What binoculars should I buy?

Don (the Hermit) mentioned 4 things that are essential to the amateur astronomer - 1 of which being binoculars. Given a budget of ~$300-400 (less obviously better than more), any suggestions on which binocs to get?

Oberwerk 15X70 - Good Optics and light

"Less" - $140

I concur with Don's suggestion of the Orion Vista line. Their 10x50's and 7x50's weigh 28 oz. and have really good coatings. I think they run about $189.

Canon 10x30 IS. You can get them for <$300, they're more portable than 10x or 7x50s and, thanks to the IS system and very sharp optics, will show you more in the night sky from most sites. Not to mention the fact that they're vastly better for daytime viewing. Try out a pair if you get a chance; I doubt you'll want 10x50s after that.

Paul

It really depends on what you're using them for. For general purposes the IS10X30 are great but dim IMHO for night work (only 3mm exit pupil). The IS15X50 are the best I've ever seen but way expensive.

Todd Gross has an excellent review of binoculars on his site.

I got the Celeston Ultima 9X63 and a tripod to stabilize them. I would suggest buying them local and trying out a couple of pairs in the store paying close attention to distortion at the field edge.

I think that sample error is high on mass produced stuff stuff, so I mail order high end equipment and local buy Celestron/Meade, etc.

My .02 priced for value.

Ryan:

Pentax Roofs:
http://betterviewdesired.com/new_roofs.htm#Pentax

Swift Audubons:
From an astro guy:
http://w1.411.telia.com/~u41105032/books/swift.htm

From a birder:
http://betterviewdesired.com/audubon/audubon.html

Steve