Orion Scenix 8x40

3.0 Orion Scenix 8x40 Binoculars

Light (24oz), Nice optics, Fits into my hand nicely, Not too costly.

50% of field is usable for astronomy with the balance being very poor; Includes only a soft case.

While observing with a group the other night, a friend came by with three pair of binoculars to look through and pass around. I now own two pairs of 8x40 binos and one of the pairs he had was a like-new 8x40 Orion Scenix binocular.

They are very nice. They cost around $70 new and come with caps, a decent strap, a tripod adapter and a soft case. This model is very hand-holdable and it features nice rubber protection. The Bak4 porro prisms and all lens surfaces are fully multi-coated. Like most smaller binoculars in this price range, the middle 50% of the field was was spot on. I think I could see the main band on Jupiter, but the four moons were easily visible. The remainder of the last field was soft, and around the edge is was worthless. But for me the middle 50% was excellent and it made for some nice viewing. The Moon was also nice and I didn't notice any color around the lunar edge. My friend purchased this binocular for birding and daylight viewing, but in a pinch some astronomy is OK. Orion’s inclusion of an adapter is a nice touch. Orion has a 30 day return policy in case you don't like it and has excellent customer service.