Nikon AE or Aculons as already suggested, and then a range of Orions, like the Scenix 10x50's for under $100.
Any of these would give nice to excellent astro views (but the cheaper you go, the less likely you are to have a wide "sweet spot" of sharp stars, and generally you will get a bit more CA as well).
The Vortex would also give excellent views, but I think the Resolux would be hard to beat. (These are a very good clone of the Fujinon FMT-SX's, probably the best 10x50 available until you get to the true "alpha's" like the Swaro EL's)
All the best,
Dean
Re: Buying bino
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2021 10:04 am
by pakarinen
I also have Orion 15x70 Giant Views. They're IF, but I like that better than CF. I've been quite happy with the GVs, but they are on the heavy side, so a tripod is a must except for short periods. YMMV.