Re: 20x80 binocs or 7x50 or what???

Maybe everyone allready knows this but I've been using binoculars for years and wasn't aware until just recently that if you hold your bino's at the very end where the objective lenses are they become a hole lot more steady.
Now I can hold my 16x60s without to much trouble.
I was also very surprised when I first brought them last year how much more I could see compared to to my old 7x50s. Im not sure weather it was the extra aperture or magnification which made the huge difference but it was very apparent.
I also tried Celestrons 20x80s and was disappointed at the amount of false colour around edge of bright objects,especially since they cost 2 1/2x more than the Pentax pair I eventually brought.
I hope this helps Rob and happy shopping.
Steve

I use a pair of the Oberwerk 15x70's and love them. The price is right also. Big Binoculars.com Check the Astromart list of advertisers.
Walt

That's what I do - hold 'em up more towards the objective end. I also spread my fingers out along the body a bit, but I also have larger hands than most folks.

It can also help if you use a slightly modified Video Camera "chestpod" with a hunk of foam or a airline style pillow between your chest and the end of the chestpod. With 12X60s (my compromise as to size, light pollution and "hand hold ability") it works pretty well and it's almost like not having a "helper" there at all. But I admit to being lazy and many times I just haul them out as is and hand hold them.

Also, up to a point at least, it seems the more you use the larger size binos the easier it gets to hold them steady - at least that's how it works out for me. One reason I don't use any "aids" with them these days.