Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site spar.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ukma!psuvm.bitnet!psuvax1!burdvax!sdcrdcf!ucla-cs!ucbvax!decvax!decwrl!spar!freeman
From: freeman@spar.UUCP (Jay Freeman)
Newsgroups: net.astro
Subject: Re: HELP on binocular purchase
Message-ID: <704@spar.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 13-Dec-85 23:28:27 EST
Article-I.D.: spar.704
Posted: Fri Dec 13 23:28:27 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 18-Dec-85 06:45:06 EST
References: <1192@panda.UUCP>
Reply-To: freeman@spar.UUCP (Jay Freeman)
Distribution: net
Organization: Schlumberger Palo Alto Research, CA
Lines: 15

[]

As you probably know, a binocular specification such as
7X50 means "seven power magnification, 50mm-diameter
front lenses".  For astronomy, light grasp is of the
essence, so that the larger the second number is, the
better!  On the other hand, binoculars that are in
some combination too heavy, or magnify too much, cannot
be held sufficiently steady without a tripod.  Most
people have no trouble with a 7X50, but an 11X80 is
more difficult to use.  I recommend a 7X50 as an
excellent instrument for a beginner.  There are several
good ones available in the $100 range (a bit less on
sale, rather more at list price).
--
Jay Reynolds Freeman (Schlumberger Palo Alto Research)(canonical disclaimer)