Astronomy binocular recommendations
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ก.ค. 2024
- In my previous video on astronomy binoculars we learned what all the different types of binoculars were. This video goes a step further and tells you which ones I recommend, and why.
There is little worse than being excited to get out under the stars and start observing only to have all that excitement drain away because you don't get the great views you expect. It happens with telescopes and it happens with binoculars.
Finding the right binoculars that fit your need, and budget, is critical to enjoying your hobby. I hope this video gets you pointed in the right direction.
My favorite budget pair for beginners: amzn.to/3rYWFpA
My favorite day/night all purpose: amzn.to/3dFDtVl
The best handheld astronomy binos I have ever owned: amzn.to/3lW1xYW
The best deal in larger binos: amzn.to/3DKfnne - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
You are my new hero! Thank you so, so much. Ever grateful for this one!
You're super easy to understand, thanks.
I just got 10x50 I love em. Perfect sweet spot in my opinion. Love your content.
Really interesting :-) I’ve been thinking about binoculars for Astronomy for some time now, something where I don’t have to set up a telescope, as I don’t have facilities for this. This has helped immensely, and I’m gradually narrowing down which magnification et cetera I will go for, and which make, I don’t really have a huge budget, but your comments have helped immensely.
Much thanks,
Steve. Bristol, UK 🙏👍🌝🪐
Binoculars are a great way to get into the hobby. Lots to see, inexpensive, and super portable. I like to carry a pair every time I leave town overnight just in case. I really like my Mini Giants amzn.to/3dQUijy and if I had to have one pair of binoculars and no telescope for visual, I would save up and get them. They are the best bang for the buck I have gotten in binoculars.
Exactly what I needed. I ordered a pair of mini giants and now I can move on with my life. So confusing with all the options. Thanks.
I found a zhumell 12x70 for 52.00 so I am completely trusting your judgement and experience and ordered it. I have an 8 x 30 ( old unit) That is a real pleasure to scan the sky and was contemplating a 15 x 70 size Sky watcher. Hopefully this unit will be a pleasant upgrade. Thanks for your video.
You’re great at reviewing, keep up the videos!
I have a pair of celestron 20x80 and I love them
I have a pair of Vixen Japanese made 9X63 binoculars. Best pair that I have. Glad you are making vids again!
The Orion 9X63 are also japanese made, I wonder it they are the same. 9x63 is a interesting format and very rare.
@@ricardosoto5770I remember Orion Optics catalogue of scopes and bino's from years ago and they also had vixen products which, looking at the spec sheet were top notch quality :)
would that make the exit pupil 7mm?
@@peternicholls6532YES
oh that does sound amazing
My brother got me those Nikon Action EX 10x50 for my birthday a few years ago and I love them. It's so convenient to just be able to just grab them when the sky looks good and get a nice little observation session before going to bed.
I'd love to blow thousands of dollars on a sweet telescope setup but being how I am, I'm worried I'd just not use it enough with all the planning and/or setup required. And of course now it'd have to be a binoscope because I couldn't go back to one eyed viewing lol
*So* cool to hear a brainy guy with such a fine, southern accent. :-) Been researching this stuff to death, and two of your videos have now answered essentially all of my remaining questions. Thank you.
*And*, just got my Zhumell 12x70's and *love* em!
@@mntlblok Do you need a tripod to use them for a comfortable experience?
Nope. If I’m trying to make out something small from a long way off, I’ll look to lean an elbow or the binocs on something. Love em.
@@mentalblockKevin thx for the reply, I ended up getting the Nikon Aculon A211 10 x 50s. I was contemplating between the aculon 8x42s and 10x50s, I've heard so many people say the 10x is hard to keep steady but they were on sale and I really wanted that extra magnification so we'll see in around two weeks when they get delivered. Considering you manage with the 12x magnification hopefully I'll be ok.
@@lukav3255 Hi👋
So how are the 10x50s?
The best are probably, 10x50 mm.
Then the15x70 mm.
The field shows you every Messier object surrounded by multiple stars. If no error about 1.000 stars show their color on clear nights.
Other alternatives, the 7x50 and 8x56 mm.
By counting the Pleiades ( easy), you Can compare Sky Darkness.
Great !
