7x50 binoculars
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- Real Name: Aaron Niskode-Dossett
7x50 binoculars
Hi, at the B-Sig star party last week I noticed that a few people had 7x50 binoculars. What brand/model have people had good luck with in that configuration? I have a pair of 10x50 that I've found to have a bit too much image shake when looking at the sky and may return them.
Thank you in advance! -Aaron
Thank you in advance! -Aaron
"Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another." -- Plato
Skywatcher 100mm on a Celestron AVX mount
Celestron 9.25" Evolution SCT
10x50 Midas G2 binoculars
Skywatcher 100mm on a Celestron AVX mount
Celestron 9.25" Evolution SCT
10x50 Midas G2 binoculars
- matt_2018
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Tue May 15, 2018 11:56 am
- Real Name: Matt Dunham
Re: 7x50 binoculars
I have 10x50 binoculars, and they work well as long as I have them on a tripod or other mount so I am not holding them. The 7x50 binoculars sound like they might be better because they'll give a larger field of view with lots of light gathering.
Matt Dunham
MAS Treasurer & member since 2018
Meade LX200RC 12-inch (my portable observatory)
Celestron SC-8" w/fork wedge (my travel scope)
MAS Treasurer & member since 2018
Meade LX200RC 12-inch (my portable observatory)
Celestron SC-8" w/fork wedge (my travel scope)
- Phil Ramsay
- Posts: 140
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- Real Name: Phil Ramsay
- Location: St. Paul, MN
Re: 7x50 binoculars
I have a pair of Oberwerk 8 x 40 Mariner binocs that I really like.
Compact and very rugged, and probably about the highest power I can hand hold.
Oberwerk also sell a monopod that is awesome - highly recommended.
Compact and very rugged, and probably about the highest power I can hand hold.
Oberwerk also sell a monopod that is awesome - highly recommended.
- wmaalouli
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2021 2:58 pm
- Real Name: Walid Maalouli
Re: 7x50 binoculars
Hand holding binoculars is a very tiresome and imprecise activity in my view and eventually will lead to a lot of frustration. Best to invest in a decent tripod or a dedicated binocular mount. I have 15x70 binoculars which provide amazing wide-field views, but there is no way I could hold them steady enough and on target beyond a minute at best, particularly if the target is high up. For the longest time they sat mostly unused because of these issues, until I finally invested in a dedicated mount which made for a world of difference, and now they are one of my most used pieces of equipment. The depth of field provided by binoculars is simply unmatched by most monocular telescopes...
Telescopes: Orion XTg-8 dobsonian, Meade Mini Lightbridge 114 reflector, Meade ETX-70,80 and 90
Binoculars: Celestron 15x70
Binoculars: Celestron 15x70
- Deane Clark
- Posts: 2462
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- Location: Mpls
Re: 7x50 binoculars
The other approach is to invest in some image-stabilized binoculars. I have the Canon 15x50IS. They make a huge difference. However, the larger ones are heavy and tiresome to hold up for long. On the other hand, you can more easily see what you’re looking at/for, so you won’t be spending as much time searching or waiting for your hand to be steady. They are spendy, but I’ve never been sorry I bought them.
B&H seems to have a good selection, although the larger sizes seem to be out of stock right now.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N ... yes&sts=ma
B&H seems to have a good selection, although the larger sizes seem to be out of stock right now.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N ... yes&sts=ma
Deane Clark
Eagle Lake Observatory keyholder
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I can quit any time I want. I just don't want to.
www.aponon.org
Eagle Lake Observatory keyholder
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I can quit any time I want. I just don't want to.
www.aponon.org
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- Real Name: 11350054 Mark Frascone
Re: 7x50 binoculars
Hi, I have tried using 10x50 and only able to use them when braced or laying down, maybe a telescoping pole might help. I was also thinking some 7x50's would be nicer. One question... A midrange pair of 7x50's go for about the same price as this reflector telescope on Costco. As a new hobbyist, would I be better off just getting the 114mm aperture?
https://www.costco.com/national-geograp ... 28178.html
https://www.costco.com/national-geograp ... 28178.html
Explore Scientific 8" Dobsonian FirstLight Telescope
- SEmert
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- Real Name: Steve Emert
- Location: White Bear Lake, MN
Re: 7x50 binoculars
I have two Nikon binoculars, a set of 10x50 for me and a set of 10x42 for my wife. We both love them (although she almost exclusively uses hers for birding).
