You do not need a telescope to start observing the skies. There are many beautiful objects to view with binoculars, even the moons of Jupiter!

What it boils down to – as with telescopes – the size of the light-gathering lens, the ‘objective’ or the front lens, does count. The bigger the lens, the more light it gathers. Remember the ‘inverse square’ law? Double the diameter of the lens means four times the light gathering power. So 7X50 is better for seeing dim objects (like star clusters in the Milky Way) than 8X40. Yes, ’50’ (the second number) when it comes to those cryptic numbers on the bins, refers to the diameter of the front lens. You’ve got it – the first number is the magnification. And here a word of warning – more magnification means more shake and star images dancing about. Most binocular users agree 10X is about the limit; 7X is steadier . But if you have a tripod, even a monopod, then you can handle higher magnification.

And comfort really is the keynote. You wont enjoy stargazing with a crick in the neck! Take time to arrange a comfortable position – some veteran bin observers lie flat on the ground (on a blow-up camping mattress of course). Even a humble head-rest cushion is a big help. No doubt about it, binoculars are the way to introduce yourself to astronomy; to sweep the Milky Way on a dark night is an awesome experience. And good value for money. A really good pair of bins will cost less than a fairly modest telescope.

Because of their general popularity, the variety of design in binoculars is huge, and there is fierce competition among manufacturers – you don’t need to spend a lot. (There are many a good pair of 7X50’s reposing on cupboard shelves, dating from Grandpa’s horseracing days!) Another plus is, you can take up birdwatching.

An important accessory is a good set of star-charts (along with your enquiring mind and the ASSA Top 100 Deep Sky Objects List.)

In the USA they have a Southern Sky Binocular Association – because the North know we in the South have the best parts of the Milky Way, the Southern Cross, the Jewel Box, Omega Centauri, 47Tuc, the Magellanic Clouds – and we live here!

Visit their site and view their list of binocular objects.

Southern Skies binocular object list

With thanks to John Richards