Binocs question...thanks!

[Astrosag]

<br /><br />Hello all. My dad just recently bought a pair of binocs to go watch the NASCAR race in Fontana.....fortunately for me, he didn't buy the kind one normally gets and got the Barska 12-36x70 zoom binocs. He soon realized that you couldn't lug it around for a race....haha- I would think he would have known from the box size..but maybe he had other plans in mind (like giving em to me!). <br /><br />Anyways, I convinced him to keep the binocs for me. I have a newtoniaan reflector and thought these couldn't hurt my collection to view the cosmos. Unfortunately for me, I don't know much about Binocs and the good brands. These were roughly $80 (on sale at BIG 5- not your astronomy optics store). I also convinced him to pay a bit more (20 or so dollars) to get a better brand. I wasn;'t sure if I should go to the trouble of searching for another brand and frankly don't have the time to research it all- thus I ask you.... <br /><br />Are Barska binocs good quality- is it a good deal? Or should I invest more to get better binocs- my budget is roughly 20 to 30 dollars ontop of the these binoc's price. Hoping someone has some good experience with binocs. Thanks for any help..good day! <br />

 

[nevers]

Hi astrosag -<br /><br />I have the Barska 15 x 70's - I love them! Keep your Bino's and invest your money for a tripod to mount them on. They will offer very good rich-field views of the night sky: especially your "sag" area. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /><br /><br />I'm a huge Orion Telescopes and Binoculars fan (but I don't work for them) <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" />. Check out their site Orion @ telescope.com. Look under the Accessories/Tripods and Mounts section. You'll need an "L" bracket to attach them to a tripod. Any camera tripod will do and the tripod should come with the little "1/4 - 20 shoe" that works in the quick-release. High power Bino's really need a tripod to be enjoyed. You should be able to find one: even at Wal-Mart for under $40.<br /><br />Hope that helps...keep us posted!

 

[bbrock]

I can't speak for Barska Binocs. However, if you decide to change to different binoculars, Celestron 15 x 70 SkyMaster binoculars fall within your price range. I just baught a pair, and was skeptical due to the price I paid. ( $109 ). But these are awsome celestial binoculars. My other observing binoculars are Leupold 10 x 50's and run over $200. They are great binoculars for observing, but the SkyMaster 15x70's blow them out of the water. Although you can't hold the 15x steady, it is suprising how steady you can hold them. I don't use a tripod. I suppose their weight helps dampen vibration.<br /><br />Clear Skies<br />Bill

 

[Astrosag]

Thanks eddie and BBrock I appreciate the comments. I didn't even think about that eddie....great point. They will be for quick looks so a tripod is probably a better investment. <br /><br />I just also checked out the Skymasters....they look nice too!....But I think I will stick to getting a stable tripod for the binocs instead. Thanks guys!

 

[Astrosag]

NEVERS I completely skipped your post..I dont know how! But thanks..that's a great deal of help....i appreciate it. I think i will stick to with the Barska....and I'm a fan of Orion too...so I will go to them for the accessories....i have their (now old) 6" Skyview Deluxe- actually that may have been phased out. ALl three posters here have awesome knowledge of scopes reading from your past posts....thanks for the help. Good day to all!<br /><br />Great astronomy website as well NEVERS....oh and I'll kepp you updated. Thanks

 

[nevers]

Glad we could be of service! Happy hunting...

 

[Skylark]

Has anyone used a monopod with their binoculars? It appears this would make it easier to walk around and look at the sky from different angles. Plus you can get under the binos easier than with a tripod. Here is one I found on the web.<br /><br />monopod

 

[nevers]

I've never used one before. I'm sure they would be more stable then holding Bino's by hand. For Astronomical Observing I think at some point they would not be stable enough especailly for higher powered Bino's. But, like I said, I've never used one before.

 

[Astrosag]

As promised, I'm updating on my "situation"- sounds oh so important..haha. I stuck with the Barska and tried them out over spring break- I am really pleased with them. My dad also gave me a tripod he "uses" for his camera and camcorder. As the quotation marsk imply, he doesn't really use it so gave it to me. Its a Manfrotto Bogen- 3221. Its quite stable and quite expensive ( at least compared to the 30 bucks i was going to spend)-so in short, it does the job. No need to spend money! THe only "problem" i have is that the binocs wobble a bit on the mount (when i touch the binocs) given to attach the binocs to the tripod. I dont know if there's any way around this though. Thanks for the help given earlier in the month! Good day.

 

[nevers]

Hi Astro -<br /><br />Thanks for the update: glad you kept the Barska's. I've never used the Tripod you mentions but I do know Orion sells them. I have the XHD Paragon Tripod and they have a little wobble in them too. I just try to view with my eyes slightly away from the bino's.

 

[igorsboss]

Several years ago, I bought a pair of Canon (15x45 IS) image-stabilized binocs. All I can say, is WOW.<br /><br />The image stabilization makes it possible to read distant signs without a tripod. I've been able to read a license plate at about 50 yards through the windshield of a moving car. (while someone ELSE was driving, mind you...)<br /><br />I got them for the 1999 Euopean solar eclipse. I fitted their objective ends with solar filter material, and suddenly had a sunspot observatory. The only thing I wouldn't recommend them for is very "high-tech" astronomy - use a telescope instead.<br /><br />Have your Dad check into these for sports viewing.

 

[Astrosag]

Sound very cool....im tempted again to spend..haha. <br /><br />NEVERS thanks for the help. I also keep my eyes a bit away from the binocs and that seems to solve the problem. The moon this past Friday was simply amazing. It was so bright that it would literally hurt to look at it thru the binocs....quite awesome!

 

[nevers]

Hi Astro - <br /><br />Yes, the Bino's Igor mentions are very, very cool. I've only looked through image-stablized Bino's on one occassion but was totally impressed with them.<br /><br />If you do want to spend some money on a better tripod, look into the Paragon from Orion. They are on sale and come in two versions. Both have a tilt/pan head with a handle that smooth's out the motion. Along with the tripod comes a 1/4 - 20 "shoe" that you could use to attatch a small telescope.

 

[igorsboss]

Here's how image stabilized binos sell themselves.<br /><br />First, look through the binocs at some distant text, small enough so you can't quite read it.<br /><br />Next, push the image stabilization button, and read the sign easily.<br /><br />It's quite remarkable.