how do you know how powerful a set of binoculars is. What does like 8 x 21 mean? If the numbers go higher or lower does that mean it is weaker or more powerful?
SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLYMore
Asked by: souper_nerd
The first one is the power (magnification) and the second one the diameter of the lens in millimeter. More
I am going to Arizona on January 3 and i am looking for a good binocular so that when i go and see many different things from the distance. I wanted to see and to buy 2 pairs of binoculars of 100 or less that can see clearly during the day and perhaps the night.
Links will be helpful on what you think you can recommend.More
Asked by: Alvaro R
Go to Walmart and get some 10 x 50 or 12 x 50 full size binoculars. They will be around $25 each.
I have a pair of these and they are great:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-10x50-action-binoculars-7218.html More
I live on the 16th floor, I can see for miles out of my window and I would like have either binoculars or a scope to look out my window. That would be my main use. Which would work better for this use; binoculars or a spotting scope, and what is the difference?More
Asked by: Adrian
Binoculars are more compact, generally have less magnification, and primarily used to scan large areas. Spotting scopes have to be mounted on a tripod and is better at looking for details, more magnification and simpler optics, but not as portable as binoculars. I use my optics to shoot, when I shoot short distances, I use my binoculars, easier to use, no hassle of setting up the thing. But when I shoot long distances, I shoot my bows out to 100 yards, then I will use my scope. It can tell me which arrows are mine and which are my friend's.
So if you want something you can easily bring along with you, buy a compact binocular. But if you just want the thing to stay by your window and you like to see details of objects far away, get the scope. More
I'm looking for binoculars where I can see miles away. I'm looking for vision quality, zoom quality, and can hold up for a long time. Thanks.More
Asked by: Monkey Love 007
If money is no object, Swarovski, Leica, or Zeiss.
Vortex is a good one if you're looking for mid priced binos. Mid Priced is defined as around $300-$500. Another good brand around that price range will be Nikon, the Swift Audubon series, and the Carson XM HD(although price wise the Carson is a Mid Price lite). More
I want to buy binoculars for star gazing and to see Mars at the end of August. What is the cheapest brand, yet good quality that I can get?More
Asked by: Apple Pie
If you try to view Mars at the end of this month through binoculars then you could go blind! Mars is currently about to pass behind the Sun through the end of this year. Never, under any circumstances view the Sun through binoculars or a telescope without a full understanding and use of special filters (and you won't be able to see Mars Through the filters in any case).
Having said that, if you plan to use binoculars for general nighttime sky observing there is a lot to be said in favor of them. A good starting size that are usually under $100 (a reasonable price these days) are 10x50mm. This won't show planetary detail except for the larger craters on the moon and will show Jupiter's four largest moons. But they will show many star clusters and nebulae as well as some galaxies (alot depending on how much light pollution there is in your observing area) if you know where to look.
Over 10x and you will likely need a tripod to mount them on. If you are willing to tripod mount them (or if you have steady somewhat strong arms/hands as some do) , Celestron Skymaster 15x70 is popular and well under $100 will show even more. However 25x80 or 25x100 binoculars is the minimum to even glimpse the rings of Saturn and you would definitely need to mount them on a tripod. And they would be alot more expensive too. I own 10x50, 15x70, and 25x100 binoculars so I know what can and cannot be seen.
Orion Telescopes (www.telescope.com) and Celestron are good brands. Check them out. More
