Hey... just a quick question!

Hi, I hope I'm posting in the correct place, if not, can a Mod please move this? Thanks.

I am wanting to buy a pair of binoculars for star gazing, and seeing planes up close etc.
What kind of magnification should I get? I have absolutely no idea at all, and would appreciate some direction, as I am very new to this.

Any help is appreciated!

no clue but if you do find the rite ones i hope you can get a good look at those chemtrailing planes and let us know what you find! goodluck

Thanks Matrix!
I want to see those planes up close, driving me mad that I can't!

I also just want to do some sky watching in general... never know what one might see!

reply to post by Wildeagle


Hi Wildeagle,

There is a huge range of binoculars you could get, how much do you want to spend is the question?

For around £100 you can get a fairly good pair of 12x magnification.

The problem I've found with binoculars, especially when stargazing is wobble, I've had to lean the binoculars against something solid like a wall or fence to try and keep the image still.

I'd say a telescope might be a better idea, better for stars, but not as good for planes.

Decisions.... decisions......

I'd say a telescope too for stargazing and plane watching. I have an old one I love for that. Don't know much about them but saw some that were compact and looked pretty cool with the prices slashed last week at a hobby shop around here. Someone at a hobby shop might even know something about them. Let us know!

Thankyou for the replies!
I wasn't sure about telescopes, because of being such a novice, but it does make sense that it would probably be better.

My range would probably be around €100 for now anyway, I could upgrade once I get the feel for it.
I guess my main thing, is I don't know what magnification to get. I am so excited though to get started!

reply to post by Wildeagle


Well we need to know how much you can afford to spend on them I think before anyone could really suggest something.

If you dont want to spend much then you will get more for your money buying good binoculars rather then a cheap telescope

edit

I see you answered my question before I asked it, you clever psychic person

reply to post by davespanners


hehe! I really *must* be psychic!

Well, I say €100, but should I just spend as little as possible until I get a feel for it, because I probably would upgrade eventually anyway... hmmm...

I cant really give you advice on exact models but I would suggest looking on ebay for some used ones as you will get much more for your money.

reply to post by davespanners


Ebay! Excellent idea! I'm still not clear on exactly what magnification is best though. :/

reply to post by Wildeagle


You're just gonna be all bent out of shape, when you find out you can't take pictures with binoculars.

reply to post by randyvs


Oh seriously! I know!
I considered this... I mean, what If I spotted something uber cool, and couldn't snap it! How frustrating that would be! :O
Is there such thing as a camera/telescope all in one?!

reply to post by randyvs


Actually I don't know if they still carry them, but I used to manage for a company called Northern Tool and Equipment and they stocked a pair of decent binoculars with a built in 35mm camera.

They were pretty awesome and not expensive.

~Heff

reply to post by Wildeagle


Ok I flagged you. Had to wait and see how you took my little joke. For sure you can get binos that take pictures .

If you already have a camera, you can sometimes get a telescope attachment for it. A friend of mine has one and it's awesome. Again I don't know much about it but i might be something to look for if you do get a telescope and want this function or option.

reply to post by Hefficide

I just checked them out, and it seems they don't stock them anymore, but it's good to know that they are around.
I think I may try hunt down a pair with a built in cam... just incase! *wishful thinking*

reply to post by randyvs


lol! Well, thanks for the info,and flag, I had no idea they were available!

Thanks to all who replied, I now know more than I did... let the search commence!

reply to post by Wildeagle


Well Ive had a look around for you and from what I can see the bins that most people use for star gazing ar 15 x 70 models

link

There are some good looking ones on ebay from a company called strathspey that seem to have a good reputation


Edit here is a link to the bins link they seem to be cheaper in their shop then on ebay

reply to post by davespanners


Aw thankyou! That was very kind of you to help on my search! Much appreciated.

I'll take a look, and hopefully find something! Thankyou

reply to post by Wildeagle


I was having a look around and found these binoculars with a 21x optical zoom for £110 with built in digital camera, it appears to come with a small tripod and it has a built in mp3 player!!

>>>> LINK