- #1
omicron
- 46
- 0
Which would be a better gift? A 60mm refractor or a 10x50 binocular?
The BINOCULARS by far. With them a person can "learn their way" around the sky with a 5 to 7 degree field of view and see many open clusters, nebulae and even split some double stars. The Moon is great in my 10x50's.omicron said:Which would be a better gift? A 60mm refractor or a 10x50 binocular?
My second scope I got is a 60mm and I can't even see details on Jupiter. Maybe it's because I live in a city. The mount is definitely unstable.A 60mm scope is just too small to see much more than the Moon and a little bit of detail on Jupiter and Saturn. Also, the mounts that come with most 60mm refractors is just too unstable to use and/or find objects.
Yes I can see the cloud belts, but as turbo-1 said, anything above 7x is unsteady to hand-hold. I mount mine on a standard photo tripod and can see much more than just hand-held.omicron said:Thanks!
Just out of curiousity, can your 10x50 see Jupiter in detail? At least Its belts or the great red spot?
My second scope I got is a 60mm and I can't even see details on Jupiter. Maybe it's because I live in a city. The mount is definitely unstable.
This is one reason I never opted for the big 100mm binoculars. It means one more tripod and mount to carry and a lot more bulk. I have a nice Cassegrain/Newtonian as a wide-field scope, but I never take it out for that reason. Once I've set up the Astro-Physics (with its Vernonscope and 2" 50mm ocular as a finder), I've pretty much got all I need, with the 7x50s for quick scans.Labguy said:Yes I can see the cloud belts, but as turbo-1 said, anything above 7x is unsteady to hand-hold. I mount mine on a standard photo tripod and can see much more than just hand-held.
I live in central Maine where there are no big cities and few large towns. A 20-minute drive will get you to skies where the milky way will knock you out and M31 glows like a beacon. The crisp bright images and 7.2 degree field of view of the 7x50s (and being able to use both eyes to integrate the images) are a big plus under these circumstances.Labguy said:I would go with the 10x50's instead of 7x50's for the increase in power. These would give you an exit pupil of 5mm. Very few people ever actually get "dark-adapted" enough for their eyes to open past 5mm, you would have to be totally away from all lights in a very dark-sky site.
True, you've got to do your homework or deal with a seller that is knowledgeable and trustworthy. If you deal with a pawnshop, you'd better count on the "homework" factor to protect yourself. Go out armed with price lists and specs to make sure you're getting a fair deal. For sure, there are lots of junk binoculars in pawn shops, but there are occasional prizes, too, including some well-made military surplus ones.Labguy said:As for the Pawn shop, I would steer clear unless you know a lot about how to "check out" binoculars before you buy. I just got a nice pair of Pentax 8x40's for hand holding for under $100 on sale at Adorama in New York. I also have a pair of 7-pound 20x80's, but the tripod and mount cost more than the binoculars did!
Where do you live that the Fujinon 16 x 70 binoculars cost $1000?tumor said:don't buy junk for 200 dollars.good quality binoculars or telescopes are quite expensive.
I bought Fujinon 16 x 70 binoculars and they are simply excellent,but I had to pay for them 1000 bucks.
Scanning the sky with binoculars is much better on your eyes, go for binoculars.
Unfornunately, this binocular has only 10mm of eye relief which is very tight for most people. I sold mine.ADORAMA
-------------------------------------
Here is your requested price quote:
SKU: FN1670FMTSX
Brand: Fujinon
Title: Fujinon 16 x 70 FMT-SX Polaris Binoculars with Case & USA Warranty
Price: $564.95
A telescope is a device used to magnify and enhance the visibility of distant objects, while binoculars are a pair of handheld telescopes used to view distant objects with both eyes simultaneously.
It depends on personal preference and intended use. Telescopes are typically better for viewing faint and distant objects, while binoculars are better for wide-field viewing and portability.
Some factors to consider include your budget, intended use (e.g. stargazing, birdwatching), portability, and desired magnification power. It is also important to research different models and read reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
Yes, binoculars can be used for basic stargazing and can provide a wider field of view compared to a telescope. However, for more advanced observations and detailed views, a telescope would be a better choice.
To keep your telescope or binoculars in good condition, it is important to store them in a dry and cool place, keep them clean, and properly align and collimate them regularly. It is also recommended to avoid touching the lenses with your fingers and to use a protective case when transporting them.