I am seeking astronomy binoculars that would also be suitable for plane spotting and UFO hunting. Based on my research, a wide aperture is essential for optimal light capture, while excessive zoom should be avoided to prevent instability and difficulty in tracking moving objects. The weight of the Celestron 71009 seems manageable, though I would prefer not to go much heavier, as using a tripod would undermine the portability needed for tracking.
Having settled on the Celestron 71009, I am open to suggestions for better alternatives or any additional factors I should consider before making a purchase.
I have an 11×70 Argus binocular that I really enjoy for astronomy and highly recommend it. I’m not into plane spotting, and r/ufos is a strange, weird, and interesting rabbit hole in its own right, though I remain skeptical. But to each their own.
Regarding this instrument, Celestron is a decent brand. A 15x magnification might be just manageable handheld, but anything higher would require a tripod.
As a skeptic who also saw something unusual a few years ago—something unlike anything I’ve seen before or since, despite my interest in aviation—I’m not looking to prove anything, just understand my own experience.
Do you have suggestions for equipment like you described? I expect I’ll mostly be stargazing rather than spotting anything unusual, which is why I chose a model with a large aperture. They’re currently on sale for £80—are there better alternatives in that price range?
What did you see? Don’t be shy.
I saw a chrome cylinder with rounded edges, about four to six feet long, on a clear, sunny day. It flashed through the skylight, and at first I thought it was a plane, but the light was too bright for a position light in those conditions. When I opened the window, I realized it was the object itself glinting in the sun.
What struck me most was its movement: it traveled steadily across the sky, rotating every two seconds like clockwork. It was too consistent to be a metallic balloon, with no variation in speed or rotation. I watched it for 10–20 seconds before it moved out of sight. I quickly grabbed a stool to look again, but it was gone.
I have no idea what it was. There was no sign of propulsion, no seams or rivets—just a mirror-like surface. It moved too steadily to be wind-borne. I’ve seen similar objects in videos but still don’t know what it could be.
As a side note, there’s a private Airbus airport about three to four miles away, with a Raytheon hangar nearby. Draw your own conclusions.
UFOs move too quickly to aim large binoculars effectively. The high magnification makes it difficult to get a clear image without stabilization. Consider using a monopod or switching to binoculars like 7×50, 8×42, or 10×50 models for better results.
For handheld use, I recommend not exceeding 12x magnification, such as a 12×50 model, and only if you have steady hands. Otherwise, opt for a 10x magnification instead.
For around £80, I’d recommend focusing on aperture since you’ll primarily be stargazing.
I love mine. It’s nice to have a blanket and pillow and just lie back. I’ve seen a lot of cool things, but no UFOs unless you count a very bright blue satellite.