Binoculars
From Slackerpedia Galactica
==For when one ocular just isn't good enough!==
Despite a typically negative reaction from both amateur and professional astronomers, binoculars can be a terrific alternative to telescopes. The following is a list of binocular advantages and disadvantages. Binocular vs. Telescope zealots should avoid the following section or risk high blood pressure, urge to do violence, or worse, aperture fever.
Price A considerable barrier to astronomy for beginners is the price of equipment. While a good telescope can cost upwards of 200 USD (300 AUD or 100 Euros), many quality binoculars start at just half of that price. With less accessories required for operation, this price disparity becomes more appearant. By far the cheapest binoculars also give the best field of view, and are excellent for meteor showers and rainbows. 1x7 binoculars are so portable that most astronomers bring them everywhere, even if they aren't planning to observe. Further, they are the cheapest binoculars for most people.
Use Setup and maintainence of a telescope set can be challenging, especially for those who engage in wrestling matches with their VCR or cameras. Binoculars require less upkeep, can be easily transported, and are more resistant to clumsy friends, curious pets, and other potential sources of damage to your expensive equipment.
Weight While telescopes, complete with tripod and accessories, can weigh up to 20 pounds and require room to both set up and store, binoculars can be worn on a neckstrap, stored in a paper bag (not recommended), or a drawer (recommended).
Speed What binoculars lack in magnification, they make up for in speed. Telescopes require time to zero in and then zoom in on a specific object while a binocular user can "scan" through any field of stars in their view within a matter of seconds. Those using telescopes who have trouble (Read: I want to smash this thing!) should buy a pair of binoculars to reduce the calibration time required for their telescope.
While monoculars (scope for one eye) do exist, they are typically for binocular zealots who traitorously long for telescopes in their hearts and astronomers with a secret longing to pick people off with a sniper rifle.
Using the Lousy Thing (or The Power!)
Binoculars typically come in 3 main powers: 7 Power, 10 Power, or Lotmorepower.
7 Power: Only recommended if the 10 Power version of a binocular is either unavailable or too expensive.
Expect to see several hundred distinct stars and stellar objects in a typical suburban setting
10 Power: The optimum tradeoff between mobility and power.
Expect to see several thousand distinct stars and stellar objects in a typical suburban setting
Lotmorepower: Any binoculars exceeding 10 power will require a tripod, decreasing the ability to "scan" through the celestial sphere. Binoculars over 10 power will be too shaky to be held by hand. If you can afford a 20 Power pair of binoculars, you may as well buy a telescope.
Try buying a pair of binoculars with a hard carry case (so it won't break), a strong strap (so it won't drop), wide angle lens (so you can see more stars), good exterior coating (so it won't get wet and broken), and if possible waterproofing (so it won't get wet). Make sure the carry case is easily transportable and that the outside plastic or rubber coating can repel small amounts of water.
Ensuring that the scope adjust of the binoculars is enough of a fit for your eyes or eyeglasses is critical. Taking care of your binocular equipment is fairly easy.
1. Don't break it.
2. Don't break it.
3. Wash with the same fluid and cloth used for contact lens or eyeglasses.
4. Don't break it.
While binoculars designed specifically for astronomy are optimal, any pair of binoculars that is at least 7 power designed for watching sports, watching birds, watching birds (the other kind), or your local military work just as well. Disclaimer: Binoculars are not a substitute for high-end amateur astronomy or expertly-made telescopes. Any attempt to do so will get you laughed at by your astronomy buddies and you don't want that, do you?