Love your channel - I'm completely new to this. I had three pair of binoculars. Two Tascos (7x35 and 12x50), and one Buschnell 10x50 (Oops, originally stated they were 10x35, but they're 10x50). I don't even know if some binoculars are specific for events as I only knew about the magnification and the field of view. Anyway, all three pair are out of alignment since my kids drop them so much! Now that I moved out to the country with minimal light pollution, what would you recommend for some binoculars that aren't on a stand such as a telescope is? Hoping to see as much field of view as possible with detail.
My favourite is the Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80 on an Alt-Az fluid head tripod. They tick all the boxes. The *Pro* is the important thing.
This is exactly the question I'm asking?
I've become addicted to my Helios 2x40 ultra wide field binoculars as you can grasp huge areas of the sky.
Magnification 2 and aperture 40? Exit pupil is 20mm!!!
@@AliKhan-1966they’re Galilean design exit pupil on those type doesn’t matter
Are celestrons 10x50 binos any good? They are really cheap for a bino with water resistance but i dont know about the quality
Swarovski SLC 10x56 are the best handheld binoculars for astronomy. They are also the best binos for most situations including birdwatching in low light. The Steiner Nighthunter 8X56 are also great binoculars for handheld astronomy.
How about stabilised ones like Canon 18x50 and 10x42?
I have Orion 15 x 63 mini giants and was wondering what is the quality of these in your opinion ? I don't know that much about them except that i have to mount them on a home made adjustable mount that i can sit down in a chair my back can not take standing up at all ..I really do not like my telescope, I do not like looking thru one eye its an Orion refractor 90mm ..! I am asking what is the next step for my astronomy binoculus I want to get bigger I dont know If it will be any better viewing the milkyway ...? sorry for the long questions ..Hope i get a reply soon.......!. does spending more money on a different pair ensure a better quality of viewing ..?
Are 80x80 binoculars good for astronomy/stargazing? since i can't find anything else other than that and the other binoculars are expensive and my mom will probably won't let me buy that
Those 2 x 54 wide FOV binoculars are great for watching constellations, and the milky way.
what you think: 10x42 bak4 or 10x50 BK7? Better prism or larger lens?
thankyou you helped me alot
Is zeiss 8x30 good for looking to the night skies?
what about fujinom binoculars? the mariner 7x50 - what is your opinion?
What would you recommend
A 10x50 or a 12x70? And in which cases
Do you have to do anything to calibrate these? Are they similar to telescope where you face tu focus on longitudinal and latitude?? That was difficult for me i ended to selling the telescope for a profit to a guy in Russia
I have 8x42s that work well for handholding. Also some Canon IS binocs that are fantastic.
Can I get your recommendation on a tripod to go with the Zhumells, please?
I'm sitting with baited breath for my HeXeum telescope to arrive, 6:22 PM but it doesn't show. I saw Celes and went oh no! I checked my order and saw I canceled that and bought the Hex. Hope it's good and a clear view of Saturn and Orion nebula. Good video, I had binoculars in the 90s where I could see 4 moons of Jupitar and my kid broke "didn't mean to" them and my telescope 2 weeks later, Scopes don't like hard wood stairs.
What about a 20×80 star watching binoculars?
With a tripod ?
Could you recommend a satisfactory brand ?
I have the Canon 18x50 IS. These are great and can see the moons of Jupitar. And they only weigh 2.6 lbs. Binoculars with larger objectives - 60, 70, or 80mm are only a benefit in very dark skies. In light polluted areas 50mm is fine. I also use a monopod with some of my binoculars, it's very useful.
Great reviews of some decent binoculars, Interesting that the Celestrons came out as a a load of.. less than good, I agree totally. Here in the shite UK, heavy advertising on the net and many reviews rate the celestrons. Keep up the good work
I live in the UK 🇬🇧 please don't slag it off good sir as it does offend
For the Nikon Action 10 x 50, could you use it also for simply viewing distant objects if you wanted to shift away from astronomy viewing? I am interested in using it for astronomy, but I just wanted to know if it is also good for other purposes, as well?
Also, is the Nikon Action 10 x 50 comfortable when resting them on the eyes?
Thanks, and great channel!
Absolutely. Fantastic all-around binocular.
