How are these binoculars for astronomy uses, is it worth buying for that as a primary use, while also considering their light weight for handheld use?
383150
I use them for birding,but seems to be fine for astronomy, as you say they are light and feel stable in hand.
383151
Great for birding, but I wouldn't use them for astronomy. They're not powerful enough and way too jiggly when hand held. Viewing the moon would probably be OK.
1134782
They are actually very light weight. They give you adequate magnification. The only downfall I have noticed, is that they don't see great distances.
1159085
The site http://www.garyseronik.com/?q=node/25 has a very nice comparison of all of Canon's IS binoculars for stargazing. In summary, these are not the authors favorites (he prefers the 10x42 Ls or 15x50) but they will certainly work. I am considering these due to their combination of high magnification, decent (not great) optics, and light weight.By going to a telescope (and I mean a decent sized reflector, not a tiny $50 refractor from a department store) you are not necessarily getting a large increase in magnification; it depends on the eyepiece being used. But you are getting a lot more light gathering power to see faint objects. Many people into stargazing will have both binoculars and a larger telescope. The site http://www.garyseronik.com/?q=node/25 has a very nice comparison of all of Canon's IS binoculars for stargazing. In summary, these are not the authors favorites (he prefers the 10x42 Ls or 15x50) but they will certainly work. I am considering these due to their combination of high magnification, decent (not great) optics, and light weight.By going to a telescope (and I mean a decent sized reflector, not a tiny $50 refractor from a department store) you are not necessarily getting a large increase in magnification; it depends on the eyepiece being used. But you are... » Read More The site http://www.garyseronik.com/?q=node/25 has a very nice comparison of all of Canon's IS binoculars for stargazing. In summary, these are not the authors favorites (he prefers the 10x42 Ls or 15x50) but they will certainly work. I am considering these due to their combination of high magnification, decent (not great) optics, and light weight.By going to a telescope (and I mean a decent sized reflector, not a tiny $50 refractor from a department store) you are not necessarily getting a large increase in magnification; it depends on the eyepiece being used. But you are getting a lot more light gathering power to see faint objects. Many people into stargazing will have both binoculars and a larger telescope. « Show Less
1939070
Yes, they're excellent binoculars. Not as large as ones used for bird watching, but bigger than small "opera" glasses.
814096
I have input used these-so far-for viewing the night sky. The view of the moon was excellent. Of course it couldn't compare to viewing it with a telescope. I think these are a definitely a good value. I have no complaints with them. I also gave them as a gift and that person thinks the same. I hope this had helped you in some way.
849358
Since this has a 10 power magnification, with a fairly good field of view, I think they'd work well for bird-watching. You might consider something with an adjustable focus and magnification but this is commoner on single lens spotting scopes or camera lens applications than in binoculars. For a fixed power device, this is a good option. Paul M.
1342700
I took it to the mountains at a friend's cabin. I was able to see stars better than his son's mounted telescope ($150 - 200 type). It didn't have the zoom of the telescope, but the field of view and sharpness of the binoculars was much better. I have not had the opportunity to try them on Jupiter's or Saturn's moons. One great feature is that you can focus in on your object and then use the zoom lever. I like the binoculars a lot. And solidly built.
1771876
Yes, they are easy to use, very clear, lightweight, and I am very happy with my purchase! I use them for stargazing as well as during the day in the desert when looking for movement amongst the cacti.
97808
In theory, these should be excellent hand-held, low power, wide-field astro-binoculars. The low magnification paired with the relatively large objective, translates into a 7mm exit pupil. This is much better light transmission than the example 15x70 that was provided. However, I have no idea about the focus mechanism on these binos. If it is some sort of "auto-focus", then I would imagine it would be difficult for these to pick up something at infinity in dim light. Which, if this is the case, it is too bad because these would otherwise be wonderful for sweeping views of the Milky Way. In theory, these should be excellent hand-held, low power, wide-field astro-binoculars. The low magnification paired with the relatively large objective, translates into a 7mm exit pupil. This is much better light transmission than the example 15x70 that was provided. However, I have no idea about the focus mechanism on these binos. If it is some sort of "auto-focus", then I would imagine it would be difficult for these to pick up something at infinity in dim light. Which, if this is the case, it is too bad because these would otherwise be wonderful for sweeping views of the Milky... » Read More In theory, these should be excellent hand-held, low power, wide-field astro-binoculars. The low magnification paired with the relatively large objective, translates into a 7mm exit pupil. This is much better light transmission than the example 15x70 that was provided. However, I have no idea about the focus mechanism on these binos. If it is some sort of "auto-focus", then I would imagine it would be difficult for these to pick up something at infinity in dim light. Which, if this is the case, it is too bad because these would otherwise be wonderful for sweeping views of the Milky Way. « Show Less
219559
I think so, not too big like regular size binoculars. I think they would be strong enough for bird watching, thats my personal opinion!
2257133
I've never used them for looking at stars , but I would imagine that they would work well. If you start at the low magnification to identify the stars/ constellation(s) and work slowly toward max magnification , you should have pretty satisfactory experiences. As always when looking at stars , stability is a key requirement , so hand held binoculars might cause some frustration at times.
97812
I've done some amateur stargazing, even built a telescope. Most astronomy authorities recommend a 7 x 50 set of binoculars. The higher the power, the more shaky the image is unless you use a tripod. And 7x50's aren't too, too big; they're still a manageable size for watching a football game, for instance. Google 'binoculars for astronomy' and you'll get lots of advice.
1686930
They will focus fairly well, but will not do what I would consider 'zoom in' on an object. They acquire objects well, but if you are looking for real close up looks, then you will have to go with a 7x50 or even 10x50, and the additional cost associated with that, upwards of $500. As is, these are very nice compact binos that do a good job. I use them on the water and they pick out markers well and fit nicely in your jacket pocket
1276455
I dont wanna be a negative Nelly here but these binoculars are not very clear or sharp at all.Maybe I just got a bum pair or something but I sent them back yesterday.Going with a different pair.So,to your question I would have to say NO from my experience.Good Luck.
708982
That really depends on what you are going to use them for. I bought the Orion Paragon-Plus XHD Extra Heavy-Duty Tripod Stand for Binoculars (Black) for my set. I originally got the binoculars for checking out the moon and some entry level astronomy. But I mostly use them for bird watching on the pond in my backyard. That tripod works pretty well for both - much better for the birds than planets.
99904
I think they would work quite well. I used to have a pair of 10X50 binoculars and it was too hard to keep the field of vision steady. Really needed a tripod to see clearly without shaking.However, I'm not a hunter, per se.
2267401
I feel these binoculars are ok for general nature walks, some sporting events. They aren't powerful enough for far distances (like in a big stadium). For more detail I think I'd have to buy a better pair and spend 2x the money. I did like that I could look through them with my glasses on, and they have a rubber cushion around the eye area. They are small, light weight, and have a good grip surface. Hope this helps. Barb