Simmons Redline 10x50

Ratings:Top:Astronomy:Equipment Reviews:Binocular Reviews:Simmons Redline 10x50

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Brand and Model:Simmons Redline 10x50
Price ($USD):$57.95
Attributes:un-checked Waterproof un-checked Armored
Objective Lens Size:50 mm
Magnification:10 x
Prism Type:BK7 Porro
Coatings:Coated
Field of View:0.0 degrees
Eye Relief:0 mm
Near Focus:0 ft
Weight (lbs):9.8oz
Dimensions (w/h/d):6.5x7.5
Description:

Vote Highlights Vote
Simmons Redline 10x50
I originally bought the Simmons Redline 10x50s for use at public star parties during the days of Hyakutake and Hale Bopp. Why risk a good pair of Celestrons, right? The optics wouldn't be good, of course. WRONG! Optically, these binoculars are easily the equal of considerably more expensive Celestron and Orion mid-level binoculars. The field isn't tack sharp to the edge, no, but given its generous width, this is more than acceptable. Focusing is smooth and precise on the pair that I own (there appear to be at least a couple of designs for the Redline 10x50s), and not as liable to slipping as a pair of Celestrons I have here at Chaos Manor South. The binoculars come with a soft case (usable, if nothing to right home about), a neck strap (minimalist plastic), a tripod mount adapter socket (rare on cheap binos), and a lens cleaning cloth (useless). How GOOD are they for astronomy? I've had some beautiful views with them including the delightful little Comet Ikeya-Zhang here recently. The Moon is sharp, detail-laden, and mostly free of false color. The CATCH? I had to return the first pair of Redlines I bought, as they were severely out of collimation. I had the foresight, however, to purchase them from Wal-Mart, who don't hassle you about exchanges. I'd buy a pair again, but don't need to, since these have been surprisingly robust and have held up well for over 5 years of frequent use.

Overall Rating: 8
Optics:9 Value:9
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=77648

Simmons Redline 10x50
This was my first pair of binoculars... a poor man's entry into astronomy. My intent was to get a cheap pair of binos to learn the sky, then invest in a good pair, and a good telescope, when I could afford them. I purchased the Redline at Wal-Mart for about $25. My first nighttime quarry was a waxing crescent Moon, and I must say I was suitably impressed. These binos may be inxpensive, but they are not cheap.

The Redline has a generous field of view, and the optics are clear and free of abberation to the edges of the FOV. Some minor coloration on very bright objects. The binos are comfortable in the hand, and are light enough to be held for substantial periods of time (of course, I recommend using a tripod, and the center hinge has an adapter mount built-in).

The accessories leave something to be desired: a cheap soft carry case, a linty lense cloth, and a neckstrap that cuts into one's flesh. However, the binoculars themselves are rugged (mine having survived at least one three foot drop onto the turf at a starparty) and well-made.

Even though I have now graduated to telescope astronomy, I still find myself breaking out the ole' Redline to take a peek at the moon, or Jupiter, or the Pleiades, or M13... well, you get the picture.

Overall Rating: 8
Optics:7 Value:8
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=175448

Simmons Redline 10x50
Originally bought a pair of Tasco's for twice the price. They were awful so I returned them and bought these. These have turned out to be a pleasant surprise. My pair stay crisp to about 90% of FOV. I use these at star parties and neighborhood stuff so I don't worry too much about damage or kiddie fingerprints. I paid $24 at Wal-Mart. A solid 8 for the value.

Overall Rating: 8
Weight: 2 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=42037

Simmons Redline 10x50
My thinking is that for $25 , these have to be some of most bang for the buck out there! I mean $25 ??? The optics produce very crisp images. I would say that the coma starts about 70% from the center. The weight is great , you can hold them as long as you care to and not feel it. Very wide field of view. Mine are specifically a wide angel version...i think thats all these come in. Very smooth diop. Amazing it even has one for the price AND has the tripod socket as well. The one weak point is the lever type focuser. It s very hard to use to fine tune a focus , especially at night and seems to to have infinity in the middle somewhere...very obnoxius. But , once you get use to a 2 finger approach while fucusing , it gets easier. All told , your getting a full featured Bino almost for free...i mean for real.

Overall Rating: 8
Optics:8 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=141192

Simmons Redline 10x50
[Note: Vote moved from description by webmaster]

I started out my binocular astronomy career with them, but after two months its time to move on. The image gets pretty blurry about half-way towards the edge, and I had a lot of trouble getting things focused (especially because the force exerted by pressing the eyepieces against my face would push the focuser out). The mechanical design could be a lot better.



These are great if you just want to fiddle around (which is what I thought I was doing 2 months ago), or if you're 10 years old, or if you really really need binoculars but forgot your Orions or Celestrons at home, or if you really are dead set on spending less than $30 on binoculars. But otherwise, save up and buy something better.



The objectives are "coated" (clear) and I believe it uses a BK-7 prism. It has a little threaded hole to use with a tripod on the front.

Overall Rating: No Vote
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=155941

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