The eye relief on the Orion Resolux 7X50's are fantastic, but I have heard good things about the Nikon action binos
Great video! What would be your opinion on the Bushnell Legacy WP 10x50? Thank you.
I dont have any personal experience with this particular model but from the specs and what I have seen with other Bushnell models I would say they are about on par with their price point. Probably about the same as the Orion Scenix I recommended except these are waterproof, no where near as good as the Nikon EX 10x50s. Hope this helps!
I got the Fujinon Polaris 7X50 FMTRSX for hand held dark skies, the NiKON AEx 10X50 for hand held urban astronomy, and Im looking for a 15x. to replace my Celestron Skymasters for tripod, monopod or chair use. Cant aford a Canon IS or a Fujinon. Im looking into a Orion or Oberwerk BA8 clone, or Pentax SP 20X60.
Pentax Júpiter 16×50. Celestron Skymaster 15×70. 🤔🧐🙄🥸😁😸
What about Bushnell 16x50??
I currently own a pair of Leica Noctivid 10x42 but was thinking of getting a pair of Pentax 20x60 I’ve seen on offer to use for casual astronomy. Will there be a significant difference (due to the magnification) or am I as well just using my 10x42 pair
Olhe, eu tenho Celestron Skymaster 15×70. Levenhuk Sherman Base 12×50. Agora estou a pensar comprar uns Pentax Júpiter 16×50. Será boa compra ??? Também tenho opção Nikon Aculon 16×50 ???🤔🧐🙄🥸
nicely explained!!!! what do you think about opticron oregon 20x80? are they more towarsd nikon or celestron? thanks
Celestron. 🥸
Are these good for viewing planets??
I search for binoculars almost a month and there was no certain recommedation for binoculars. I checked almost all brands. And finally I buy Nikon Action ex 10x50. I am so curious about it. I will write my review after using. Thank you.
Hi there
Have you used it yet?
@@hmmmnope2455 Yes I used and it is beyond expectations, you can see the kraters on moon so easily, milky way is so clear, I love it
@@TheJonmare I'm glad it exceeded your expectations and that you're happy with it. And thanks for replying (at all and so quickly)
@@TheJonmare I’ve been looking for some binoculars to start stargazing. I am new to this. Would you recommend these binoculars?
@@Ponch2007 my thoughts this one is very good for starter, if you stable your hands for a long time your gazing will be amazing, otherwise look for smaller x or with tripod
I'm just beginning my search. This was extremely helpful. Thanks.
Quick question, if I may. Orion offers the Mini Giant in both 9x63 and 15x63. The difference in cost is minimal. Would it be worth the upgrade?
Good level of magnification with the 15x but you'll need them on a tripod or monopod
close to my question I just asked ....I want to upgrade bigger i am hoping
For 15 times magnification you'd need at least 70mm lense. Remember, higher magnification means marrow field of view and dim image. I've got 15x70 and 7x50, and to be honest, I like my 7x50 more, wide field of view and image brightness is the same or maybe even slightly brighter 🌞
High magnification is not what you want when looking at night sky
I want a pair of 15x70s for casual observations whilst using my scope - will I get away with handheld or maybe a monopod??
Use a moniopod,
Amazing video you've explain so much detailed than i expected'' to be honest'' could you tells me about a big pair of binocular
such as Orion giant view astronomy viewing and stargazing binocular like 25×100-mm are they good to buy to use with tripod mounted i don't mind to spent it for several hundreds of dollar or even a thousands i don't mind pay it if it's worth to pay it i'am happy to purchase one of a pair of astronomy viewing binocular'' will you please tells me whether you recommended to buy or not'' thank you so much
i'am a big fans of your You tube channel....
I am not really a “big binocular guy” as I personally prefer a telescope to large binos. That being said, the quality of the Orion mini-giants and Resolux I have used have been quite good so if I wanted large binos, I certainly would not hesitate to try their larger units. Although I have not had to use it, they also have a 30 day money back guarantee so if you didn’t like them, just call them up and send them back. I don’t think that would happen, but you never know.
Thanks for such clear videos! Really appreciate these! :) I tried a friends Nikon 10x50 today, and looking at moon through that felt wobbly. And so i am leaning towards 7x50 instead. Would that be ok in your opinion, or that extra 3 orders of magnification is something that i should keep and get used to holding a 10x50?
