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First Binoculars

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  • 25-11-2009 8:21pm
    #1
    astroguy
    Registered Users Posts: 89 ✭✭


    Hi all,
    I don't know very much about amateur observing but I figure I'm better off starting bwith a decent pair of binoculars than a (cheap) telescope. Was just wondering what sort of specs i should look for when buying binoculars for amateur observing? Also what sort of price do you think a decent entry level pair should be?
    Thanks :D


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    #2
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 91,409 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    lidl / aldi usually do a pair of mede or bresser 8x50 binoucs for about €20-25

    if you want something signifigantly better plan on spending well over €100

    don't get the zoom ones though


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    #3
    astroguy
    Registered Users Posts: 89 ✭✭astroguy


    Thanks, I've heard about the ones in ALDI/LIDL. So would 8x50 be decent for what I'm looking for, ignoring the quality of the particular set?


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    #4
    dbran
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 2,094 Mod ✭✭✭✭dbran


    Hi

    8x50s or 10x50s would be grand. Any bigger and you may need to get a mount to avoid the shake of your hands.

    Another thing to consider is to getting a good guide to the night sky, the constellations and the deep sky objects that you can find.
    I have Patrick Moores book on binocular astronomy and it is still one of the best investments I have ever made.

    It also helps if you have a dark sky:D

    Good luck with your travels :)

    Regards


    Dbran


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    #5
    astroguy
    Registered Users Posts: 89 ✭✭astroguy


    Thanks very much, I thought I'd be better with a magnification not higher than 10 but wasn't sure so that's why I asked here! Yeah I've been doing some research on star guides too. As for the sky, when I'm at home I don't have a lot to worry about that as I live in a small town almost in the very north of Donegal!
    Thanks again :D


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