A quick and easy way to help stabilize them is to get a piece of thin nylon rope or cord, tie a loop in one end that can be slipped over the pivot cap at the front of the binoculars, let the other end drag on the ground a foot or so. With the binos at viewing height, step on the cord on the ground and pull it taut. The best thing is that you can roll it up and stuff it in your pocket.
But of course I do agree that a tripod or telescoping monopod pole would provide more stability.
The "Farpoint FAR-Sight Targeting System For Binoculars" bracket, I've heard is nice to attach the binos to a tripod. In addition to attaching to the tripod, it gives you a place to mount a red dot finder.
A quick and easy way to help stabilize them is to get a piece of thin nylon rope or cord, tie a loop in one end that can be slipped over the pivot cap at the front of the binoculars, let the other end drag on the ground a foot or so. With the binos at viewing height, step on the cord on the ground and pull it taut. The best thing is that you can roll it up and stuff it in your pocket.
But of course I do agree that a tripod or telescoping monopod pole would provide more stability.
The "Farpoint FAR-Sight Targeting System For Binoculars" bracket, I've heard is nice to attach the binos to a tripod. In addition to attaching to the tripod, it gives you a place to mount a red dot finder.
Steve Emert
MAS Membership Coordinator
12.5" f/4.7 Obsession Clone Homemade Truss Dob, sometimes equipped with Celestron StarSense Explorer app
Celestron C8 SCT OTA on AVX GEQ mount
Astro-Tech AT72 ED Refractor OTA usually on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 mount or tripod with Benro geared head
Celestron 5" SCT OTA on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 Alt-Az Mount, usually equipped with StarSense Explorer app
Orion 150mm Mak OTA and Orion EQ-G computerized mount
MAS Membership Coordinator
12.5" f/4.7 Obsession Clone Homemade Truss Dob, sometimes equipped with Celestron StarSense Explorer app
Celestron C8 SCT OTA on AVX GEQ mount
Astro-Tech AT72 ED Refractor OTA usually on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 mount or tripod with Benro geared head
Celestron 5" SCT OTA on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 Alt-Az Mount, usually equipped with StarSense Explorer app
Orion 150mm Mak OTA and Orion EQ-G computerized mount
- Deane Clark
- Posts: 2462
- Joined: Wed May 19, 2004 11:38 pm
- Location: Mpls
Re: 7x50 binoculars
You would be better off getting decent binoculars than the Costco telescope. That 114 would be very frustrating for a new hobbyist. But a pair of 7x50s is a great starting point and you will likely still use them even after you eventually get a good telescope - they address different areas and needs in the hobby.markfrascone wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 10:00 am Hi, I have tried using 10x50 and only able to use them when braced or laying down, maybe a telescoping pole might help. I was also thinking some 7x50's would be nicer. One question... A midrange pair of 7x50's go for about the same price as this reflector telescope on Costco. As a new hobbyist, would I be better off just getting the 114mm aperture?
https://www.costco.com/national-geograp ... 28178.html
Of the five telescopes that come up when I searched the Costco web site, only the Explore Scientific 10” Dob looks like it might be decent, but I know nothing about that particular scope. For a good starter scope, we usually recommend one of the Orion 6” or 8” Dobs.
Also, your “telescoping pole” idea is another way of saying “monopod”, which is something you can easily buy.