Sorry I can’t think of a way to help solve your issue but if you’re referring to the Nikon 7x50 Action Extreme, I heard they have quite a small field of vision.
@@xanderchia7247 6.5 degress. But you are willing to pay more Nikon does better 7x50s. The Ocean Pro, the Tropical and the kings of the hills, the 7X50 SP PROSTAR and the ultra expensive WX. I like 7X50s and got a Steiner and a Fujinon. They have 7,1 and 7,5 degrees of field of view, the Prostar has 7.1 and the WX 10 degrees!!! but it cost as much as a small car.
Or you can get a L tripod adapter and use the 10X50s with a tripod or monopod.
@@xanderchia7247 mine have a 9.3 degree field of view. pretty good.
@@ricardosoto5770 The WX is about £6,000. I'd like to look through a pair of those though they'd probably spoil you for cheaper binoculars.
Thanks for useful video,
I’ve ordered myself Celestron Astromaster 15x70 from Amazon for $99, what’s your opinion on them? Good choice?
I have not had good luck with those, sorry. Check out 10:40 in th-cam.com/video/QMQwZXJNwDU/w-d-xo.html to see me talk about them.
It was very interesting, thank You, what about 15x56 or 18x56 for quick views with more power. They are much lither then 12x70 I guess?
There are two things that affect the ability to hand hold; magnification and weight. If they are very heavy, even low magnification will be difficult. If you have high magnification, even lightweight binos will be difficult. Try this… Take your camera (or the camera in your phone), zoom in as much as you can and try and hand-hold a steady image. Now do the same thing with the magnification on the minimum setting. This is why I recommend no more than about a 10x for hand holding.
The video was fantastic but one thing I would change is a nor showcasing dark-colored items while wearing a dark shirt. It makes it difficult to see the relative size of the items.
I was really surprised a pair of 10x binoculars actually work looking in the sky!
Opticron Adventurer T WP 10x50's - Just got these as my first pair after deciding to get back into astronomy. Brilliant pair. FMC, Bak4, Waterproof (that's what WP stands for). They have a tripod adapter on the back but they're light enough so long periods holding them up won't hurt your arms. Good field of view on them. Was looking at Andromeda with them last night. For the size I could make it out pretty good with a bright centre. Cost me £80, not sure how much that is in dollars. I had no trouble getting them as I live in the UK. Might have more difficulty finding them in the US though. I will eventually go for a big pair. I'm waiting for Celestron to release the Pro 20x80 ED's in the UK, but I'm checking out others.
If this were 1973 and you were spending $99. on binoculars, I'd say you could likely get "decent" (that is usable) quality.
But TODAY? In 2024 ?
A pair of $99. anything is a THROW A WAY !
For about $250. or so, you can get a pretty good pair of binoculars. And I always recommend a 7x50 for someone's first or "Starter" pair.
At the top end, for star gazing? Unless you are willing to lay out some pretty big bucks just for the mounting, the "Biggest" pair I ever recommend for Astronomy is a 11x or 15x pair with 70mm objectives.
And even these will need either a hefty tripod or "Home-made" mounting of some sort.
Yeah, I know! You go to a big, well attended Star Party and there are folks with 25x80's. Or even 50x100mm/125/150mm binoculars .
Those are very special optics used only by experienced and dedicated observers.
Sure, take the stool and spend a few minutes enjoying the view! I always do!
But, back home 🏡 down on the farm? I can sit and enjoy, for AS LONG AS I WANT, my favorite sights with my own, limited collection of quality instruments.
CHEERS!
Clear Sky's to you, and THANKS FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION to educating the Public.
I'm yet to find one brand that can touch the Celestron Skymaster 25 x 70 in the ban for buck department.
I just bought a 15 x 70 Celestron binoculars and the are Great. And have a 25 x 70 on order.
25x70 , would that have enough light for what you want? I have 25x100 but I dont have a stand that is really able to take it. I cant hold them for more than like 45seconds lol.
@@davidrockefeller2007 I got my 25 x 70 in and not very impressed with it. Like the 15 x 70 better. Easier to focus. I have a very heavy duty tripod that will hold a 25 x 100 good. I will look and see where I got it. Have had it 15 or so years. But I am sure it was expensive.
