If you're getting binoculars that are larger than 10x magnification then I'd suggest getting a tripod/stand from the same suppliers as the larger binoculars that recommended by mred2000, Carlos_dfc and others above.
7x50 (7=magnification, 50=main lens diameter in mm) or 10x50 binoculars are portable and can be hand held.
I like 10x50s as a kind of 'bridging' point bewteen charts and telescope - and they're a great 'all-rounder' for daylight use, as well as for astronomy.
I've found that the stars plotted in a good sky-chart - such as 'SkyAtlas 2000' are a pretty good match for the stars that can be seen when hand-holding a pair of 10x50s.
So when searching for something dim and elusive, I'll get my bearings by going from chart to 10x50s - then after I've eyeballed the place where the dim object is, I'll then switch to the telescope.
Also have a pair of 10x50s that live permanently in my car, plus another 3 pairs I use for loaning out at star-parties etc..
7x50s though.... I never got on with them.
It's a personal thing, but I don't like narrow apparant fields of view, and I'm yet to find a pair of 7x50s at an affordable price, that have an AFOV wide enough for my likng.
Similarly most 8x56 and 9x63 - very narrow AFOV unless you're prepared to spend big money on a premium pair.
Comments
I sketched comet 'PanSTARRS' a few times in the spring.
This one was done with the Revelations, from my back garden, with typical suburban light-pollution.
http://s13.postimg.org/i593z9ufb/panstarrssketch.jpg
and inverted for a 'natural' view.
http://s2.postimg.org/aoju58zmh/panstarrsinv.jpg
7x50 (7=magnification, 50=main lens diameter in mm) or 10x50 binoculars are portable and can be hand held.
http://www.telescopehouse.com/acatalog/binoculars.htm
If you're getting binoculars that are larger than 10x magnification then I'd suggest getting a tripod/stand from the same suppliers as the larger binoculars that recommended by mred2000, Carlos_dfc and others above.
I've found that the stars plotted in a good sky-chart - such as 'SkyAtlas 2000' are a pretty good match for the stars that can be seen when hand-holding a pair of 10x50s.
So when searching for something dim and elusive, I'll get my bearings by going from chart to 10x50s - then after I've eyeballed the place where the dim object is, I'll then switch to the telescope.
Also have a pair of 10x50s that live permanently in my car, plus another 3 pairs I use for loaning out at star-parties etc..
7x50s though.... I never got on with them.
It's a personal thing, but I don't like narrow apparant fields of view, and I'm yet to find a pair of 7x50s at an affordable price, that have an AFOV wide enough for my likng.
Similarly most 8x56 and 9x63 - very narrow AFOV unless you're prepared to spend big money on a premium pair.
AVOID ZOOMS - like the plague.
I've tried several in the past, and have owned a couple - they're all awful for astronomy.