Deane Clark
Eagle Lake Observatory keyholder
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I can quit any time I want. I just don't want to.
www.aponon.org
Eagle Lake Observatory keyholder
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I can quit any time I want. I just don't want to.
www.aponon.org
- SEmert
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- Real Name: Steve Emert
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Re: 7x50 binoculars
114 mm is not much aperture for a reflecting scope. Also, I scanned reviews of this scope on Amazon and it appears it's made pretty cheaply. I think you'd be better off with the binos. You can always use binos even after you've purchased a larger and more capable scope.markfrascone wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 10:00 am ... One question... A midrange pair of 7x50's go for about the same price as this reflector telescope on Costco. As a new hobbyist, would I be better off just getting the 114mm aperture?
https://www.costco.com/national-geograp ... 28178.html
And if you go the good tripod route to hold the binos, you can always also use that for holding a small refractor scope.
Steve Emert
MAS Membership Coordinator
12.5" f/4.7 Obsession Clone Homemade Truss Dob, sometimes equipped with Celestron StarSense Explorer app
Celestron C8 SCT OTA on AVX GEQ mount
Astro-Tech AT72 ED Refractor OTA usually on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 mount or tripod with Benro geared head
Celestron 5" SCT OTA on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 Alt-Az Mount, usually equipped with StarSense Explorer app
Orion 150mm Mak OTA and Orion EQ-G computerized mount
MAS Membership Coordinator
12.5" f/4.7 Obsession Clone Homemade Truss Dob, sometimes equipped with Celestron StarSense Explorer app
Celestron C8 SCT OTA on AVX GEQ mount
Astro-Tech AT72 ED Refractor OTA usually on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 mount or tripod with Benro geared head
Celestron 5" SCT OTA on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 Alt-Az Mount, usually equipped with StarSense Explorer app
Orion 150mm Mak OTA and Orion EQ-G computerized mount
- Deane Clark
- Posts: 2462
- Joined: Wed May 19, 2004 11:38 pm
- Location: Mpls
Re: 7x50 binoculars
(Looks like we’re posting on top of each other Steve )
Deane Clark
Eagle Lake Observatory keyholder
------------------------
I can quit any time I want. I just don't want to.
www.aponon.org
Eagle Lake Observatory keyholder
------------------------
I can quit any time I want. I just don't want to.
www.aponon.org
- SEmert
- Posts: 1802
- Joined: Mon May 31, 2004 2:48 pm
- Real Name: Steve Emert
- Location: White Bear Lake, MN
Re: 7x50 binoculars
At least we didn't entirely disagreeDeane Clark wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 10:52 am (Looks like we’re posting on top of each other Steve )
Steve Emert
MAS Membership Coordinator
12.5" f/4.7 Obsession Clone Homemade Truss Dob, sometimes equipped with Celestron StarSense Explorer app
Celestron C8 SCT OTA on AVX GEQ mount
Astro-Tech AT72 ED Refractor OTA usually on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 mount or tripod with Benro geared head
Celestron 5" SCT OTA on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 Alt-Az Mount, usually equipped with StarSense Explorer app
Orion 150mm Mak OTA and Orion EQ-G computerized mount
MAS Membership Coordinator
12.5" f/4.7 Obsession Clone Homemade Truss Dob, sometimes equipped with Celestron StarSense Explorer app
Celestron C8 SCT OTA on AVX GEQ mount
Astro-Tech AT72 ED Refractor OTA usually on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 mount or tripod with Benro geared head
Celestron 5" SCT OTA on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 Alt-Az Mount, usually equipped with StarSense Explorer app
Orion 150mm Mak OTA and Orion EQ-G computerized mount
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- Real Name: Kris Hultner
- Location: Bloomington
Re: 7x50 binoculars
Unlike other commenters, I happen to like my 114 mm, but it's a Dob, so likely a better experience than that flimsy looking tripod. It's also able to use an array of finding devices, while that one looks to be limited to the app and not much else.markfrascone wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 10:00 am Hi, I have tried using 10x50 and only able to use them when braced or laying down, maybe a telescoping pole might help. I was also thinking some 7x50's would be nicer. One question... A midrange pair of 7x50's go for about the same price as this reflector telescope on Costco. As a new hobbyist, would I be better off just getting the 114mm aperture?
https://www.costco.com/national-geograp ... 28178.html
But I agree completely that the binoculars serve a different purpose than the telescope. Binoculars are your widefield tool. Certain targets are better viewed with a wide field, and others are better with the narrower field of a telescope.
