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Binoculars Recommendations
Stingray
Elite Ranger
in Zocalo v2.0
Alright, I'm looking for a good pair (or two) of binoculars and there are just too many brands and types on the market to simply go out and buy one, at least not without having done a little research to make an informed decision. They also come in a large price range, anywhere between $30.00 and several Grants... so it's a little more complicated than say, buying a pair of Air Jordan's. :D
Actually I'm looking for 2 or 3 pairs, since you can't really get one that's good at everything, I'll probably have to settle for a small pair and a larger pair. As far as I'm concerned I don't need to go digital, since I already have a digital camera (Canon S3IS).
1. Ultra-compact: this one isn't too difficult to pick, since its size significantly reduces the overall selection available. I suppose a pair between 8x20mm and 10x25mm should be good enough for casual use (who actually watches birds? I think that's just an excuse... :D ). Although, the manufacturing quality does vary with price, most pricey models come with extra features. Some inoculars come with nitrogen filled lenses and are waterproof, and some even with an optical zoom feature, but those don't really fall into the ultra-compact and more in the regular size category and aren't particularly useful because there is a massive image distortion at higher magnification levels (at least those priced around $100.00).
2. Ultrahigh-magnification: this is where things start to become more complicated. I've seen different models and they seem to all have once thing in common, they are HUGE... and require a tripod at all times. Another thing is, afaik they are relatively limited in the magnification range, after that what you need to get is one of those monoculars or telescopes. If there is one thing I find very tyring is looking through an optical apparatus with one eye closed, which is why I am looking for a pair of binoculars.
I suppose this is where I'll have to settle for 2 glasses, one that is static on a tripod and another that can be carried on longer treks in the wilderness.
Since I'm nowhere near a hobby astronomer, (I just installed Stellarium on my Ubuntu installation and it crawls like snail... haven't had much luck trying to get 3D acceleration to run properly yet.) I might want to point those large binocs at the sky whenever the sky isn't overcast. If I'm not mistaken we should approach the annual meteor shower period, which is always nice to
look at.
Last but not least, I want to be able to look at someone's face at 200 yards and be able to count his or her nose piercings. So this will reduce the selection quite a bit.
So if anyone has any pointers or recommendations regarding binoculars or astronomy for that matter, feel free to comment. :)
Actually I'm looking for 2 or 3 pairs, since you can't really get one that's good at everything, I'll probably have to settle for a small pair and a larger pair. As far as I'm concerned I don't need to go digital, since I already have a digital camera (Canon S3IS).
1. Ultra-compact: this one isn't too difficult to pick, since its size significantly reduces the overall selection available. I suppose a pair between 8x20mm and 10x25mm should be good enough for casual use (who actually watches birds? I think that's just an excuse... :D ). Although, the manufacturing quality does vary with price, most pricey models come with extra features. Some inoculars come with nitrogen filled lenses and are waterproof, and some even with an optical zoom feature, but those don't really fall into the ultra-compact and more in the regular size category and aren't particularly useful because there is a massive image distortion at higher magnification levels (at least those priced around $100.00).
2. Ultrahigh-magnification: this is where things start to become more complicated. I've seen different models and they seem to all have once thing in common, they are HUGE... and require a tripod at all times. Another thing is, afaik they are relatively limited in the magnification range, after that what you need to get is one of those monoculars or telescopes. If there is one thing I find very tyring is looking through an optical apparatus with one eye closed, which is why I am looking for a pair of binoculars.
I suppose this is where I'll have to settle for 2 glasses, one that is static on a tripod and another that can be carried on longer treks in the wilderness.
Since I'm nowhere near a hobby astronomer, (I just installed Stellarium on my Ubuntu installation and it crawls like snail... haven't had much luck trying to get 3D acceleration to run properly yet.) I might want to point those large binocs at the sky whenever the sky isn't overcast. If I'm not mistaken we should approach the annual meteor shower period, which is always nice to
look at.
Last but not least, I want to be able to look at someone's face at 200 yards and be able to count his or her nose piercings. So this will reduce the selection quite a bit.
So if anyone has any pointers or recommendations regarding binoculars or astronomy for that matter, feel free to comment. :)
Comments
For astronomy i'm actually looking into buying a telescope with a T-Mount for my Camera, i'd love to try some astralphotography, there is not a large amount of light pollution, especially in the winter here.
Last time I looked at compact binoculars I didn't see any I liked.
One thing: Go to a store that actually carries them and preferably one that lets you take them outside and look at stuff before buying. There is nothing worse than getting a pair of binoculars that don't fit your eyes, or are out of alignment, or are uncomfortable to hold, or have chromatic issues.
When I bought mine, I tried about a dozen different pairs outside and of those, only two provided rich, accurate color. Of those two, only one fit my eyes. And that is the one I bought.
For higher magnification I have a Meade ETX-90 spotting scope (no longer made) - it can go up to about 300x with appropriate lenses, though that's practically useless for terrestrial viewing, and the spotting scope variety doesn't work well for astronomical viewing at high magnifications due to a lack of a motor. It's a relatively cheap and well built telescope (about $350). It's close focus is about 10 feet, so you can look at a bird on a feeder and have it look 12 inches high 5 inches from your face when it's only 2 inches high.
--RC
Tyvar should be able to provide plenty of advice in the binoculars area.