Well, there aren't particularly astronomical binoculars. Most are simply ordinary binoculars. Out with a few of those like a Bushnell. Most astronomy binoculars are an excessive amount of more expensive than standard ones and it is just worth purchasing a affordable telescope.
While you can get inexpensive 15x70 or even 25x70 binoculars in this price range, they are too heavy and provide too much magnification to use handheld, and a tripod capable of supporting them well will be another hundred bucks or so. I put my 15x70s on a cheap tripod and was rewarded by the tripod head slipping, causing the binoculars to hit me over the head then fall on the floor. Fortunately I was on a lawn so the binoculars were undamaged; if they'd hit concrete they'd probably have smashed.
10X 50 may be available that cheap, but they are usually poor quality. 20X50 are made but you need a tripod to hold them steady which most people find very inconvenient. 7X35 is the lowest you should consider but they will also be good for bird watching etc The 2nd number determines the brightness of the image. Possibly you can get a bargain at a yard sale, thrift shop or pawn shop, but do not buy without determining that the image is clear and the position of your eye is not overly critical. You should not see rain bows except very close to the direction of the sun. Do not point binoculars or a telescope at the Sun: blindness is a possibility. Neil
High power binoculars are difficult to hold still.
Inexpensive high power binoculars usually have poor brightness. To achieve high magnification and good light gathering capability, you need big lenses, which translates into high cost. The low light level will make holding them still even more difficult.
It is usually better to get a more modest power binocular that will be easier to hold, will give you a brighter image, and will probably be better made
For astronomical viewing, brightness is more important then magnification. A pair of 7x50 will work pretty good for viewing the pleiades for example, mostly because the 50mm lens makes the image brighter. 15x50 will give you a bigger image, but it won't be as bright. Sometimes you can find 7x50 for under $50. If you want more magnification, you should have bigger lenses to maintain brightness.
Best Buy is selling 15x70 celestron binoculars for $57.00. That's a good brand.
I must be older than Thomas - I would recommend 7X50 or 8X40 - I have trouble holding those still and high power binoculars would make it impossible for me to see anything but my shaking hand motions.
Answers & Comments
Well, there aren't particularly astronomical binoculars. Most are simply ordinary binoculars. Out with a few of those like a Bushnell. Most astronomy binoculars are an excessive amount of more expensive than standard ones and it is just worth purchasing a affordable telescope.
A good pair of 10x50s is your best bet.
While you can get inexpensive 15x70 or even 25x70 binoculars in this price range, they are too heavy and provide too much magnification to use handheld, and a tripod capable of supporting them well will be another hundred bucks or so. I put my 15x70s on a cheap tripod and was rewarded by the tripod head slipping, causing the binoculars to hit me over the head then fall on the floor. Fortunately I was on a lawn so the binoculars were undamaged; if they'd hit concrete they'd probably have smashed.
10X 50 may be available that cheap, but they are usually poor quality. 20X50 are made but you need a tripod to hold them steady which most people find very inconvenient. 7X35 is the lowest you should consider but they will also be good for bird watching etc The 2nd number determines the brightness of the image. Possibly you can get a bargain at a yard sale, thrift shop or pawn shop, but do not buy without determining that the image is clear and the position of your eye is not overly critical. You should not see rain bows except very close to the direction of the sun. Do not point binoculars or a telescope at the Sun: blindness is a possibility. Neil
Careful what you ask for.
High power binoculars are difficult to hold still.
Inexpensive high power binoculars usually have poor brightness. To achieve high magnification and good light gathering capability, you need big lenses, which translates into high cost. The low light level will make holding them still even more difficult.
It is usually better to get a more modest power binocular that will be easier to hold, will give you a brighter image, and will probably be better made
For astronomical viewing, brightness is more important then magnification. A pair of 7x50 will work pretty good for viewing the pleiades for example, mostly because the 50mm lens makes the image brighter. 15x50 will give you a bigger image, but it won't be as bright. Sometimes you can find 7x50 for under $50. If you want more magnification, you should have bigger lenses to maintain brightness.
Best Buy is selling 15x70 celestron binoculars for $57.00. That's a good brand.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Cameras-Camcorders/Bin...
I must be older than Thomas - I would recommend 7X50 or 8X40 - I have trouble holding those still and high power binoculars would make it impossible for me to see anything but my shaking hand motions.
Since you asked in astronomy, I assume you are looking for a pair of astronomical binoculars.
http://www.telescope.com/Binoculars/Astronomy-Bino...