Looking at purchasing a set of probaly 10x50 binoculars. I have meade lx90 now and just want some good wide angel views of clusters, milky way, ect. Would like to use them baseball, football games also. Orion has what they call WorldView™ Wide-Angle Binoculars product number 9394. Since im not sure how often they will be used, not wanting spend more than 100.00 and thought these might be nice. or should i get a 12x50 set for same price. THanks,Tom
WorldView Wide-Angle Binoculars (Orion)
Started by highrolla7, 08/25/2004 07:14PM
Posted 08/25/2004 07:14PM
Opening Post
Posted 08/25/2004 07:37PM
#1
12x50s are probably way too much for hand-holding; you'd definitely want to prop them for use, and this may not be too handy for general use. Even 10x50s are on the high side for some people. I've been considering getting some 7x or 8x binos to replace my 10x50s for this reason. Most people seem to disagree with me on that point.
If you're not too picky and want something for general use, too, the Worldviews are probably fine, although it never hurts to go better quality (except on your checking account). I use a low-end pair of Meade binos that cost less than $100, and have been perfectly pleased with them for general and astro use.
The only problem with cheap binos is that they may not be precisely collimated, which is a big problem with astronomical viewing. However, Orion is very good about returns.
If you're not too picky and want something for general use, too, the Worldviews are probably fine, although it never hurts to go better quality (except on your checking account). I use a low-end pair of Meade binos that cost less than $100, and have been perfectly pleased with them for general and astro use.
The only problem with cheap binos is that they may not be precisely collimated, which is a big problem with astronomical viewing. However, Orion is very good about returns.
Posted 08/26/2004 12:50PM
#2
I had a pair of Orion WorldView 8x40s there for a while, I really liked them, right how Orion is having a sale on the World views so they are under $40, a good deal IMHO.
I have had some "cheap" binoculars made by Barska (and many vendors sell rebadged Barskas), these generally have rather flaky focusers that will move just because they are pressed against your face and the focuser bridge is flexible, allowing the eyepieces to teeter-totter..
The WorldViews suffered none of these problems, they seemed robust in all respects and provided some fine views. I think either the 8x40s or the 10x50s would be your best choice.
The 8x40s have the advantage that they are easier to hand hold and that for birding, they have an 11 foot close focus, quite rare in a Porro prism binocular and very rare in an inexpensive binocular. Nothing quite as frustrating as getting up close to a small bird and then not being able to focus.
But, for astro work, the 10x50s are probably best. 12x50s are probably too much to handhold and have a narrower field of view.
jon isaacs
I have had some "cheap" binoculars made by Barska (and many vendors sell rebadged Barskas), these generally have rather flaky focusers that will move just because they are pressed against your face and the focuser bridge is flexible, allowing the eyepieces to teeter-totter..
The WorldViews suffered none of these problems, they seemed robust in all respects and provided some fine views. I think either the 8x40s or the 10x50s would be your best choice.
The 8x40s have the advantage that they are easier to hand hold and that for birding, they have an 11 foot close focus, quite rare in a Porro prism binocular and very rare in an inexpensive binocular. Nothing quite as frustrating as getting up close to a small bird and then not being able to focus.
But, for astro work, the 10x50s are probably best. 12x50s are probably too much to handhold and have a narrower field of view.
jon isaacs
Funding Member
