would you get 10×50 or 20×80 for astronomical binoculars?

5 Responses to would you get 10×50 or 20×80 for astronomical binoculars?

1. Larry454 says:

   May 2, 2011 at 7:10 pm

   Definitely the 10×50 is the superior choice. The 20×80 is probably cheaper because it has fewer coatings, cheaper adjustments, etc.

   You might see a few additional stars with a 2x boost in mag, but the aperture (the second number) is more important in this regard. The biggest difference that you will experience with the 20×80 is a slightly better view of the moon and planets.
2. Geoff G says:

   May 2, 2011 at 8:05 pm

   I own 7×50, 10×50, and 15×70 binoculars. I use the 7×50 4% of the time, the 15×70 1% of the time, and the 10×50 95% of the time. Get the 10×50!
3. c says:

   May 2, 2011 at 9:04 pm

   You’ll need a tripod for either one.
4. Roger says:

   May 2, 2011 at 9:35 pm

   Like Larry 454 and Geoff said go with the 10×50’s
5. Nyx says:

   May 2, 2011 at 9:42 pm

   Its not so much magnification as it is light gathering power. The 20×80’s will allow you to see dimmer stuff, But I would be a more that a bit suspicious about the quality of those binoculars for $100. Are they something like these? -
   http://www.telescope.com/control/celestron/astronomical-binoculars/celestron-skymaster-20×80-binoculars

   Or, like these? -
   http://www.telescope.com/control/binoculars/astronomical-binoculars/orion-giant-view-20×80-astronomy-binoculars

   These are very nearly the same binocular, most likely made by the same Chinese optical company (Snyta). These are o.k. for the price, but don’t drop them. They will not handle even a gentle hit.

   Far as holding the binoculars, you are correct about needing a tripod, but I would like to suggest one of these as an option as well-
   http://www.backyardvoyager.com/binocularmounts.html
   http://members.ziggo.nl/jhm.vangastel/Astronomy/binocs/binocs.htm
   http://www.astronomyhints.com/binoculars.html