Re: Good Binoculars Around $60?

On Feb 15, 9:38 pm, "rdeo...@xxxxxxxxx" <rdeo...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I am looking to pick up an introductory pair of binoculars to start
viewing the night sky. I have done some research and now just need to
settle on an item. I'm a poor college student so my budget is limited.
Hopefully I can find something with BAK4 coating in the 10x50mm range.
Any ideas? Models to avoid? Can I see the Messier 110 (I live in Iowa,
lots of dark sky)?

I wouldn't worry about the BK7 vs BAK-4 issue so much. In an expensive
binocular you should expect BAK-4, in a cheap binocular you will
probably have to accept BK7. You should probably avoid
"zoom" (variable magnification) binoculars, certainly avoid fixed-
focus binoculars and probably avoid anything with strange looking red
or yellow coatings on the front lenses. Probably the worst situation
is binoculars that are out of collimation (ie, BINO or Binocular In
Name Only.)

The dilemma for astronomers on a budget is that almost any binocular
that everyone would agree is very good probably costs as much or more
as a small to medium sized telescope. Camera stores are often good
places to look through binoculars before buying, but the models they
stock tend to be higher priced. With mail order you have to buy
before you try, and it seems most big box retailers often encase their
merchandise in virtually unopenable, indestructible plastic packages.

FWIW, I have 10x50s (marketed by a well-known company whose name
begins with "T") that seem to work reasonably well and cost $40 when I
bought them at a discount department store about ten years ago. I had
the opportunity to look through them, albeit during the day, before
buying. I'll probably get a better 10x50 when these meet their
eventual demise though.
.