Kris Hultner
AAVSO observer HCKA
AAVSO observer HCKA
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- Real Name: 11350054 Mark Frascone
Re: 7x50 binoculars
The 10" Dobson at Costco was my fav too... Maybe next? My 7x50 doesn't have a mount so camera tripods or monopods wont really work. Based on your comments (and some internet searching) I have been looking into a decent pair of binoculars specifically for astronomy that do have a mount. Lot's to learn about prisms etc. Any suggestions there would be welcome.
Explore Scientific 8" Dobsonian FirstLight Telescope
- Deane Clark
- Posts: 2462
- Joined: Wed May 19, 2004 11:38 pm
- Location: Mpls
Re: 7x50 binoculars
My old Swift 8x42s have a 1/4-20 (I think) screw socket right in front that can be used with an adapter like this one from Orion:markfrascone wrote: ↑Sat Feb 04, 2023 10:22 am The 10" Dobson at Costco was my fav too... Maybe next? My 7x50 doesn't have a mount so camera tripods or monopods wont really work. Based on your comments (and some internet searching) I have been looking into a decent pair of binoculars specifically for astronomy that do have a mount. Lot's to learn about prisms etc. Any suggestions there would be welcome.
https://www.telescope.com/Orion-Versati ... 101877.uts
Deane Clark
Eagle Lake Observatory keyholder
------------------------
I can quit any time I want. I just don't want to.
www.aponon.org
Eagle Lake Observatory keyholder
------------------------
I can quit any time I want. I just don't want to.
www.aponon.org
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- Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2023 8:35 pm
- Real Name: 11350054 Mark Frascone
Re: 7x50 binoculars
I'm going to give this universal mount a try:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5L ... UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5L ... UTF8&psc=1
Explore Scientific 8" Dobsonian FirstLight Telescope
- SEmert
- Posts: 1802
- Joined: Mon May 31, 2004 2:48 pm
- Real Name: Steve Emert
- Location: White Bear Lake, MN
Re: 7x50 binoculars
Interesting! Definitely universal, and you don't need to take the hinge cap off the front like the one Deane linked to, or this one I had mentioned earlier: https://www.amazon.com/Farpoint-FP100-F ... 099&sr=8-2
Steve Emert
MAS Membership Coordinator
12.5" f/4.7 Obsession Clone Homemade Truss Dob, sometimes equipped with Celestron StarSense Explorer app
Celestron C8 SCT OTA on AVX GEQ mount
Astro-Tech AT72 ED Refractor OTA usually on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 mount or tripod with Benro geared head
Celestron 5" SCT OTA on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 Alt-Az Mount, usually equipped with StarSense Explorer app
Orion 150mm Mak OTA and Orion EQ-G computerized mount
MAS Membership Coordinator
12.5" f/4.7 Obsession Clone Homemade Truss Dob, sometimes equipped with Celestron StarSense Explorer app
Celestron C8 SCT OTA on AVX GEQ mount
Astro-Tech AT72 ED Refractor OTA usually on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 mount or tripod with Benro geared head
Celestron 5" SCT OTA on Explore Scientific Twilight 1 Alt-Az Mount, usually equipped with StarSense Explorer app
Orion 150mm Mak OTA and Orion EQ-G computerized mount
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- Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2023 8:35 pm
- Real Name: 11350054 Mark Frascone
Re: 7x50 binoculars
I've accumulated 3 pair of inexpensive 10x50's over the years, one from Sears and two identical insta focus models from Bushnell. I wasn't able to find any discussion of those having the 1/4' screw hole under the hinge cap, and I didn't want to wreck the cap prying it off to find out. Is it typical for that screw mount to exist?
