Cameras and Lenses
Multi-purpose binoculars
Anybody have any recommendations for a friend of mine that is looking for a pair of binos (around $300) for astronomy, sporting events, etc etc?
[quote=swamp_rattler;1284917]Anybody have any recommendations for a friend of mine that is looking for a pair of binos (around $300) for astronomy, sporting events, etc etc?[/quote]
Hi swamp_rattler,
I hope that others will soon post with specific models...as I will just give you my opinion. I believe that 'astronomy' bins and 'sporting event' bins are completely different. For astronomy, many people opt for bins with higher magnifications (10x, 20x, and higher) and large 'light-gathering' objectives (40mm, 50mm, 70mm, and larger). These bins are bulky, heavy and difficult to keep stable without the use of a tripod. For 'sporting events,' many people prefer bins with lower mags (6x, 7x, and 8x max.), with (since light isn't an issue) smaller objectives (20mm, 25mm, 28mm, 35mm, etc.). Thes bins are more compact, lighter and easier to use without a tripod. I believe that a good bin for both astronomy and sporting events might be somewhere in the 6x30, 7x35, etc. range. Bins in this range would allow the user to use the bins for sporting events. Bins in this range (1 to 5 ratio of mag to objective) would also gather enough light to allow the user to use them for astronomy (without the need for a tripod). Again, I hope that others will post soon and give their input. Best Wishes 
Ron Davidson
The usual all around compromise is 8x42, but that's for when a large part of the use will be for birdwatching. Birdwatchers carry their binos all day, and have to catch flying birds quickly for hope of an in-flight ID. This leans the compromise towards lower weight, size and power.
The best thing about bigger more powerful binoculars is they allow you to see more. The worst thing about them is carrying them. With astronomy and sporting events, you're just sitting there mainly, not lugging the thing up hill and down dale. Plus, both astronomy and sporting event provide a fairly calm, possibly seated position for the observer, which enables the use of a higher magnification without being so bothered by the shakes.
So, I'll go out on a limb here. Unless the "etc" is a heavy dose of birding or hiking, I'd recommend a 10x50. For $300 dollars there's lots of good choices. Get down to someplace like Cabela's or Sportsman's Warehouse and drive them crazy trying stuff.
Ron