telescopes/binoculars

[mtrotto7287]

ive always liked watching the night-sky, but until now, i have only done it through my eyes<br /><br />are there any telescopes/binoculars that you would recommend (preferably ones that a 17-yr old could afford, making minimum wage) for a newbie star-gazer???<br /><br />thanks

 

[newtonian]

Me too- and the night sky is awesome in my dark rural location.<br /><br />I had asked that and been pointed to rather expensive but good telescopes. <br /><br />Actually I would rather purchase something under $100 myself - for starters, so I will be all ears for the answers.

 

[nevers]

Try here: Orion Telescopes Try the "Product Wizard" at the top of the page. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[chuchurokit]

ive been thinking about gettin the orion mini giant 8x56 does anyone have any experiance with this pair?

 

[mtrotto7287]

sorry for the delay of my response---->highschool<br /><br />thanks, i will definitely check the Orion site and let you guys know what im considering<br />

 

[mtrotto7287]

hey- i just checked out the website and took the little test thing-<br /><br />i think im going to look into a 7(or 8)X50 pair of binoculars- the price is actually pretty good (about $70.00)!!!<br /><br />ill keep reading up on them though, before making the final decision- also if any of you have experience with that size of binoculars- i would not mind any feed back<br /><br />thanks

 

[mtrotto7287]

what do you guys think? <br /><br /><br />Scenix™ Series Binoculars<br />High-Quality Binoculars at a Remarkably Reasonable Price<br />Orion's Scenix binoculars offer the superior optical and mechanical quality you expect in more expensive binoculars but at prices nearer to those of lesser-quality department stores brands. The Scenix series incorporate porro prisms made from BAK-4 optical glass, the same type found in binoculars that sell for many times the price. Moreover, every air-to-glass surface is antireflection coated. The objective lenses are multi-coated for maximum light transmission.<br /><br />which is more ideal:<br />7X50 or<br />10X50??? (what is the key difference?)

 

[mtrotto7287]

alex- THANK YOU VERY MUCH<br /><br />that's exactly what i needed (the pro's and con's of either pair of biniculars)<br /><br />now i can make my decision and i choose. . . . . . <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />the 7X50's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />thanks again all- i will tell you anything awesome that i come across, while observing through these!

 

[mtrotto7287]

thank you- ill be sure to look for those (or at least the ones that i know of!!!) <br /><br />

 

[vettech]

Hello all!<br /><br />Being an astronomy newbie myself, I suggest purchasing a subscription to Sky & Telescope. Not only is it highly educational but will give you an idea of what you will be looking at!<br /><br />Keep them hands steady!

 

[mtrotto7287]

believe it or not- i WAS thinking about starting with the moon- i can't wait 'til i get my binocs so i can get a closer view of it, finally i will be able to see a CLEAR picture of the craters and everything<br /><br />i will think about subscribing to that magazine too- i could probably use a little help figuring out what's what, so it sounds like a good guide<br /><br />i WILL let you know when i get them<br /><br /><br />peace

 

[bbrock]

Both are excellent. The first number is magnification or power. The second number is the aperature diameter in milimeters. The 7x50 will be a little brighter and much more steady to hold. The trade off is the lower power. The 10x50 ( which is what I have ) will gather the same amount of light, but not be quite as bright with a little smaller field of view. The 10x power is the break point for holding the binoculars steady. You will find yourself trying to brace against a tree or porch post. If you intend to use the binoculars for day time viewing also, I would go with the 10x50. Which ever you use, you will be amazed how much more you can see in the night sky, and the 50mm will give you amazing twilight vision for wild life viewing. Almost like, but not quite, night vision. <br /><br />Enjoy<br />Bill

 

[mtrotto7287]

thank you- that BBC site IS very helpful- anyone who hasn't checked it out should <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />