Since I often mention
binoculars, I thought that a brief talk about them might help clear up some questions you may have.
Binoculars are portable and easy to use and require no maintenance, like
telescopes, so they are very popular among sky gazers.
It's hard to say which size or brand is the best because everyone has different needs.
When binocular shopping, it's preferable to stay with a known brand, such as Canon, Nikon, Celestron or Orion, since they usually have guarantees or easy return policies if something goes wrong.
Next, you want to get a size that's easy to hold, unless you plan to mount them on a tripod.
A popular size is 10 by 50. The first number notes the power of magnification, and the second number is the diameter of the lens at the large end of the binoculars.
With 10 by 50 binoculars tucked in a tote bag along with a red light flashlight and some sky maps, you are set for a lifetime of star exploration.
While this is a popular size, some prefer more magnification and buy 15 by 70. This step up in magnification gives you more power but also requires a steady hand or a tripod to keep them from shaking.
Consider is waterproof binoculars if you plan to use them in dewy situations or will be using them for bird-watching or sporting events where they may get wet.
Some binoculars come with their own built-in anti-shake system. These are sold as image-stabilized, or IS,
binoculars. They have tiny gyros inside them to keep them rock steady. But these gyros require batteries, which add to weight and expense.