Binocular for a start

[Guest]

any one care to start with a lesson here on getting a good binocular for a newcomer on Astronomy?

Let me open a few lines for all to participate.

1. Why use bino? bino is better than naked eyes. bino is only for you to scan or star-hopping to search for interesting objects. bino cannot replaced telescope. Please add on.

2. What type of bino should I get? for starter, either 7x50 (ie mag 7 times and the lens is 50mm) or 10x50 bino of bk-7 or bak4 prism lens is preferred without any tripod to support. don't just dash out to buy from the camera shop without consult the free experts from this forum here (not me lah!) I was told that the reddish lens is no good for astro purpose. the type of lens should be fully coated with a bit of light purple colour. Any additions?

3. Where to get one and how much? There are a few vendors on the group and they are happy to participate. Please come forward and be honest with the newbies that need this one to start off.

4. Do I need bigger and much more powerful and heavier bino now or in future? That is up to you as how deep you are being trapped inside this crazy hobby of yours. Please be warned that there is no end to this crazy hobby! Don't say I never stop you here! Oh, sorry lah. I am saying myself lah! Thousand apology... If you have lots of money, why not? I do not thing this is a bad hobby except ... cannot work or study in the clear bright day time!!! ha ha ha! All of you must take care of managing your time and this crazy hobby! (suggestion: start a coffe corner on how to manage your time effectively with the hobby of astronomy?)

5. up to all of you to come out further ideas on using the bino.

cheers
eric goh

[harlequin2902]

Hi Eric,

I actually once did 2 pretty short, sweet and simple articles about Binoculars for newbies in the old Singastro Yahoogroups. I'll try to look them up in the archives for you and upload (maybe make some amendments and updates too) the articles over here.

[Guest]

thanks, Sam.

this will benefit all.

cheers,
eric goh

[Jim McGill]

Hi Eric and all,

1.Binocular astronomy
This is the best way to spark a person's interest in the night sky without a strained budget. It's so much more affordabIe to own a binocular than a telescope! A bino gives you 3-D views because you view with both eyes. Some objects look much better under low magnification. I was interested in astronomy as a result of owning a good binocular. I could still remember vividly my delight when I pointed the binocular skywards, as I saw the entire constellation of Corona Australis glittering so remarkably at my place in Bedok! There are more of God's wonderful creations for you to enjoy and if you observe every night for 30 days continuously, most likely you'll be hooked to astronomy for life! Ha..ha...

2.Type of Bino
For a starter, I suggest you get a 10x50 Bino with BaK4 prisms. This set-up is just right for Singapore's light polluted sky, giving you an exit pupil of 5mm. For optics, you get monkeys if you pay peanuts. However you can get an Orang Utan if you offer something extra such as bananas. What I mean is you can get a fairly decent bino (with the better BaK4 optics) just by paying a few bucks more. For coatings, at least go for multi-coated lens, with bluish or greenish tinge. Reddish lenses are toy's stuff. NEVER buy that!

Whatever it is that you buy at the end of the day, protect it well and it may give you a lifetime of enjoyment!

Thanks.

Dark Skies,
Jim, McGill
9108-1059
www.mcgill.com.sg

[Jim McGill]

Hi,

Please see McGill's promotion of binoculars in the Vendors Section as this is not a suitable place for me to post offers here.

Thanks.

Jim.

[Airconvent]

:oops: Hi Jim,

I just went to your web site and saw the bino. Wow, it is quite expensive! to own one good one. Able to give lower price or not?

cheers,
eric goh

hi eric,
what's your budget? for around $90, you can get a 10x50 Minolta Classic II bino which is pretty decent for the price. If you want value for money, the Minolta Activa is around S$180 and for the low price, it gives you good contrast and sharp image right to the edge of FOV. Many of us own this bino and most wanted to buy one when they look through mine!
but if you're greedy and want bigger aperture, do remember they need an adapter and tripod unless you're built like Arnie or Stallone..

[Guest]

:oops: Hi Jim,

I just went to your web site and saw the bino. Wow, it is quite expensive! to own one good one. Able to give lower price or not?

cheers,
eric goh

hi eric,
what's your budget? for around $90, you can get a 10x50 Minolta Classic II bino which is pretty decent for the price. If you want value for money, the Minolta Activa is around S$180 and for the low price, it gives you good contrast and sharp image right to the edge of FOV. Many of us own this bino and most wanted to buy one when they look through mine!
but if you're greedy and want bigger aperture, do remember they need an adapter and tripod unless you're built like Arnie or Stallone..

Hi Mr. "Airconvent" (sorry, I did not get your name)

I am thinking of getting another pair at 7x50. Is the Minolta has it at less than $90? Where could I get it?

by the way, I have "quite a fair big of meat" but oh no, to hold heavy bino, my whole body shall rock & roll like a disco lite instead of looking steady at the starry lite???

cheers,
eric goh

[Airconvent]

Hi Mr. "Airconvent" (sorry, I did not get your name)

I am thinking of getting another pair at 7x50. Is the Minolta has it at less than $90? Where could I get it?

by the way, I have "quite a fair big of meat" but oh no, to hold heavy bino, my whole body shall rock & roll like a disco lite instead of looking steady at the starry lite???

cheers,
eric goh

I previously bought a Minolta Classic at Mustapha's for $90 but I'm sure you can get it around that price at SLS. I eventually sold to my friend who is also interested in astronomy and upgraded to an Activa at $180...
I had to search far and wide for the Activa but you can buy it at Alan Phot at SLS as I have seen it there previously..

rich

[Guest]

Thanks, rich.

will visit Alan photo soon.

cheers,
eric goh

[Jim McGill]

Hi Eric,

Care to elaborate how the bino is expensive to you? I don't understand your question.

Have you compared the specifications with other models to reach this conclusion? From our survey, this is the best in terms of overall performance. Of course I would love to hear your criteria.

If you were to compare the Vixen Ascot models to what the Europeans are selling (around 250 Euros), I don't think it's justified to say that it's expensive.

When buying, try to consider other aspects other than price. What's most important should be the night time performance and durability.

Thanks.

Jim.