Not sure where to start in this hobby?
Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 2:30 am
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.
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.