Expert: Paul Wagner - 2/10/2006

Question
I don't particularly know much of anything about astronomy. However, my husband expressed an interest in it, and I'd like to get him a pair of binoculars for our anniversary to get him to start looking at the sky. But I don't want to invest too much money in something which might not materialize into much of anything.

I've read that many suggest getting binoculars before getting a telescope, especially like us, who know nothing about the sky. I've read that Nikons are good astronomy binoculars. And I saw Nikon Action 10x50 Binocular, Nikon Action 10x50 EX Extreme ATB Binocular, Nikon Tundra 10x50 Waterproof Binocular and Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42 Waterproof Binoculars on amazon.com for reasonable prices. However, the binoculars are not in their astronomy line.

I was wondering if I were to choose one of those, which would you suggest or would you suggest something completely different, and why? I am leaning toward getting a 10X50 because I'd also like to use the binoculars for daytime viewing.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Daer Terez:

Nikon makes good optics.  But while astronomy binoculars work well in the rest of the world, other binoculars don't always work well in astronomy.  It has to do with the kinds of coatings on the lenses, to reduce reflection and transmit as much light as possible. Most of these are aimed at the oudoor market, where indestructability is more important than the light.  

You might also check out Orion optics--they have a terrific bunch of binoculars, all for astronomy.  And their prices are really good.

one thing you might want to keep in mind:  with binoculars for astronomy, the larger the second number, the better.  10X 50 is better than 10X 42.  That's because that second numbed is the diameter, in millimeters, of the main lens.  Bigger lenses capture more light, and let you see more.  

The first number is the power.  And while you would think that 15 power is better that 7, it turns out that it is really hard to hold a 15X binocular stable enought to see anything at all.  I have some 12x80 that make my wife seasick!  It's best to go for a maximum of 10 power.

Does that help?

Paul Wagner