Just registered today, looking for a equipment to start

[buihia]

after much research, i decided to zoom in on 2 models

Pentax 8x42 DCF-WP II or Nikon 8x40 Action EX

have also posted in the WTB section.. hopefully have some news soon

thanks all

[Gary]

Good choices. Hope you will be well rewarded with your research.

[buihia]

i think Minolta Activa series looks very promising as well but due to it being discontinued.. dont think there's high hopes of people letting them go..

anw what should be the price range for these 3 models? is pricing a sensitive issue here..

[cloud_cover]

Hello! Welcome to the club!
You're right that a Bino will be the best for your budget although you must be aware that a Bino won't really reveal much of the planets. You will, however, see more stars than you knew were there with a decent pair of Binos.
One of the cheapest ways to get really nice views through telescopes is to attend one of the many public outreach sessions that Gary and Dave hold at Toa Payoh and Bishan, respectively
If not, taking an occasional trip up to Sedili or Mersing or one of the other dark sky sites is a great idea too. Dark skies do far more than any telescope can. It need not be expensive

[fizzy123]

Hi Buihia,

Welcome to singastro and congratulations on your first endeavours into this hobby.

If you just want to test out this hobby with no firm commitments to make yet, I suggest you get binos like most have advised here. If you want really cheap options, I got a pair of 7X50 from carefour at suntec and it cost me about 25sgd. Of cos this is not a top of the line eqpt, but it will yet decent views of bright clusters and nebulas like M45, Hyades, M42 and M41. You might want to check out those cheap binos as baby steps into this hobby

[buihia]

Thanks a lot fizzy! I will go to Suntec soon and check it out..

Other than astrObargains, what ate the other websites that sell second hand bino?

[Davegn]

Hi Buihia,

Congrats and welcome to the hobby.

Unfortunately, carefore has already close down in singapore.

You might want to check out some session which our members have here before you commit yourself in to getting the binos.



Regards,
Dave Ng

[Gary]

Hi buihia. If you have spent sufficient time and confident with your research (both online and offline) and if you have the budget for a good pair of binocular, then no harm buying that directly and use it for a lifetime. Instead of buying cheap and then go through a potential hassle of buying another better pair later and selling your previous one.

[buihia]

That's true. Can I confirm that for minolta and Pentax bino, there is no more brand new stock anywhere?

That is one of the reason I'm looking for second hand due to the two brands..

Also Issit recommended that I get the Nikon 8x42 action ex from online as the price is much cheaper

[VinSnr]

That's true. Can I confirm that for minolta and Pentax bino, there is no more brand new stock anywhere?

That is one of the reason I'm looking for second hand due to the two brands..

Also Issit recommended that I get the Nikon 8x42 action ex from online as the price is much cheaper

I don't really recommend 8x42 for astro use, although you can still see much of the sky with them. I started with a 8x30 nearly 27 years ago! Back then a decent 7x50 would a cost a bomb, so not much choice for a poor teenager then.

If possible, a 10x50 would be quite ideal in terms of portability, light-gathering and magnification for a beginner without stretching your budget.