Telescopes / binoculars

Telescope or binoculars: how to choose for stars, birds and wildlife

Updated 20 October 2026

First say what you will observe

Optics are chosen for the job. For stars and planets you need a telescope. For birds and nature, binoculars or a spotting scope. For treks and safaris, binoculars that gather good light at dusk, sometimes with a rangefinder. For a child, simple sturdy binoculars or a beginner telescope without extra complexity.

How to read the numbers: magnification and diameter

Binoculars are marked with two numbers, for example 10x42: the first is magnification, the second is the diameter of the objective lens in millimetres. A larger lens gathers more light and works better at dusk, but is heavier. 8x magnification gives a steady image by hand, 10x already needs a firmer hand, and more needs a tripod.

For a telescope, the most important thing is the diameter of the lens or mirror (for example, 130 mm): it decides how much light is collected and what you will see. It is the aperture, not the “500x magnification” on the box, that is the main figure.

Types of telescope and mounts

• Refractor (lens): easy to look after, good for the Moon and planets.
• Reflector (mirror): more light for the same money, suits faint objects, but needs collimation.
• Mount: alt-azimuth is simpler, equatorial helps track the stars, and GoTo points itself automatically.

A solid mount is often more important than the tube itself: a wobbly tripod will spoil any optics.

What to put in your request

• Type of instrument - telescope, binoculars, spotting scope, monocular, night vision.
• Magnification and aperture - for example, 10x42 or a 130 mm telescope.
• What for - astronomy, birds, wildlife, children, the sea.
• Model - Sky-Watcher, Celestron or another.
• Features - type of mount, waterproofing, rangefinder.
• New or used.
• Warranty.
• Delivery, city, budget.

Example: “I need new 10x42 binoculars, waterproof, for birdwatching and wildlife trips, preferably with a rubber coating. Official warranty, courier delivery to Durban. Budget up to R 3,100.”

How to compare offers

Compare the same specifications and set: eyepieces, Barlow lens, tripod, case. For telescopes the set is sometimes more important than the tube. With a used one, check the optics for scratches and marks, the collimation and any play in the focuser. Waterproof binoculars are filled with nitrogen or argon: ask for confirmation that they do not fog up inside.

How it works on BlaBlaPrice

You write one request, and sellers of optics reply in a chat with the model, price, what is included and delivery. The offers are compared, the best by content is shown first, and reviews are visible by each seller. Your phone is hidden until you decide to exchange contacts. More: how it works.

For photographing stars and birds you will need lenses and tripods and monopods.