I want to buy 7x50 binoculars of a good brand that I would use in the daytime for bird watching and the nighttime for the moon and the stars- any tips on where to buy in Dumaguete or Cebu?
Along perdices Street Opposite side to Lee Plaza and some way right further towards Ymatio there is a Shop that you may find what you require
I am seeking something similar - but maybe a telescope. I assume you researched this or know from previous use - but any chance @dr ski could give advice to us both.
Good luck with that! I have to order all of my Astronomy gear from the U.S. 7X50 Binocs are a good choice. Low enough power to hand-hold and large enough aperture for low light, night observing. I've seen some decent binoculars from Lazada. The Nikons have better glass but are more expensive. The Cutting Edge stores in Manila (there may be one in Cebu also) handle Celestron products. You may want to check that out. I would not advise buying any cheap binoculars you may find here!
Thanks for that advice - so many people here seem willing to spend their time helping others and that is what makes life pleasant. So, if I may, without taking too much of your time, ask if you have any advice on Lazada's spotting scopes - I want to look over the oceans and at islands about 10 miles away. I have read a little and a 20-60 magnification range seems suitable, with up to an 80mm objective lens (I have read that going over 80 is not worthwhile). I will be using it near to the ocean so good weatherproofing is important. Weight is not a big issue as I will also buy a suitable tripod. I just don't know about quality in the way you do (having recommended for binoculars Nikon, which I think most know signifies very high quality lenses, and Celestron, which I was not aware of). I am not going 'the very best' route as I don't think my amateur use will justify it, but also (as you said) not so cheap that the quality is hopeless. Thanks in anticipation.
Spotting scopes are cool. But again, there is plenty of junk out there. If I were to buy a spotting scope, I would go with Celestron's "Trail Seeker" series. I would opt for the 20-60x zoom and the 80mm aperture. You want a large aperture so the image will be brighter at higher power. The glass is fully multi-coated and they have good BAK4 prisms. They are water and fog proof. They sell for around $300 in the US. Celestron has a less expensive option in their Ultima line for around $200. Even cheaper Celestron scopes would be much better than the junk optics I see on Lazada. Check with the Cutting Edge stores to see if they carry those. If not, you could check Amazon, eBay, or order from Woodland Hills Camera or OPT telescopes in Ca.. Make sure you choose the postal service shipping. If you choose FED-X, UPS, etc., the customs fees are ridiculous.
Looking at Lazada, two options seem available - do you think the lower price one (obviously, though, much higher than US prices) would be adequate?:
I'm sure that the Ultima would be just fine for you, but not at that price! Here's an example of ordering the same scope from the US. I've ordered from Woodland Hills several times. The Postal service usually takes 3-4 weeks. You will only pay a p100 (I think) custom fee when you fetch it at the post office. I've not had an issue yet. I just can't see spending an extra $190 to buy it from Lazada!!!!!
Thanks to everyone for the info. It gave me leads to research. I will probably try the online ordering by Cutting Image- it is a 10x50 celestron binocular. I do not trust the Philippine Post Office as they have "lost" several items before. I also avoid Customs.
Probably your safest bet. I'm not familiar with Celestron's landscout series, but as far as inexpensive optics go, I would favor Celestron over any of the cheaper offerings. You will need a tripod for the 10 x 50's. Unless your hands are extremely steady! The 8 x 42 would be easier to hand hold and would give you a wider field of view. Depends on your use. Good luck!