Explore Scientific 8" Dobsonian FirstLight Telescope
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Re: 7x50 binoculars
It may or may not exist. Usually, it'll have a picture of a tripod head on it, but not always. It might actually screw off rather than pry off.markfrascone wrote: ↑Sun Feb 05, 2023 4:11 pm I've accumulated 3 pair of inexpensive 10x50's over the years, one from Sears and two identical insta focus models from Bushnell. I wasn't able to find any discussion of those having the 1/4' screw hole under the hinge cap, and I didn't want to wreck the cap prying it off to find out. Is it typical for that screw mount to exist?
Kris Hultner
AAVSO observer HCKA
AAVSO observer HCKA
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Re: 7x50 binoculars
My favorite is this pair from Orion. The longest eye relief that Orion has for 50mm objectives, plus fully multi coated optics, but the narrowest field of the 50mm objective line. Their sole 7x50 is next in eye relief and is the widest field of the group by 0.1°. I'm considering getting one to add to my collection. Its 10x50 counterpart has significantly reduced eye relief, but is otherwise just as solid as the 7X50. I'd skip their low end 10x50 entry, unless the price is the primary consideration.markfrascone wrote: ↑Sat Feb 04, 2023 10:22 am Based on your comments (and some internet searching) I have been looking into a decent pair of binoculars specifically for astronomy that do have a mount. Lot's to learn about prisms etc. Any suggestions there would be welcome.
Kris Hultner
AAVSO observer HCKA
AAVSO observer HCKA
- Deane Clark
- Posts: 2462
- Joined: Wed May 19, 2004 11:38 pm
- Location: Mpls
Re: 7x50 binoculars
Under the specs tab, all those Orion binocs also say they are tripod adaptable.FF2Rydia wrote: ↑Sun Feb 05, 2023 9:45 pmMy favorite is this pair from Orion. The longest eye relief that Orion has for 50mm objectives, plus fully multi coated optics, but the narrowest field of the 50mm objective line. Their sole 7x50 is next in eye relief and is the widest field of the group by 0.1°. I'm considering getting one to add to my collection. Its 10x50 counterpart has significantly reduced eye relief, but is otherwise just as solid as the 7X50. I'd skip their low end 10x50 entry, unless the price is the primary consideration.markfrascone wrote: ↑Sat Feb 04, 2023 10:22 am Based on your comments (and some internet searching) I have been looking into a decent pair of binoculars specifically for astronomy that do have a mount. Lot's to learn about prisms etc. Any suggestions there would be welcome.
Deane Clark
Eagle Lake Observatory keyholder
------------------------
I can quit any time I want. I just don't want to.
www.aponon.org
Eagle Lake Observatory keyholder
------------------------
I can quit any time I want. I just don't want to.
www.aponon.org
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- Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2023 8:35 pm
- Real Name: 11350054 Mark Frascone
Re: 7x50 binoculars
The Orion Scenix 7x50 Binoculars look like a good choice, I'll see how the cheap mount from Amazon works. I did get the cap off both of my models. They actually just unscrewed, I should have checked that first . The Bushnell just had a larger screw with a standard slot, the Sears model had a smaller screw hole, less than 1/4, more like 1/8' and machine threaded.
Explore Scientific 8" Dobsonian FirstLight Telescope
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Re: 7x50 binoculars
Yes, I forgot to mention that the entire line is tripod adaptable.Deane Clark wrote: ↑Mon Feb 06, 2023 12:41 am
Under the specs tab, all those Orion binocs also say they are tripod adaptable.
Kris Hultner
AAVSO observer HCKA
AAVSO observer HCKA