Binoculars

[AYHJA]

I kinda want a telescope, but like the portability and potential of a pair of binoculars...Not really sure what size or power, but I'd like to be able to see a pretty good distance if need be, also, to do a bit of astronomy when orbits permit...Binoculars are something I can use with Ra as well...Any of you have a pair and can lend some advice..?

[schmicko]

Zeiss make beautiful binoculars....Lightweight, waterproof, nitrogen filled to prevent fogging and plenty of other handy specs depending on which model you go for. If you're particularly interested in using them for astronomy then there are a few things you need to consider.
Higher powers are usually preferable because they penetrate light pollution more effectively, making the object you're focusing on much clearer. But high power also narrows the field of view, making it harder to find your way among the stars, and worse still, if your hand isn't super steady then the whole sky starts dancing around in your lenses. 10x power is probably the best maximum for hand-held sets, but if you can afford to up the ante then you can get around this by getting image 'image stabilized' binoculars. Heaps more expensive but you can get steady views hand held at 18x.
Aperture is another important consideration. The bigger the objective lenses the brighter the stars. A pair of 7 × 50s as opposed to the usual 7 x 35s collects about twice as much light and makes everything appear brighter, but they are also heavier.

But dollar for dollar, binoculars run rings around telescopes as far as I'm concerned.

[deepdiver32073]

Another possibility is to get zoom lenses, say 7-15 x 50. 7 power to 15 power with 50 mm lenses. Zeiss are probably the best "affordable" binocs you'll find, but there are also some decent lower end makes as well. Regardless, make sure you have coated optics (you'll see "Ruby coated optics or something similar) it makes the lenses very scratch resistant (not scratch proof) and helps with the fogging too. I've got some basic 7x35s for general use and I have a 20 - 60 x 60mm Spotting scope for the range and other uses (wink wink).

[schmicko]

I've got some basic 7x35s for general use and I have a 20 - 60 x 60mm Spotting scope for the range and other uses (wink wink).

Good God!.......you see, that's how innocent I am. I never considered these implements useful for anything other than they were intended for!!...hang on...the chick across the road is just about to...wait there....I'll be right back....Fuck me!!...maybe telescopes aren't so bad after all..... :D