To buy or not to buy binoculars?

Hi all

I have the opportunity to buy a pair of 15X70 binoculars. I already own an ETX90 and an 8” dob.

What I miss is something to use when I only have a short time to spend on observing like 15-30 minutes. The problem with the ETX is that it doesn’t have time to cool down, and I think that the binoculars might be a good choice. One other thing is that I don’t know how many things I will be able to see (have looked at Astronomical League Home Page’s binocular section and there seems to be quite some objects within reach of binoculars).

So my question is: Will the 15X70 binoculars (properly with some sort of support) be a good choice for quick peaks at the sky and how much will I be able to see?

Thanks for any info.

Peter

I vote buy.

However, if you don't already own a good hand-holdable pair like 10x50, then buy those first. I haven't used 15x70, but 16x80 show MANY Messier objects.

Charlie

My take on this is that while a pair of hand-held binoculars is essential, big 70mm-80mm binos are more "niche". While the views are very nice, big binos aren't versatile. For quick peeks, a small refractor will show a greater variety of objects. Something like an AT1010, or a Pronto, or a similar scope will show both the wide-field views of the binos and decent views of the planets and double stars, and other small objects.

AND - these scopes on an alt-az mount are just as convenient as binos on a mount, other than bringing a couple of extra eyepieces along.

I've never lived with big binos, though, so maybe they would grow on me.

I say, buy 'em, try 'em. If you don't like, they can be sold. I have Oberwerk 8x56s and 22x100s, and while they may be inexpensive, they have decent optics, and they're high on the price-performance curve. They're both excellent for fun viewing.

A good mount is a must.

To me binocular viewing is a different experience and type of viewing than a telescope... You already have 2 scopes so I would definately go for it! I can't stand using a regular tripod with bino's so I just hand hold the 15x70's which is adequate for me and my type of observing..

Good Luck,

Mark V