The Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 is about as basic a pair of binoculars as you can get. The Celestron brand makes many different models of binoculars, some exceptionally high-end, but this pair of 10x50s represents the most affordable available.

It allows the observer to maintain proper upright posture and to move the eyepieces closer when the scope is in a bio-clean hood or must be positioned far from the edge of a workbench.I tried an Optolyth Royal 7x42 about 22 years ago; very good balance on both focus wheels, very smooth, a joy to hold. Optics didn't impress me much so I returned them after two weeks for a pair of Swift Audubon new model 8,5x44 porro. Optics on these were better, but ergonomics much worse; I could not get used to them and sold them. There are two things to say about this microscope firstly the body work and stage surfaces are truly excellent considering its age but secondly the voltmeter on the front no longer registers changes but this does not in any way effect its electrical performance or the illumination system. Everything about this microscope is original. The trinocular head has the usual image diversion system for camera work and we have added a trinocular adapter to make camera connection much easier than the very wide Leitz trinocular tube. The eyepieces are x10 periplan. Objectives EF x4 (0.12), x10 plan fluotar (0.30), x16 plan fluotar (0.45), x40 NPL fluotar (0.70), x100 NPL fluotar (1.32). The NA numbers show this is a good set. Large mechanical stage with coaxial drop down controls. Condenser with flip top lens. Integral 6v 20 watt halogen Kohler illumination system. The general condition of this microscope shows that it was almost certainly owned by an individual who cared rather than a laboratory ‘workhorse’. A very nice microscope Most will need to brace their elbows to avoid a shaky image at this magnification, as it is generally reserved for specialty uses, like scanning the horizon from the bridge of an ocean liner. Ideally, the binoculars should have rubber cups on the eyepieces for protection. Also, it is beneficial if you can adjust the binoculars to change the pupil distance. You should also look for the grip and if the binoculars are easy for younger kids. Grab a Pair of Binoculars for Your Kids Now! If you’re mostly going to be stargazing or mounting your binoculars to a tripod, you can get away with larger lenses. 7×50 and 10×50 pairs are popular for moon exploration and constellation-hopping, while 12×60, 15×70 and 20×80 pairs will take you even deeper into the night sky, although they start getting too heavy for realistic handheld use.

They’re exceptionally sharp across a wide 7.6° field of view and no discernible chromatic aberrations. They offer a touch more magnification than a regular 8x binocular, yet they’re not at all difficult to hold steady and close focus is superb: you can peer at subjects from 1.5m. Focusing is incredibly easy on the finger, too. The focus wheel is both light and smooth and super accurate. And we’re a little disappointed with the accessories supplied in the box. The strap isn’t padded, bizarrely you don’t get lens caps for the objective lenses, and the rubber, non-adjustable, roll-down eyecups won’t be to everyone’s taste. Even the ocular lens caps aren’t tethered. However, for that stupendously good image stabilisation we’re willing to forgive a lot. Dual focus would be a major improvement for those birders that have to rely on specs to enjoy birding in adverse weather. Nikon 8-16x40 XL Zooms (they don't look ergonomic, but the balance is purrrrfect, and I could hold them fairly steady even at 15x!) High-end binoculars that live up to their pedigree, but have some downsides compared to other top of the line modelsIf you don't already have binoculars (or if you're outgrowing the ones you've got), it's time to buy. But there are so many choices. Are some better for astronomy, as opposed to birdwatching or baseball games? You bet! I suppose if the diopter setting is plus-something in normal use, it can be set to minus-something in upside-down use, or vice-versa. Overall, our test fleet of binoculars was subjected to numerous testing procedures to rate their performance. We put the most weight on the clarity score, corresponding to 45% of each binocular's overall score. This was tested using an ISO 12233 chart (a standardized chart used to test digital still-imagery cameras) and by placing model birds on a tree to compare the same bird side-by-side in identical lighting scenarios. Brightness was another metric of great importance. By taking photos through each binocular and comparing them side by side, we can compare these metrics objectively.