@@davidaaaa4611 ya, I see a lot of these on Facebook market place or similar.
I agree with most of what you're saying however the magnification that you want for starting out with astronomy should be stronger than 10 x 50. That won't give you an experience that will make you want to keep pursuing the hobby you need to go up in your magnification to get satisfaction out of actually doing it you're wrong that in that point and I'll argue that till the day I die.
what about the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70mm Binocular for about $60 preowned? Thank you for the great detailed information. 😎
q zorn: Highly recommended (I have a pair myself).
@@paganphil100 Good stuff. Thanks.
I love my Pentax WP S 20x60 on a tripod. Orion are an American company and are not available in a lot of countries.
Indeed.
Most Orions are made in China, theh are avaiblable in other places with other names. Helios, Bresser, APM.
Estou a pensar nos Pentax Júpiter 16×50. Qual a sua opinião ??? 🤔🧐🙄🥸
are swarovski optik binoculars also good for astronomy?
Of course they are. But their price is not. Yoy will want to have a telescope and a camera eventually, so unless you are wealthy...
@@ricardoernestosotobarrios9519 I had an old habich slc 8x30 laying around but too much glare from the moon.
@@StagnantMizu That the problem with old binoculars. The coatings are not at the same standard ans the modern ones. Even The Habitch has 96% light transmision!!1 Only the Fujinons and the Steiners Nighthunters has similar light transmission. But the older binoculars often has lesser coatings with less efficient glare control. The best binoculars I own in glare control are the Leicas. I point then at streetlights and the Moon and only get a moderate halo.
How about made in USA mil spec Fujinon 7x50 for forty US dollars ? Good deal?
All the fujinon binos I have seen are either very nice made in Japan, or average at best made in China. I was unaware they made any in the us. Their high-end stuff is amazing. Would love to know the model you are talking about.
@@AllanHall that is it, no one has been able to help me Identify them.
They are nitrogen purged, fog proof, individual focus.
But are clearly marked made in USA but can't find any model number on them🤔
@@gerryroush8391 I am curious, how do you know they are nitrogen purged, fog proof, etc, if you don’t know what model they are?
@@AllanHall they are marked on them , 385 foot at 1000YDS , nitrogen gas filled
On tripod mount screw it is also marked made in USA, with number7102 number on tripod screw cover also they have very dark green/blue magnesium Florida coatings
The eye relief is also about as good as my Orion Resolux 7X50's my only problem with those are they are a bit heavy and the price went from 180 US dollars to fifty a couple months after I ordered them 🤬
Talk about exit pupil.
Aperture ÷ Magnification
Young eye pupils at night open as much as 7mm. As we age our max pupil opening decreases. Maybe to 5mm. Need to measure it.
9x63 has exit pupil 7mm. Suited for young eyes only.
10x50 exit pupil is 5mm. Good for the not so young people.
Please look into this dimension of exit pupil size and how to measure ones exit pupil.
All of the light from objective must enter our pupils. No advantage in wasting some of the light if our night pupil is not opening wide enough to be equal to or larger than the exit pupil of our binoculars.
For astronomy, I prefer to have an exit pupil of 7mm. That means a 7x50, 8x56, 9x63 or a 10x70.
Just out of interest am I right in thinking that’s perfect for you but not necessarily right for everyone, on account of people’s pupils being different sizes? Or would you say 7mm should be good for anyone?
I ask because mine are 10 x 50 and I’m wondering if I’d benefit by investing in something else
Cheers
Matt I think it's mainly age related the older the less light width reaches the pupil etc.
@@james9789 ahh okay. Cheers
7mm pupuls are ok for people under 40, after that age the pupils of the eyes do not open as much, so the /7mm aperture are wasted.
@@ricardoernestosotobarrios9519
Tropicamide drops work wonders.
I have the Celestrons u mentioned and they are truly complete shit. So disappointed. Thank u I subbed!
8:46
We attempted comet watching tonight. Sigh... too cold. Lenses frosted over.
Whats funny is most people hate nikon lens covers. They are horrible
I am searching influncer marketer to promote my Binoculars
If you can find some older Stellarvue 15x70 or 20x85's they would be the best buy for your money, excellent build and quality, better than Oberwerk, Orion etc. Stay away from Celestron~