u/cauliflowerlover1

I'm putting together an a birthday gift for my boyfriend who’s very much a beginner. In fact this would be his first astronomy item? Idk how to word it.

Anyway, the idea is to give him binoculars + a book + a personalized little observing guide I’m making for his location, with things he can see throughout the year, and a “checklist” of places to go stargaze at.

I'm currently deciding between:
- Celestron UpClose G2 10x50
- Celestron SkyMaster 15x70

I'm trying to figure out if the 10x50 good enough for a beginner to genuinely enjoy, or is it worth spending the extra money for the 15x70? And if I go with the 15x70, is a tripod necessary, or can you reasonably use them handheld?

If the 15x70 is better and a tripod is needed, will any inexpensive camera tripod work as long as it has the right adapter/mount, or do these need something more specific?

Are there any other binoculars around this price range that you'd recommend specifically for astronomy?

I'd rather spend the extra money if there's a meaningful difference, but I don't want to buy the 15x70 and then discover I need another $100+ in accessories just to use them properly.

Alsooo, would anyone recommend or recommend against these books?

- 50 Things to See with Binoculars in Space
- Binocular Astronomy
- another recommendation?

Extra info:
Located in the US, since its binoculars fully portable would be better but open to tripod as I mentioned. I am not sure on light pollution, but if it’s portable I’m thinking he can go places where it’s less of a problem.

Thanks in advance for the help! I’ve been trying to research everything on my own but started to feel a little unsure and overwhelmed. Budged $100 or under

Any chance there will be any updates soon so we can use images/gifs when commenting on episodes? I really miss that from TV showtime

Pretty much the title, which should I pick up first?

Side question: is the shadow of gods as good as, better, or not as fun as malice? Planning on reading that one soon.