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Comment by perilunar | Hacker News Reader

Many people suggest that your first telescope should be a pair of binoculars — if you already have a pair start with those. See:

https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-resources/binoculars-h...

https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/how-to-choose-1st-...

Also, you'll need a planisphere or star atlas (or app), and a red torch so you don't ruin you night vision.

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Canon image-stabilized binoculars will show you an incredible array of deep-sky wonders. I picked up a used 10x30 set on eBay many years ago and have used them for hundreds of nights of observing. I also have owned and loved a 4" TeleVue refractor for over two decades, but the Canons get used more often. You need to spend $2-3k+ to get a telescope that can beat even the smallest image-stabilized binocs. They are the perfect way to start.

I agree with this suggestion, but will add that you should get an affordable tripod to keep your image stable. (Your linked articles, of course, have plenty to add on this topic.) The lucky point here is that binoculars are small enough, light enough, and low-enough magnification that you can get a pretty cheap tripod without it ruining your experience. You can break into the hobby with a pair of 25x70s and tripod for like $150.

Agreed -- there is so much to see with a great pair of binoculars.

The Messier objects and some of the nebulae are just awesome.

Does anyone have some recommendations for good binoculars to get started with, and/or a tripod to pair it with?

If the binoculars can also be used for wildlife I'd be willing to spend a bit more for them.

I would never recommend binoculars without a tripod, personally, which means they aren't nearly as portable, which is one of the main selling points.

It depends on the magnification of the binoculars. Lower magnification binoculars are quite usable hand-held, and they can be stabilized pretty easily in a zero-gravity chair. The nice thing about smaller binoculars is that you can have them on hand in the car. They're great for road trips, because you can get them out for a quick view when you stop under dark skies.

Binoculars are very nice on a tripod, especially with a parallelogram mount, but being able to use them without a tripod opens up many more observing opportunities.

Telescopes need a mount and tripod (or Dobson-style mount) too! The price and barrier to entry with binoculars is smaller than any telescope you can't fit on your table top, and I think they're a great way to wet your feet and make sure you're willing to drag something out into the cold late at night.

I agree with your recommendation, but they do make small tripods.

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